Moving into the next phase of bushfire recovery

The communities of Willawarrin, Bellbrook and surrounding areas have been through a lot over the past eight months and still have a way to go on the road to recovery.

Council's Recovery Coordinator Jo McGoldrick said the response is now moving into the next phase.

"The clean-up work being conducted by Laing O'Rourke is set to wrap up at the end of this month and now we are looking at introducing workshops, programs and projects to bring the community together," she said.

"We're moving into the new phase and will be focusing more on infrastructure and people."

The workshops will range from a woman's group, yoga classes and environmental workshops including ways to encourage wildlife back onto your property.

"Lifeline will also be holding a psychological first aid course to locals can learn how to assist their neighbours," Jo said.

Supporting the communities impacted by the bushfires is still a high priority for council and relevant service providers Jo said.

"Every Wednesday council and the service providers involved in the response visit Willawarrin and Bellbrook so the community can ask any questions and raise any concerns they may have.

"We are seeing less people now, but we want the community to know that if they have any issues or need help in one aspect or another, they can come in and see us," she said.

Council has also been working on a number of infrastructure projects at Bellbrook and Willawarrin to aid in the recovery.

"The painting of Willawarrin Hall has been completed and we're now looking to upgrade the disabled toilets at Bellbrook and the camping facilities at Blackbird Flat. Council will also be grading roads to improve safety for emergency vehicles," Jo said.

"There will also be community grants of up to $200,000 made available for groups to apply for to help with holding events and programs."

Jo said although we are currently in winter, residents are raising concerns about the upcoming fire season.

"There are still significant concerns being raised about the next fire season and we will continue to work with the community to help them prepare in any way we can.

"There is still a lot going on and we encourage people who need help or have any questions to come and see us on Wednesday's when we're in Willawarrin and Bellbrook or at the Hub in Kempsey."

Locals can call into the Willawarrin Hall between 9am and 11am for more information or the Bellbrook Park between 1pm and 3pm every Wednesday.

Locals can also visit the Community Hub located next to Service NSW in Kempsey.