Bushfire Recovery News and Updates

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Consultation has concluded

Our bushfire recovery page was created to support those in the Orara Valley, and other communities within our local government area, as they recover from the November 2019 bushfires.


There is a range of assistance available for local households, businesses, industries and landholders.

Coffs Harbour City Council is working in collaboration with the emergency services, State and Federal government agencies, charities and others to deliver this assistance.

Service NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service

For people impacted by bushfire, the NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service will help you navigate the support and financial assistance that's available across all levels of government

Our bushfire recovery page was created to support those in the Orara Valley, and other communities within our local government area, as they recover from the November 2019 bushfires.


There is a range of assistance available for local households, businesses, industries and landholders.

Coffs Harbour City Council is working in collaboration with the emergency services, State and Federal government agencies, charities and others to deliver this assistance.

Service NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service

For people impacted by bushfire, the NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service will help you navigate the support and financial assistance that's available across all levels of government.

Service NSW provides one-on-one support for people and businesses.

They can help with:

  • Accommodation advice
  • Relevant charitable services
  • Mental health and wellbeing services
  • Support for businesses
  • Clean-up services
  • Financial assistance
  • Grants and rebates
  • Insurance and legal support
  • Replacing lost ID
  • Volunteer RFS and SES payments.

Call 13 77 88 or visit the Service NSW website to register for a callback.

Community Consultation

This page will be used periodically for community consultation to learn what ideas our community may have for recovery and to find ways to improve disaster management in future events.

As of April 2020, Council has undertaken a series of community consultations with Orara Valley
residents and the broader community to inform the development of the proposed Program of Works for recovery including:

  • Community meetings at Nana Glen Community Hall on 28 January 2020 and 11 March 2020
  • A ‘Have Your Say’ survey on this page which received 42 responses
  • Telephone and in-person interviews with Nana Glen residents and Orara Valley businesses

Feedback has also been consolidated by the Acting Community Recovery Officer and from the community-led Orara Valley Bushfire Recovery Working Group

Additionally, Council has consulted internally and with the NSW Rural Fire Service.

'Sign Up' on this page to stay informed on further opportunities for consultation as well as community recovery updates.

  • Have Your Say - Allocating Bushfire Recovery Funding

    Community Recovery and Resilience Funding has come from the NSW State Government Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund.  Councils are able to use these funds for events and initiatives that support business recovery and community resilience and wellbeing. These activities should focus on building capacity, community strength and resilience.

    Events currently being planned to increase community resilience and promote recovery include: 

    • Inviting disaster recovery specialists to help educate community about the recovery process
    • Youth art project 
    • Preparedness activities to help educate community about preparing property for bushfire and promoting a bushfire plan
    • Supporting local organisations or community groups with community-led events.

    Have Your Say

    Coffs Harbour City Council and the Community Recovery Officer want your opinion on how to promote resilience and recovery in your community.  All ideas are welcomed for community-led activities or events which assist community in recovery and help increase resilience.

    Activities or events could include but are not limited to: 

    • Creating/enhancing community connections
    • Activities or workshops with a recovery or resilience focus
    • Community events or festivals
    • Mental health initiatives.

    Please provide us with feedback so that we can best allocate funding according to your identified needs and ideas.

    Consultation has concluded
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Community Recovery Ideas

    42 responses

    Coffs Harbour City Council invites those impacted by recent bushfires to Register and Participate in this survey and any future surveys to gather ideas for bushfire recovery and improved disaster management.

    By Registering, Council is able to contact you by email or mobile directly if you have asked a question or more information is required. Your details remain confidential.

    Consultation has concluded
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link