The Blue Mountains Bushfire Mayoral Relief Fund Committee has announced an immediate payment of $2000 per household to fire-affected residents displaced from their home after the October bushfires.
Chairman of the committee, Phil Koperberg, said, “While the new committee is in the early stages of developing the payment options for
the distribution of the fund, we are strongly of the view that it is critical to offer some level of financial support to fire-affected residents before Christmas, given the increased costs faced by families at this time of year.”
Mr Koperberg said the committee has been in direct contact with eligible residents registered with the Recovery Centre, with more detail on how they can access the immediate $2000 payment.
The committee is urging affected residents who have not yet registered with the Recovery Centre to do so on 4723 5000.
“This immediate payment is intended for households of both owner/occupiers and tenants who have been displaced by the bushfires due to their homes being destroyed or damaged to the extent of being uninhabitable,” said Mr Koperberg.
“The committee will continue to develop the process for disbursing the donated funds with further payment options to be made available in the new year,” he said.
“In determining the principles and criteria for assistance, the committee will be guided by the needs of people affected by this disaster and will draw on the considerable experience of the Australian Red Cross in managing emergency appeals nationally and internationally.”
Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill added: “I am pleased with the committee’s decision with this immediate
payment to fire-affected residents before the Christmas-NewYear period.
“I sincerely hope that it offers some relief at this time of year during the difficult recovery process.
“The Mayoral Relief Fund continues to receive donations. A contribution of any amount is greatly appreciated.”
For further information regarding the fund, please contact the committee secretariat on 4780 5980 or mrf@bmcc.nsw.gov.au.
Blue Mountains Bushfire Mayoral Relief Fund: National Australia Bank Trust Fund, BSB: 082 656, Account number: 46 179 2573.
Donations can be made at council’s Katoomba and Springwood offices or by calling 4780 5000.
