Published: 18 February 2021

As the first anniversary of ‘fires out’ approaches, Eurobodalla’s Disaster Relief Fund has provided $310,000 to impacted residents and community groups.

Donations flowed from around the world following the Black Summer bushfires, and the fund was established in January 2020 in response to demand for donations to be made direct to Eurobodalla residents impacted by the fires.

Donations to the fund have ranged from $10 to $70,000 and come from generous locals like funeral director Mark Hewson, and groups outside of the area like the Vietnamese Community Australia.

The generosity of 137 donors allowed for $229,500 to be distributed to 170 residents who suffered significant damage to their homes, each receiving $1,350. Recipients were encouraged to spend the money locally if they could, to assist the shire’s economic recovery.

A further $80,398 has been distributed to seven community-based projects with a focus on bushfire recovery.

40 applications were received for this phase of the fund. Projects that secured funding were:

Street art – murals painted in community spaces in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma	River of Art Festival	$25,000 shared by 3 chambers
Narooma community event – tourism brand re-launch and tribute to emergency services	Narooma & District Chamber of Commerce	$9,000
Small group mental health sessions	Broulee Psychology	$10,000
Pop-up drive-in theatre, 50 front row places for emergency service volunteers	Batemans Bay Business & Tourism Chamber	$8,139
Groove is in the Park - 5 outdoor dance events	Just Dance Eurobodalla	$9,300
Postcards from the Fire exhibition, Mogo	CABBI (Creative Arts Batemans Bay)	$8,980
Music therapy and healing, plus podcast ‘When the smoke clears’	Sam Miers	$9,979

The fund is administered the Eurobodalla Disaster Relief Management Committee, comprising Mayor Liz Innes, Deputy Mayor Rob Pollock, Council’s General Manager Dr Catherine Dale, and two community members.

“We thank everyone who donated during this very difficult time,” Dr Dale said.

The fund will close in November 2021 as per Australian Tax Office requirements. Donations can continue to be made until that time.

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