The Monaro community is continuing to get back on its feet more than a year on from the devastating bushfires with the support of the NSW and Federal Governments.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Federal Senator Jim Molan today announced more than $3.6 million will be shared across the Monaro to support a community-led recovery.
Mr Barilaro said both the NSW and Federal Governments are committed to helping the communities impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfire season rebuild.
“It is great to be here today at the Braidwood RFS Station to announce this funding, which will support a range of projects and programs that are designed to help our communities continue their recovery and build resilience,” Mr Barilaro said.
“All corners of the Monaro were heavily impacted during the 2019/2020 bushfire season. The trail of destruction saw lives and homes lost as well as towns cut off, but the Monaro community is strong, and I’m committed to helping the region as we continue this road to recovery.
“The nature of these grants are locally led and diverse, depending on the needs of the communities, with projects targeted at issues like mental health and assisting local businesses.
“Successful projects include the establishment of an adventure youth program in the Snowy Monaro to help young people deal with life stresses, upgrades to RFS Stations across the Monaro to improve capabilities, restoring the Federal Hall at Araluen and a documentary that will tell the stories of those impacted by the fires in the Braidwood region.”
Senator Molan said this funding will provide an important boost for communities as the focus shifts from the provision of immediate assistance towards long-term recovery efforts.
“While volunteering for the NSW RFS during the Black Summer Bushfires, I witnessed up close the destruction to land and homes and anguish to many Australians who suffered substantial loss,” Senator Molan said.
“Seeing highly deserving organisations, like the RFS sheds in the Queanbeyan-Palerang region receiving government funding when it is needed is one of the greatest aspects of my job. I look forward to visiting these wonderful organisations soon.”
If you require recovery support, please contact the bushfire customer care line on 13 77 88, or visit the Service NSW website at www.service.nsw.gov.au.
