Roughly 50 volunteers from across NSW have undertaken multiple recovery projects on the Far South Coast this month at Kiah, Towamba and Wonboyn with not-for-profit organisation Connecting Communities.
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Glenn Price, chief executive officer of Connecting Communities, said the volunteers have been piping water for residents who were still without access to running water, repairing infrastructure on fire-affected properties, installing and upgrading community facilities.
"COVID had prevented us travelling to assist earlier, but people are glad we have come now as they still have big problems and need to know they haven't been forgotten," Mr Price said.
The Towamba community is currently receiving an upgrade to its playground and installation of new barbecue facilities, which is also thanks to initiative by a Towamba resident to seek funding.
Carine Sheridan successfully applied for a St Vincent de Paul grant after the bushfires, inspired by the fundraising which resulted from the Fireflies Project the children of Towamba Public School worked so hard on.
"This couldn't have been facilitated without Connecting Communities, they're such good people," Ms Sheridan said.
"What they've done is amazing, the whole crew were so humble and kind, really genuine, hardworking and compassionate, you can see all of that in their work.
"It's the people that make the organisation successful and they will continue to do brilliant work as long as they have sponsorship to do so.
"There's another side to the fires, it's about bringing the community together, a lot of us didn't lose houses but still felt trauma," Ms Sheridan said.
Mr Price said Ms Sheridan and Connecting Communities were able to combine two grants obtained from Vinnies, allowing his organisation to provide the labour to construct a covered shelter over the barbecue area, seating in front of the play equipment and a shade sail over it.
Local support was given by Highlands and Son Concreting, Michelin's, Mitre 10, Oaklands and Staying Home Leaving Violence.
"We have put in some basketball hoops for the teenagers, it's just been great to create a nice space for people to gather with their families," Mr Price said.
"The crew have been a bit emotional, they have been moved by what people here have been through and how damaged the environment is."
Mr Price said the organisation has secured additional funding and plan to return in March to complete further projects, about which they are in close contact with Bega Valley Shire Council.
A thank you day for Connecting Communities will be held on Friday and a formal opening of the community facilities at Towamba will take place on Saturday at 11am.
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Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
