State Government 'One-stop Shop' for bushfire affected communities

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Bushfire affected families can now access all available assistance in one place with the NSW Government creating a ‘one stop shop’ for local, State and Federal support.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new Bushfire Customer Care Program, delivered by Service NSW, will simplify the application process for those impacted by bushfires.

“These bushfires have devastated communities and livelihoods. People’s lives are already stressful enough, which is why we have created this new service to cut through red tape and help people get the support they need as quickly as possible,” Ms Cooke said.

“Once a specialist has identified eligible assistance across all layers of government, they will then do the heavy lifting to make it happen.

“This service will also meet another emerging need, by matching people with the many charities which have raised money from generous Australians.”

Service NSW is working in partnership with fellow state agencies, local government and the Australian Government.

The Customer Care specialists will operate like case managers and connect bushfire affected customers with services and support information including:

·         Accommodation advice;

·         Relevant charitable services;

·         Mental health and wellbeing services;

·         Support for businesses;

·         Clean-up services;

·         Financial assistance;

·         Insurance and legal support;

·         Replacing lost ID; and

·         Volunteer RFS and SES payments.

Ms Cooke said the specialists will also assist business owners who have been hit hard.

“Businesses are often the lifeblood of a community and we are here to help owners and operators get back on their feet,” Ms Cooke said.

To connect with a Customer Care specialist call Service NSW between 7am and 7pm on 13 77 88. The Contact Centre hours have been extended to include weekends while communities recover.

Information about the Customer Care service is also available in Service NSW Centres, NSW Recovery Centres and Mobile Service Centres in affected regions.

Further information is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au.

Sara Johnston