Disaster Relief Australia Ramps up to Bring Urgent Recovery to Bushfire Survivors in Eurobodalla, Bega Valley and East Gippsland

Disaster Relief Australia | February 2021



Disaster Relief Australia, (DRA) is launching our first major operation for 2021, returning to bring urgent recovery to 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire survivors in Eurobodalla, Bega Valley and East Gippsland.

DRA will conduct a rolling bushfire recovery operation in the Eurobodalla Shire area on the New South Wales south coast commencing Thursday, 4 February 2021, and continuing as four-day weekend long stints over six weeks.

Covid restrictions lifting

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restriction of movement, DRA was forced to demobilise their 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire response operations nationwide and implement a tactical pause in line with government advice.

Many bushfire affected areas, including Eurobodalla Shire, Bega Valley Shire and East Gippsland Shire have received little to no assistance due to ongoing restrictions and continue to request help from DRA with bushfire relief operations.

Subsequent alterations to travel restrictions and increased freedom of movement have allowed DRA to recommence operations and forward planning for multiple bushfire relief operations to provide assistance to those communities that remain in need.

104 requests for assistance

Ongoing liaison with Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire Councils have resulted in the provision of an initial 104 requests for assistance and damages assessments have commenced. Work provided to the local community will include chainsaw operations, debris management and removal, fence line and small civil works.

”2020 was a challenging year, 2021 is about rebuilding and DRA is keen to get back into communities still recovering from the Black Summer bushfires to assist in any way we can,” Geoff said.

Any community members in these areas who need assistance are encouraged to contact their local council or DRA directly via (02) 8072 9130 or info@disasterreliefaus.org so that a damage assessment can be done to confirm how DRA can assist.

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