Author: Admin2019

Listed here are CURRENT bulletins. For archived material, go to the 2019/2020 Bushfires page.

• IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
  
  1. Free counselling services.

  Over 1000 psychologists, counsellors, social workers and other therapists throughout Australia have offered their services free of charge to assist people in recovering from the bushfire crisis. Their contact details are being compiled in a database that can be accessed via the link below – this is a work in progress, please keep an eye out for updates and streamlining of the search process.

  http://freetherapistsforbushfiresurvivors.com.au/?fbclid=IwAR0jhM_WYkWIff_XrJwvmPMuQB-Ye5NPWCyi5Cq_LxwG5pvSo8z7ciAtHXY
  
  2. Free phone services:

  Beyond Blue NSW – 1300 224 636
  Lifeline – 13 11 14
  Mensline AU – 1300 78 99 78
  Headspace (Teens) – 1800 650 890
  Kids Helpline (Children) – 1800 55 1800

  Beyond Blue have also published a resource including common reactions to bush fire exposure, and support options for individuals as well as for parents managing children’s reactions to these experiences https://www.beyondblue.org.au/…/bushfires-and-mental-health/

  Additional government services can be found here: https://www.coordinare.org.au/for-the-community/local-initiatives-and-community-support/bushfire-support

  3. Accessing psychological support services under the Medical Benefits Scheme
  

  The Medical Benefits Scheme has been expanded to give people affected by bushfires access to up to 10 psychological therapy sessions (in addition to the 10 already covered by Medicare, for people with a mental health plan). These additional services DO NOT require referral from a GP and DO NOT require a mental health plan to be in place, “patients can instead seek appointments directly from eligible mental health professionals”. For more information, see:
  https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/government-announces-76-million-for-bushfire-menta

• DONATIONS – Scroll down for information on fund raising for a critical response kit for the Red Head Villages.

Volunteers and army reservists backloading donated goods, Thursday 16 January 2020.

Saturday 25 January 2020
6-9pm Manyana Community Hall
Yulunga Reserve

Our community has faced one of its toughest times. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the amazing people who have contributed in so many ways to the protection of our homes and our safety, and who have swung into action to ensure that our recovery begins as swiftly as possible.

While we are currently deep in the recovery phase, it is important to prepare for the future to ensure that we are better prepared to handle any future crises. Thank you so much to all who have already donated funds to our community for this purpose.

One of our goals is to establish a critical response kit which includes solar power, satellite phone and internet connectivity, hand-held radios and other specialised equipment that would have been of enormous benefit to assist the teams striving to protect people and property during the crisis. Better communications and access to power would also have supported residents and tourists during and after the emergency.

In any future crisis, immediate access to a robust and reliable critical response kit will provide significant support for the community, help speed the recovery phase and further enhance the resilience of the region.

Here are the bank details for anyone wishing to donate to this important initiative:
BSB: 032 701
Acc: 186 246
Reference: Crisis response

NB This is the same cause that money is being raised for via the Go Fund Me campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/f/nsw-south-coast-fires-red-head-villages-recovery. Money donated via either channel will be used for the same purpose.

Sincere thanks to all.

The annual general meeting of the RHVA will be held on Saturday 25 January at 3pm in the hall at Yulunga Reserve.

At the AGM we will give you a run down on what’s gone on in 2019, answer any questions you may have, then all positions on the executive are vacated and a new committee will be elected.
 
If you have not served on the RHVA committee and would like to do your bit for the community, we encourage you to nominate. Many of the executive do not intend to run again in 2020 (and the rest are probably only filling the role as no one else has put their hand up!) so we NEED YOUR HELP!
 
Executive positions :

• President
• Secretary
• Minutes Secretary
• Treasurer
• Public Officer
• Planning & Development Co-ordinator
• Environmental Co-ordinator
• Infrastructure Co-ordinator
• Social & Community Co-ordinator
• Webmaster

 
If you’d like to know more about what a particular role involves, please don’t hesitate to have a chat with the current office bearer. Contact details can be found at: https://rhva.org.au/commitee-members/
 
An office bearer nomination form can be downloaded from https://rhva.org.au/rhva-meetings/ or obtained by emailing the secretary at rhva.secretary@gmail.com
 
Nominations must be received in writing at least 7 days before the AGM (i.e. by the 18^th of January). They must be signed by two current members of the association and endorsed by the nominee. You can also self nominate.
 
As nominations come in, they will be posted on the RHVA website.

Unfortunately, the chick that hatched recently at Inyadda beach did not make it, but the hoodie pair has laid more eggs, expected to hatch around January 4.

PLEASE HELP ensure their survival by keeping dogs on leashes and giving the birds a wide berth.

Thank you!

Further to the post below on the meeting with council about the review of controls on Temporary Visitor Accommodation in the LEP, you can give your feedback via a questionnaire on Council’s website –  https://getinvolved.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/tourist-and-visitor-accommodation-review

Deadline for completion 13 December 2019.

To see a set of recommended answers provided by the Berry Forum, click here.