Support for bushfire-affected communities
Assistance for those impacted by bushfires
A number of support services have been established by the Federal and State governments to assist those impacted by bushfires. Although the City of Ryde local government area has not been directly affected by the recent bushfires to date, we know that many of our community have family members impacted and/or may have other homes located in bushfire-affected areas.
The NSW Government has a number of grants and one-off payments available to individuals and families who have lost their properties or whose properties have been severely damaged, as well as business owners directly affected by bushfires. Housing assistance is also available to support people via temporary accommodation.
More information on these grants and payments is available on the NSW Office of Emergency Management's Disaster assistance for individuals page.
A disaster welfare assistance line has also been established on 1800 018 444 to provide information to those impacted by the bushfire crisis about the help available to them.
In addition, the Federal Government is providing assistance to those who have lost income or have been adversely affected as a direct result of the bushfires via the Disaster Recovery scheme.
Free mental health support is also available to anyone 24/7 via the following organisations:
- The Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Mensline: 1300 78 99 78
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Beyond Blue: 1300 222 46 36
What the City of Ryde is doing to help
The City of Ryde has registered its interest with the NSW Disaster Recovery Council Co-ordination Service to provide assistance to communities devastated by the bushfire crisis.
The disaster recovery is likely to require significant clean-up works including arbor works, street cleaning, waste collection and road maintenance. Specific details on how councils might be able to assist will be made available in the coming days.
Council is also undertaking a fundraising campaign for The Salvation Army Australia Bushfire Disaster Appeal. Money raised for the Appeal will go towards supporting the Salvation Army's relief teams provide assistance to emergency services personnel and people displaced due to the bushfires.
Collection buckets are located at various Council locations including:
- Council's Customer Service Centre
- All five City of Ryde Library branches
- Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre
- Council's North Ryde Office.
For more information visit our Contact Us page.
Donations can also be made online on the Salvation Army website.