Bushfire-affected families and businesses can now access all available assistance being offered by local councils, the State Government and Federal Government, through the NSW Government’s new Bushfire Customer Care program.
NSW Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said this one-stop shop service, administered by Service NSW, connects people with a Customer Care specialist, who can check their eligibility for assistance and help them access it.
“These bushfires have devastated communities and livelihoods. People’s lives are already stressful enough, which is why we have created this new service that cuts through red tape and helps people access support as quickly as possible,” Mr Singh said.
“Once a specialist has identified eligible assistance across all layers of government, they will then do the heavy lifting to make it happen. This service will also meet another emerging needs, by matching people with the many charities which have raised money from generous Australians.”
Service NSW is working with fellow state agencies, local government and the Federal Government.
The Customer Care specialists will operate like case managers and connect bushfire-affected customers with services and support information including:
- Accommodation advice;
- Relevant charitable services;
- Mental health and wellbeing services;
- Support for businesses;
- Clean-up services;
- Financial assistance;
- Insurance and legal support;
- Replacing lost ID; and
- Volunteer RFS and SES payments.
Mr Singh said the specialists will help business owners who have been hit hard.
“Businesses are often the lifeblood of a community and we are here to help owners and operators get back on their feet,” he said.
To connect with a Customer Care specialist, call Service NSW between 7am and 7pm on 13 77 88. The Contact Centre hours have been extended to include weekends while communities recover.
Information is available in Service NSW Centres, NSW Recovery Centres and Mobile Service Centres in affected regions. Visit www.service.nsw.gov.au.
