Donations needed to help replenish Bega Valley Disaster Relief Fund

Disaster Relief Fund co-chair, Mick Brosnan of the Social Justice Advocates, thanked the community for its sustained generosity and empathy in response to the Black Summer bushfires, but noted there are still many people who need support.

The fund has distributed more than $600,000 back into the community, with the fourth distribution round completed in late August.

"Round four focused on support for the delivery of mental health programs, sanitation, landscaping and the replacement of household items," Mr Brosnan said.

"The fund was able to distribute just short of $370,00 through this round to support 55 people to get back on their feet.

"We have seen wonderful support and donations from both the local community and from organisations from outside the area and overseas," Mr Brosnan said.

"But there are still so many people struggling to return to their properties and resume a 'normal life'.

"We are continuing to work with a number of families and individuals; organising water, sanitation and shelter to enable them to re-establish comfortable lives on their properties.

"They have experienced frustrating and very challenging delays through the pandemic and floods and are to be admired for their resilience and perseverance in the face of many months of difficult living conditions most of us can only imagine.

"We need to continue to be there for them, but we need additional donations to do this."

Mr Brosnan said businesses, organisations and individuals looking for a tangible way to help people still recovering from the devastating fires, are encouraged to consider donating to the fund for future distribution.

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Co-chair Cr Liz Seckold said the fund works closely with Council's Recovery Support Service, Service NSW case workers, and other bushfire relief organisations to ensure monies donated have the best possible impact.

"The advice received from these organisations and their case workers has been fundamental in our decision making for distributions from the fund," Cr Seckold said.

"We thank them for their fabulous work throughout the community and communicating the plight of so many of those impacted by the bushfires that we, in turn, have been able to support."

The Disaster Relief Fund was established to support the Bega Valley community in the aftermath of major disasters, such as the Black Summer bushfires.

It is governed and managed by the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast, Council and independent community members.

It is a perpetual fund and will continue to operate into the future to assist all members of our community through whatever disasters we confront.

For more information about the fund, visit the Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund webpage at https://bv.lyte.link/4153/4B72.

You can donate to the Fund via bank deposit online or your local bank branch.

Account Name: SJA Disaster Relief Fund

BSB: 633 000

Account Number: 171 166 317