Mid North Coast communities receive further assistance as part of bush-fire recovery program

Well aware the effects of last summer's bush-fires are far from over, GIVIT NSW Manager, Scott Barrett and Mid to North Coast Bush-fire recovery officer, Denim Rose, visited Mid North Coast charities from Monday 31 August to Friday 4 September 2020.

100% of donated funds GIVIT receives are used to purchase items for people in need.

Throughout the Macleay Valley, GIVIT works with areas within Kempsey as well as Willawarrin and Bellbrook.

"On Tuesday we called into the recovery hub in Kempsey and met with council and St Vincent de Paul to compile a list of things to purchase for communities," Ms Rose said.

"Vouchers to places like the hairdressers, butchers and chainsaw and mower businesses were given out to those affected."

"In Belbrook we spent around $2000 for vouchers at the petrol station, counter meals at the pub and general store. It was a big day but that community has really done it tough.

The money spent throughout these communities enables a chance for a re-connection process between residents as well as supporting their recovery.

"Overall we would've spent around $15,000 to $17,000 on supply vouchers - these vouchers give communities the chance to have events like arts and craft and enable people to start meeting up again and feel like a community once more," Ms Rose said.

"We met some amazing people and for a lot of them the road to recovery has only just started with some people still living in tents and caravans."

GIVIT has only been active in the North Coast since January this year after originally starting in Queensland 11 years ago.

"GIVIT looks to support local businesses wherever possible," Mr Barrett said.

"Where there's a need that can be met by a local supplier, we spend donated funds in that town.

"This way we're not only supporting people in need, but also local businesses who are the beating heart of regional communities."

To donate or find more information about GIVIT's NSW Bush-fires Appeal, visit GIVIT.org.au/nsw-bushfires.

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