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Cudlee Creek Fire Recovery Newsletter

In this issue

From the Recovery Coordinator

This is the final edition of our Newsletter.  It marks our 19th publication since we started working with all of you on your Recovery.
Reflecting on the past, I cannot describe how privileged and honoured I have been to have had the opportunity to be appointed to the role.  On many occasions I have said that there isn’t any better work than being called upon ‘to do good things for good people’.  Each day that I and the entire Recovery Team have been here has been guided by that principle.
 
I can’t speak highly enough of those great staff at the Recovery Centre and what they have achieved for so many of you.  Thank you to Ali Hallion for her leadership of the wonderful case managers and the entire team at the Recovery Centre. To properly understand your needs you have had to bare your soul to them – an incredibly difficult task when you have suffered so much from the fire. 
 
I sincerely thank all of you who have trusted our staff to the extent where you have allowed us to hear and understand your story – it has made such a difference in us being able to accomplish as much as we have been able to.  Of course, most of you would also have had the opportunity to interact with the incredible number of support workers and volunteers who have offered their expertise to help our Recovery program – to help you. 
 
Whilst there have been so many I do wish to mention just a few - the mental health support workers, financial, legal and business counsellors and volunteers from organisations such as Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, BlazeAid, Disaster and Recovery Ministries, Rotary and Lions.
 
Many of you would know that I work closely with the Local Recovery Committee, a Committee which first came together on 31 December 2019 and has met on 25 occasions with the final meeting held on 30 March 2021.  This group enabled us to better understand the issues and needs of the many communities impacted by the fire so that we could remain focussed on this being a Community led Recovery.  My sincere thanks to all of those participants on their contribution to our Recovery program.
As an adjunct to the Recovery Committee, many of you would know that a Community Reference Group, comprising of a large number of reps from right across the area, also started meeting in April 2020.  This group will continue to meet after the end of March so that both Ksenija and Miranda can bring to fruition some of the great ideas that are still being worked on.
At a meeting right at the very beginning of this time I stated that to do this job right, you need to live and breathe the community – you need to be a part of it.  Thank you for allowing all of us in the Recovery team to become a part of your community over the last 15 months and we sincerely hope that we have made a positive difference for all of those with whom we have had the honour to be involved with.
On behalf of all of us, I wish you nothing but the best for your future and rest assured we will all hold dear the friendships and memories of this time with you
 

 

Alex Zimmermann
Local Recovery Coordinator
0418 258 304
alex.zimmermann@sa.gov.au

Farewell From the Local Recovery Centre

The time has come for us to leave Lobethal. Goodbye is never easy! From all of us past and present who have worked at the Recovery Centre we would like to say farewell to each and every one of you and wish you well as you continue your recovery.  It has been a privilege to work with such resilient people and a wonderful community who have welcomed us all during this very difficult period. You have been an inspiration to all of us in the Lobethal Recovery Centre.
 
Thank you and our warmest wishes
Ali, Sarah, Angie, Tina, Bernie, Phil, Paul, Ana and Karyn

Local Recovery Centre team

Introducing the New Resilience & Readiness Program

As the Community Recovery program comes to a conclusion on 30 June 2021, we thought it would be worthwhile introducing the Community Resilience and Readiness program which has recently commenced. This project will continue to work with Adelaide Hills’ communities affected by the 2019 Cudlee Creek fires, but with a focus on moving from the process of recovery post-fire, to that of community and individual resilience and readiness for future emergencies.
Funding for this program comes from Federal Government mental health funding through the SA Country Primary Health Networks. Whilst there are 2 staff employed by Adelaide Hills Council under this program the funding also covers the communities of Kangaroo Island, Kingston SE and Yorke Peninsula, with staff based in each of those areas.
Traditionally bushfire preparedness primarily focusses on physical and practical plans. However, this program will focus on psychological preparation and community building that will reduce or influence the potential mental and emotional impacts of future natural disasters. This approach recognises that maintaining a feeling of control during a traumatic event can reduce psychological distress and longer-term impacts on mental health as a result of experiencing a traumatic event.
A key component of the Community Resilience and Readiness program is collaboration with agencies and community groups with experience in the 2019 Cudlee Creek fire, capitalising on lived experience and local knowledge. The program will also work with a broad range of specific cohorts in communities whose wellbeing is considered to be at risk following a natural disaster.
One intended outcome of the program will be the development and collection of web-based resources for communities wishing to develop their physical and psychological preparedness for future natural disasters.
The Community Resilience and Readiness program is a pilot project, funded until 30 June 2022. Options for evaluation of this pilot are currently being explored with university partners.
 
Who to contact
Miranda Hampton, Senior Community Resilience Officer
Phone: 8408 0572
Mobile: 0437 123 904
Email: mhampton@ahc.sa.gov.au
Sue Thomas, Community Resilience Officer (Tuesday, Wednesday, alternate Thursday)
Phone: 8408 0468
Email: sthomas@ahc.sa.gov.au

Sue Thomas recently joined Miranda to develop a resilience and preparedness program

New Wellbeing Hub in Lobethal

A new wellbeing hub is open at 20 Main Street Lobethal supporting the mental health recovery of those affected by the Cudlee Creek Bushfires. The Adelaide Hills Community Mental Health Service (Wednesdays and Fridays) and Summit Health (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are available by appointment. All are welcome to pop in Wednesdays and Fridays 12-1pm to discuss supports and services available. Alternatively, you can call the Adelaide Hills Community Mental Health Service on 8393 1636 during business hours. It is common to experience mental health impacts for years after a disaster and recovery from bushfires is indeed a marathon effort. Please take care of yourselves and reach out if you or someone you know could use some support.

For more information contact

Sam Davey, samuel.davey2@sa.gov.au

Red Cross Self Care and Resilience Workshops

As communities and individuals continue with their recovery over the coming months and years, the Australian Red Cross recovery program for the Adelaide Hills will be rolling out a series of workshops aimed at supporting wellbeing and self-care for individuals, families, and communities. Also, Red Cross will be running trainings that aim to build skills among community members on how to look after each other in times of distress and on how to prepare at the household and community level for future emergency events. 
So far Red Cross has provided assistance and participated in several recovery initiatives and events including the Your Hall Your Hub events, all the Bushfire Kids Connect events, and other community-led events across the different townships in the Adelaide Hills.
Red Cross will continue to look for opportunities to engage and support local groups, to help them with their recovery projects as they build stronger connections and resilience in their local communities. 
For More Information: Jocelyn Galvez, jgalvez@redcross.org.au
 

 

Introducing Flourish

Creative Workshops for Wellbeing!

At Ink Pot Arts we are excited to launch our FLOURISH program, creative workshops for bushfire affected families
We want to hear from you!
Ink Pot Arts caters for all ages. These workshops will be free of charge for bushfire affected families and we want to create workshops that are fun and engaging for all.
  • What workshops would you like to attend?
  •  What programs are you or your family most interested in?
If you have ideas you would like to contribute and for more information contact Katherine Sortini via email katherine.sortini@gmail.com

 

Financial Assistance from The Hut

Are you struggling financially as a result of bushfire, Covid-19 or general income challenges?  

The Hut Community Centre is here to support the community by offering practical financial assistance to residents of the Adelaide Hills.  They can provide grocery and petrol vouchers, bill payments, car registration, rent arrears and school costs for people who need immediate assistance. This service can be accessed from The Hut in Aldgate or outlets in Woodside and Mount Barker.  

Additionally, The Food Pantry in Aldgate provides fresh produce, bread, grocery items and toiletries at no cost and is open each Tuesday 1-3pm and Thursday 10am-12pm.

Free confidential and non-judgemental Financial Counselling is available to help navigate debt, advocate with utility companies and assist with budgeting. We also can provide No Interest Loans up to $1500 for household goods, car repairs and medical expenses.

Please call the friendly team on 8339 4400 for more information about any of these services, for advice or to make an appointment.  
The Hut Community Centre 1 Euston Road Aldgate www.thehut.org.au

Small Business Recovery Office - New Woodside Location

Due to the Lobethal Recovery Centre closure the Department for Innovation and Skills – Small Business Hub will continue to support Adelaide Hills business recovery at the Adelaide Hills Business Centre in Woodside.

The Small Business Team located within the Department for Innovation and Skills can assist your business to navigate supports and services available in the Adelaide Hills.  The SA Small Business Information Hub, provides information on State and Commonwealth Government support and can be found at South Australian Business Information Hub or contacted on 8429 3801 or emailed at dis.smallbusiness@sa.gov.au

Amanda Hunt, Business Recovery Officer, Adelaide Hills will continue support based at Woodside.  Amanda can be contacted on 0435 288 469 or amanda.hunt@sa.gov.au; or alternatively, the Small Business Team can be contacted on 8429 3801 or dis.smallbusiness@sa.gov.au
The Legal Services Commission will also work from Woodside to support Cudlee Creek Bushfire affected clients.

Coming soon BizWeek in the Adelaide Hills. BizWeek will hold events in the Adelaide Hills to help your small, family or homebased business grow and transform in these challenging times. Details announced soon.
 

Local Economic Recovery Projects announced for Cudlee Creek Producers

Primary producers and landholders will soon be able to access grants, workshops, business planning and other initiatives under the recently announced Local Economic Recovery (LER) Program.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), has partnered with industry bodies and the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board to develop and deliver the program that focuses on helping local economies recover from the 2019-20 bushfires.
Three major initiatives under the program include:
Building Back Better Agriculture and Land Management. This project will support rural landholders and primary producers to build capacity and resilience for future adverse events. Landholders will be able to attend courses and workshops that will support economic and environmental recovery as well as strengthen existing community networks.
Horticulture and Viticulture Recovery. This project will enable wine grape, olive and cherry growers affected by the bushfire to access grants to undertake rejuvenation and restoration activities.
Apiary Industry Recovery. A third project will support state-wide recovery of the apiary industry through education, research and extension.
Register your interest
Further information about these programs will be made available as soon as possible. Stay informed by signing up to the expression of interest form.
https://bit.ly/3cts8Ib

Photo Credit Tom Hampton

Events

Mental Health First Aid Training: register your interest

If you find yourself supporting an adult who is experiencing a struggle with their mental health, this training provides a toolkit that will enable you to provide an initial response whilst longer term support is accessed.  Delivered by  Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation (breakthroughfoundation.org.au)

The finer details of this training is still being finalised and will be on a Fri, during the day over 3 x 4 hour sessions

When: Friday day time

Where: Adelaide Hills based location

Cost: FREE

Enquiries:  Sue Thomas email:  sthomas@ahc.sa.gov.au

 

To keep up to date with local events click the button below

Visit the Cudlee Creek fire recovery events page >>
Available Services and Programs
With the closure of the Local Recovery Centre, we have compiled a list of services and agencies that will be available to support the community’s varying needs
Recovery Assistance

National Recovery Agency
Locally-based Recovery Support Officers (RSOs) help support the recovery of bushfire-affected communities. RSOs represent the National Bushfire Recovery Agency (NBRA) in these communities and provide day-to-day help. RSOs work with local and state government counterparts to ensure a coordinated approach to locally-led recovery

For more information: www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au
Contact: liaison@bushfirerecovery.gov.au

Financial Assistance and Grants

Full range of bushfire grants and assistance
https://www.recovery.sa.gov.au/2019-20-bushfires/recovery-services/grants-and-financial-assistance
 
Financial Counselling, Salvation Army: 1800 722 363

For up to date grant information click the button below

Grant information

Small Business Support

Bushfire Assistance for Small Business
For More Information:
Strengthening Business | business.gov.au
 
COVID-19 assistance for small business
For More Information
: bit.ly/SAbusiness
 
Rural Business Support
Rural Business Support provides a free rural financial counselling service for primary producers or small rural businesses

For more information:
www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au
Contact: 1800 836 211

Department for Innovation and Skills –
Small Business Hub
The Small Business Team can assist your business to navigate supports and services available within the Adelaide Hills.  The Small Business Hub, provides information on State and Commonwealth Government support

For more information:

http://www.business.sa.gov.au https://www.facebook.com/DeptInnovSkills
Contact: 8429 3801
Email: dis.smallbusiness@sa.gov.au

Agriculture and Livestock

PIRSA
The State government agency responsible for the prosperity of South Australia’s primary industries and regions including horticulture, viticulture, livestock, biosecurity and more.
For more information:
https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/
Contact: 1800 931 314
 
Livestock SA
A not-for-profit organisation representing beef cattle, sheep and goat producers in South Australia and your voice on all livestock-related issues, working to inform government, businesses and the wider community on the contribution of livestock producers to the food and fibre industries.
For more:
   https://livestocksa.org.au/
Contact: 8297 2299
 
Horse SA
We are a Not for Profit organisation that provides services, advocacy, education and communication channels for horse owners and the horse community. We have a number of resources for emergency preparation and recovery
For more information:
Horse SA Home
Contact: 0402488306 (texts preferred)  Emailhorsesa@horsesa.asn.au
 
Landscape SA (former NRM)
Support and advice are available to property owners affected by fire to ensure the recovery of natural resources and the ongoing sustainable management of properties. Advice and support can include pest animal and plant management, biodiversity conservation, land and water management (erosion control and soil management) and sustainable agriculture (pasture and stocking management).
For more information:
https://www.landscape.sa.gov.au/hf/home
Contact: Hills and Fleurieu: 8391 7500  Email: hf.landscapeboard@sa.gov.au
Murraylands and Riverland: 8532 9100

Local Councils

Adelaide Hills Council: 8408 0400  https://www.ahc.sa.gov.au/

Mount Barker District Council: 8391 7200 https://www.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/

Mid-Murray Council: 8569 0100 https://www.mid-murray.sa.gov.au/

Waste Management

Green Industries SA: 7071 3723
https://www.greenindustries.sa.gov.au/bushfires

Volunteering
 

Volunteering SA&NT: 1300 135 545
https://www.volunteeringsa-nt.org.au/
 
Habitat for Humanity assistance: 0419 823 137  

Legal Assistance
 

Legal Services Commission helpline: 1300 366 424

Health & Wellbeing
 

SA Regional Access
24/7 free and safe online and telephone counselling for regional community members aged 15yrs and over
Contact: 1300 032 186

 
Headspace
Early intervention services and programs for Young people aged 12-25 with mental health concerns.  General counselling services. No cost
For more Information:
https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/ Mount Barker
Contact: 8398 4262
 
Summit Health
We provide bushfire recovery counselling to community members impacted by bushfires
For More Information:
https://www.summithealth.org.au/
Contact: 8406 7700
  
Adelaide Hills Community Mental Health
Mental Health bushfire recovery support and intervention. Access to psychiatry and psychological intervention. Support to link with appropriate services. No cost.
Contact: 8393 1636

 
Australian Red Cross (Recovery Program)
Provide support with communities’ events, activities or recovery projects, as well as training on how to help others, on preparedness and on self-care
For More Information:

https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help/emergencies
Contact: Jocelyn Galvez, Recovery Project Officer Adelaide Hills,  jgalvez@redcross.org.au or 0417 144 926
 
Disaster and Recovery Ministries SA
We offer pastoral and spiritual support to disaster-affected people as they journey through grief, hopelessness or coming to grips with a changed worldview. Our volunteer chaplains come from a variety of faith backgrounds.
For More Information:
https://sa.uca.org.au/disaster-and-recovery-ministries/
Contact: Phone 0408 803 034 or Email drm@sa.uca.org.au
 
Lifeline (Bushfire Recovery): 13 43 57
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
1800Respect: 1800 737 732
Mensline: 1300 787 978

 
National Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 020 080
SA COVID-19 information: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/
SA COVID-19 Information line - 1800 253 787
SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line: 1800 632 753

 

Aboriginal Heritage
 

Taa wika: 8226 8900

https://taawika.sa.gov.au/public/home

Local Community Centres & Services
 

The Hut
We offer low income support services and emergency financial assistance including grocery and petrol vouchers, bill payments, car registration, rent arrears and school costs which can be accessed from The Hut in Aldgate or outlets in Woodside and Mount Barker. The Food Pantry in Aldgate provides fresh produce, bread, grocery items and toiletries at no cost and is open each Tuesday 1-3pm and Thursday 10am-12pm ,and Financial Counselling and No Interest Loans are also available.

For more information: www.thehut.org.au
Facebook.com/thehutcommunitycentre
Contact: 83394400
Email: Hayley Everuss Support Services Officer Hayley@thehut.org.au
Location: 1 Euston Rd, Aldgate SA 5154
 
Flint Community Care
Flint Community Care, are here to listen, share, sustain and strengthen the community, with a vision to enhance community spirit
For more information:
  https://www.flintcommunitycare.com
Contact: Jade Brook  0434 862 291 
Location: Brukunga Hall, Pyrites Rd Brukunga
 

Torrens Valley Community Centre
Offer a range of programs and services with opportunities to learn new skills, volunteer and share skills, access information services, join groups or just have a chat and meet new friends. We offer a wide range of activities for all members of our community onsite and at outreach locations.
For more information:
https://www.ahc.sa.gov.au/community/community-centres
Contact: 8389 1711
Location: 45 Albert St, Gumeracha

 
The Summit
With beautiful views over the city and hills, we offer a range of programs and services with opportunities to learn new skills, volunteer and share skills, access information services, join groups or just have a chat and meet new friends.
For more information:
https://www.ahc.sa.gov.au/community/community-centres
Contact: 8390 0457 email:  thesummit@ahc.sa.gov.au
Location: 4 Crescent Drive, Norton Summit
 
Mount Barker Community Centre
A not for profit, independent organisation that offers local community members opportunities to connect through a variety of responsive and inclusive programs, events and volunteer roles across the region. The Community Centre is responsive to local community need, and works to address gaps and unmet needs.
For more information:
http://www.mtbcc.org.au/
Contact: Ph 8391 2747  
Email  enquiries@mtbcc.org.au
Location: 3 Dumas Street, Mount Barker
 

Local Members of Parliament

State MPs

Dan Cregan Member for Kavel 

Tel: 8391 5599    Email: kavel@parliament.sa.gov.au

Location: 48 Hutchinson Street, Mount Barker

 

Adrian Pedrick Member for Hammond 

Tel: 8531 1676    Email: hammond@parliament.sa.gov.au

Location: 20 Mannum Road, Murray Bridge

 

Hon John Gardner Member for Morialta 

Tel: 8365 4224    Email: morialta@parliament.sa.gov.au

Location: 63 St Bernards Road, Rostrevor

 

Hon Josh Teague Member for Heysen 

Tel: 83395077     Email: heysen@parliament.sa.gov.au

Location: 10/14 Druid Avenue, Stirling

 

Federal MPs

Rebekha Sharkie Member for Mayo  

Tel: 83985566    Email: Rebekha.Sharkie.MP@aph.gov.au

Location: 1/72 Gawler Street Mt Barker, SA, 5251

 

Tony Pasin Member for Barker 

Tel: 8724 7730   Email: Tony.Pasin.MP@aph.gov.au

Location: Shop 5, Murray Bridge Green Riverview Road Murray Bridge

 

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