TWO Community Recovery Drop-In sessions are scheduled to help bushfire-affected residents in the Hunter Valley access the range of assistance to them.
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Singleton Council will host a gathering at Putty Hall on Saturday, February 15, from 11am until 3pm and another at Bulga Hall on Tuesday, February 18, between 2pm and 6pm.
As of February 4, one residential dwelling was destroyed, seven were damaged and 11 outbuildings were either destroyed or damaged in the Singleton LGA (Local Government Area).
Each session will feature representatives from council, NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), Local Land Service and state government agencies including NSW Police.
Council's director planning and infrastructure services group Mark Ihlein said the drop-ins were designed to provide information about state and federal recovery grants, mental health support, council services including waste, animal welfare and property damage, as well as provide the opportunity for council to gather feedback from residents about bushfire impacts.
"Because the bushfires have had such a significant impact on our community, this is a chance to support residents at our affected localities with easy-to-find advice as to what assistance is available and how to access it," he explained.
Council was also providing practical assistance by waiving the full gate fee at the Singleton Waste Management Facility, and the EPA had waived its waste levy to provide free waste disposal for bushfire-affected residents.
"Anyone affected by bushfire can dispose of waste for free via an application process that is as seamless as possible at the Waste Management Facility," Mr Ihlein said.
"We also have a process for asbestos, which will also have the fee waived."
