To ensure those residents affected by the Kian Rd fire are getting the best support possible at the grass roots level, Nambucca Valley Council has appointed Rhiannon Treasure-Brand as the shire's bushfire recovery co-ordinator.
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Rhiannon, who has a background in journalism, teaching and online communications, said her appointment means there is now a central point of contact for residents trying to find their way through the trauma, grief and paperwork of recovery.
"The scope of my role is very broad as there are so many different ways people have been affected, but I am able to direct them to the best available services," Rhiannon said.
Mental health support is clearly an important part of the recovery and in recent weeks she has been working with Telstra to have a phone cabin installed out at South Arm Hall, where residents can make free calls to help lines.
"Offers of counselling help have been coming in from different community groups but we felt the telephone was important as a first port of call."
She said a number of smaller community events were also being planned:
"These will be informal and relaxed gatherings that will take people away from their daily stresses, albeit briefly. One date we have confirmed is a friendship night at Utungun on Saturday, February 8."
Rhiannon said the council's newly-formed fire relief fund also played a major role in the recovery as it would extend the time support and services continue to be available.
"There is still a lot of processing of shock going on. People will find they hit a wall at different points in time. We are looking at all sorts of projects that will help in different ways.
"The relief fund will be used to kick start a lot of things. It will be managed by the committee who will be asking the community for their ideas and input."
Rhiannon said she felt privileged to be out in the community, meeting people at this time in their lives.
"I can help with form filling, finding the right agencies to help, getting information about fodder - people can just give me a call: 0418206 748."