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A MESSAGE FROM DESTINATION NSW
Our thoughts and sympathies are with families and communities affected by the unprecedented bushfires in NSW, and our eternal thanks go to the emergency services who continue to battle the bushfires across the state.
With conditions constantly changing, it remains a challenging time for all of us in NSW.
Once the immediate threat of fires has passed, Destination NSW and the NSW Government will focus on supporting communities while they recover and there’s no doubt tourism will play an important social and economic role in that recovery.
Right now we are working with the State’s six Destination Networks to understand the impact of the bushfires by completing an audit of tourism infrastructure, product and experiences.
This will further inform and guide our developing plan to promote statewide travel in NSW and in impacted areas once it is safe to do so.
Whilst bushfires continue to impact parts of regional New South Wales, there are also many areas including the Sydney metropolitan area that remain unaffected.
Visitors to New South Wales are encouraged to maintain their travel plans and bookings over the summer period, but should be vigilant and seek the most up to date information prior to departure.
Anyone travelling in NSW should follow the instruction and advice of authorities including:
We continue to support NSW through ongoing marketing and promotional activities as appropriate.
Beyond this, we are actively representing the NSW tourism industry in the State Government’s bushfire recovery committees, and are working with Tourism Australia on an international approach to benefit NSW.
Be assured that we are committed to providing support to our industry operators as they get back on their feet. We will equip visitors with all the facts they need, remind them of the great experiences NSW has to offer and emphasise how their visit makes a difference.
We will keep you updated as recovery plans are developed.
Stay safe and best wishes.
Stephen Mahoney – Acting CEO Destination NSW
NEED EMERGENCY AND DISASTER SUPPORT? START HERE
Support services are now available to residents and businesses impacted by the bushfires.
The NSW Government is supporting affected communities through the provision of:
- Evacuation centres
- Temporary accommodation
- Disaster Relief Grants (for eligible candidates only)
- Legal support and advice
- Clean-up assistance
- Local land services including emergency fodder, stock water, veterinary assistance etc
- Mental health support and more.
For a full list of available assistance, visit the NSW Government community support website. For further information about funding: Office of Emergency Management.
The Federal Government is also providing financial and logistical support to bushfire affected communities, and has established a disaster recovery assistance hotline: 180 2266.
Disaster Recovery Payments are available to eligible adults and children who have been adversely affected by a major disaster, such as the bushfires.
$1 BILLION TO REBUILD BUSHFIRE IMPACTED COMMUNITIES IN NSW
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet recently announced $1 billion over the next two years to rebuild bushfire impacted communities across NSW.
The additional funding will prioritise the repair and rebuilding of vital infrastructure, such as roads, rail-lines, bridges, schools, health facilities and communications facilities, which have been damaged or destroyed by bushfires.
“This money will provide an immediate source of funding to ensure key infrastructure is restored so that communities can get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The bushfire season is far from over but we know how important it is for communities to start the recovery process where possible.”
Mr Perrottet said the $1 billion fund would ensure recovery work could commence without delay and will also have a secondary benefit of stimulating local economies hit hard by bushfires.
“This money will help fast track the recovery process and will also provide an important economic boost to communities doing it tough.”
“Nobody can undo what is done, but what we can do is ensure these communities have every chance and opportunity to get back to business and start rebuilding as soon as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
Read the full statement.
SMALL BUSINESS AND TOURISM IMPACT SURVEY – YOUR RESPONSE NEEDED
The NSW Small Business Commission on behalf of the NSW Government’s Bushfire Recovery Business and Tourism Sub Committees is seeking feedback from NSW small business and tourism operators on the impact of NSW bushfires.
The survey will inform business and tourism recovery plans. All NSW small business and tourism operators who have been impacted by the NSW bushfires (either directly or indirectly) are encouraged to partake. Take a moment to fill in the survey here.
The Small Business Commission is also providing practical advice to businesses across NSW by compiling detail about financial assistance, managing damage to premises/equipment, dispute resolution and free advice regarding business, finance, mental health, and energy and water. These links can be found on the NSW Small Business Commission website.
BUSINESS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES COMMUNITY SUPPORT INITIATIVES
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has put in place two initiatives to provide support and relief to Australians impacted by the bushfire crisis.
BCA is also advocating for all member companies to support staff who are volunteering during this time with 20 days’ paid leave.
This week BCA announced two new initiatives: the Australian Volunteer Support Trust that assists the families of any volunteer in Australia who loses their life through their volunteer work, and the Community Rebuilding Initiative that will help companies secure resources where they are most needed to assist with rebuilding efforts.
The Community Rebuilding Initiative will provide employment opportunities for volunteers and victims who have lost work as a result of the disasters, additional services for communities, reconstruction support and financial relief.
Visit bca.com.au for further information on how to access, or contribute to, either initiative.
WANT TO HELP? HERE’S WHERE TO DONATE
The following organisations and charities are seeking cash donations to provide relief and help to firefighters, wildlife and residents in need of shelter, food, water and emergency cash grants:
If you have goods you would like to donate, Givit specialises in goods collection as well as cash donations. Their website lists items that the bushfire victims require.
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