Bega Valley Together cuppa and chat sessions

Bega Valley Together cuppa and chat sessions

Bega Valley Shire Council has joined with its recovery service partners to host a series of informal, COVIDSafe drop-in sessions starting in July 2020, in bushfire impacted communities.

“Before the pandemic, we were meeting face-to-face with people in their community regularly; having to stop that weighed heavily on us,” Mayor Sharon Tapscott said.

“Our staff have done a great job staying in touch with people during the COVID restrictions and addressing their needs, but now the health advice is starting to ease we can start to connect face-to-face again and resume small community events that are so important at this time.

“It is fantastic to see the collaboration from the various agencies to attend the sessions. The first round of drop-ins will see attendance from Red Cross, Service NSW, Headspace, Catholic Social Services along with community development staff from Council. I am hoping to also come along to most of the first sessions.”

The drop-in sessions offer an opportunity for a cuppa and a chat with a range of agencies involved in the recovery effort to help people find the right path.

“Our staff and partner agencies will be there to listen and answer questions. It will be an opportunity to hear ideas for helping their community recover and even just catch up with neighbours,” Cr Tapscott said.

“Just come along as you are and if you can’t make it along to the drop-in sessions you can still contact the Bushfire Recovery Service for support.”

Recovery drop in sessions, locations and dates:

  • Quaama Hall, Tuesday 7 July 2020, 10am -2pm
  • Towamba Hall, Thursday 9 July 2020, 10am -2pm
  • Bemboka Hall Tuesday 14 July 2020, 10am – 2pm
  • Wonboyn RFS Shed, Thursday 16 July 2020, 10am – 2pm
  • Cobargo Hall, Tuesday 21 July 2020, 11am – 3pm
  • Wyndham Hall, Thursday 23 July 2020, 10am – 2pm.

“We know that technology and communication has been an issue and people have felt isolated. These drop-ins are a chance to collect printed material and make contact in a low-key, non-judgmental way,” Cr Tapscott said.

“These drop-in sessions are the first of a regular and ongoing timetable for similar get-together opportunities for the rest of 2020, which we will have for the community shortly.”

The sessions will adhere to all current COVID-19 safety guidelines while connecting with the community.

The Bega Valley Bushfire Recovery Support Service provides person to person case management dealing with issues relating to the 2020 Bega Valley Bushfires. Phone 6499 2345 or email recovery@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

The community can also check Council’s website and Facebook page for updated news and information and subscribe to Council’s recovery eNewsletter.

Photograph: Painting by Eden artist, Anna Warren titled Fire along the track.

Source: Bega Valley Shire Council