Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews visited bushfire impacted communities in Mangrove Mountain and Spencer yesterday with the Rural Fire Service and senior Council staff.

Mayor Lisa Mathews said the visit helped her understanding of what these communities having been living with day to day for a number of weeks now.

“There is no doubt the stress of continual fire threat and poor air quality is impacting community spirit and their daily lives in a way the rest of us can’t quite comprehend,” Mayor Matthews said. 

“To see for myself, to talk to those in the community affected has given me a renewed appreciation and understanding of community resilience on the Coast. They have really come together and supported each other during this difficult time.

“They are facing a very different festive season to the rest of us and they really appreciated knowing that the whole Central Coast community is with them.

“There are also a number of specialist services available to which I encouraged them to reach out and access and find the support they need during this time.”

Disaster Recovery Services

• Disaster Welfare Services can provide relief grants to eligible individuals and families whose homes and essential household items have been destroyed or damaged by a declared natural disaster. People with limited financial resources and no insurance may be eligible for assistance for essential household items and structural repairs to the home. For details of other assistance schemes, please visit Emergency NSW or call State Disaster Welfare on 1800 018 444.
• Australian Red Cross – supporting bushfire-affected communities in NSW, QLD, SA and VIC. Donations can also be made through the Red Cross website.

Mental health services

• Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511
• Lifeline - 13 11 14
• Mensline - 1300 789 978
• Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
• Beyondblue - 1300 22 4636

Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said it’s important that our community continues to remain vigilant as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) continue to fight and monitor the fires in and around the Central Coast LGA.

“It is vital that all Central Coast community members regularly refer to the information provided by the RFS, who are the lead agency for bush fires. We must all refer to the RFS for the latest advice on fires currently burning and for information on how to ensure we are as prepared as possible,” Mr Cox said.

• Download and use the RFS RFS ‘Fires Near Me’ mobile phone app. This is an invaluable resource that allows you to set your ‘Watch Zones’ and receive alerts on fires burning near your area. 
• Go to NSW RFS website for additional advice and fire preparation information. www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
• Follow the social media pages for the NSW RFS and NSW RFS Central
• Tune into ABC Central Coast radio, our region’s official broadcaster during emergencies to stay informed.

During a bush fire situation, Council’s role is to help share important information provided by the RFS through Council’s communication channels. Council will provide direct support to the RFS as required, including through supplying resources and assets.

Council will also keep the community informed of any impact a bush fire is having on Council services and assets including Bushland Reserves, Picnic Areas and Walking Tracks (which are automatically closed during Total Fire Bans), Child Care Centres, Cemeteries, Roads, Water and Sewer, and Waste.

For information on any impact to Council services and assets, community members can visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/news