Last updated: Monday 13th January 2020, 12.00pm.
Information to assist businesses recover from the direct and indirect impact of bushfires in the Shoalhaven and South Coast.
If there is anything to be added or updated on this page, please SMS Anthony Colfelt on 0447 674 919.
Rural Assistance Authority offers:
ph: Rural Assistance Authority 1800 678 593 or visit their website
ph: 180 22 66 or visit their website
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance The Disaster Welfare Assistance Line ph: 1800 018 444
Fair Trading can provide information on credit matters to help people re-negotiate repayments with lenders and fund regional based financial counselling and legal services are available for people in financial hardship. Can also provide assistance to regarding fair and ethical practices.
ph: 13 32 20 or www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
A new Bushfire Recovery Fund and National Bushfire Recovery Agency has been established with $2 billion to support affected communities – restocking and replenishing, rebuilding roads and telecommunications infrastructure, mental health support, attracting tourists back to the regions and helping restore the local environment and impacted wildlife. Only early details available.
Visit website
Insurance Council of Australia can assist policy holders to determine which insurer they are with and assist with general inquiries about the claims process.
ph: 1300 728 228 or www.insurancecouncil.com.au see also www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/get-help/advocacy/quick-guide-making-insurance-claims
The Financial Rights Legal Centre offer specialist assistance for insurance matters
ph: 1300 663 464 or visit the website.
The ATO has:
ph: 1800 806 218 or visit the ATO website
Revenue NSW can help with payroll tax.
ph: 1300 139 815
The NSW Business Chamber is offering employment law assistance to all bushfire affected employers particularly in relation to employer obligations – so that you know you are doing the right thing by your employees.
ph: Workplace Advice Line 13 29 59
The Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre can provide legal advice or other information and referrals.
ph: 1800 229 529
Legal Aid NSW provide free, practical legal assistance to help people recover and rebuild.
ph: The Law Access NSW Disaster Response Hotline 1800 801 529 or visit the website
The NSW Law Society is currently compiling a list of private practitioners and law firms who are in a position to provide pro bono services for areas in which Legal Aid and other services might not be best placed to provide assistance.
Safe Work NSW Will replace NSW licences at no cost to those affected by natural disasters.
ph: 13 10 50 or visit the website
Service NSW will replace certificates, drivers licences, registrations and other lost documents at no cost to those affected by natural disasters.
ph: 13 77 88 or visit the website
If your car has been written off as a result of a natural disaster you may be eligible for a stamp duty refund on your replacement vehicle.
ph: 1300 139 814 or visit the website
Small Business Recovery Toolkit from the NSW Small Business Commission is a range of resources to help small business owners recover from disasters.
See website
Additional support regarding practical or operational matters can also be accessed through the NSW Business Chamber Hotline.
ph: 13 26 96
Solving Problems and Dispute Resolution Service is a confidential and free dispute resolution service which has been set up to help small businesses needing assistance to work through problems with other businesses or government. The NSW Small Business Commission helps parties talk about their problems and work towards a solution through negotiation and communication. They can also assist small businesses with issues in relation to insurance and regulatory concerns.
ph: 1300 795 534 or visit the website
Business Connect is a free mobile advisory service available to small businesses. A trusted local business advisor can meet you at a convenient place and discuss your business needs. Advice is available regarding: managing cash flow, planning the next steps, accessing financial support schemes and connecting to additional support.
ph: 1300 134 359 or register online
Free Services Available 24/7
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.
NSW Business Chamber is supporting national charity Givit, which matches the needs of impacted families and communities by using donations to purchase necessary items from a local business owner and donating to the individual or family in need. This means that not only do those affected get what they need, but a regional business also gets the benefit of the sale.