ALL HANDS ALL HEARTS WRAPS UP ITS BUSHFIRE SUPPORT IN THE BEGA VALLEY
In November 2021, All Hands All Hearts (AHAH)- a global volunteer-based disaster relief organisation – completed a 6-month deployment in the Bega Valley shire, working across communities to support recovery following the 2019-20 bushfires. We’re thankful for the contribution AHAH made to 680 members of our shire community and pleased we could collaborate with and support them in the important work they did throughout 2021.
Our connection with AHAH began when they approached us to auspice them to meet State government requirements and assist with local connections and need.
AHAH is based in USA and required support in order to operate in New South Wales.
Our partnership with AHAH was also a broader collaboration with other organisations including Bega Valley Shire Council, Social Justice Advocates, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Rotary Pambula.
Together these partners piloted a long-term recovery program providing WaSH (water, sanitation and hygiene) facilities to homeowners who for 18 months did not have access. This included:
- Flat-packed bathrooms, including septic tanks, were installed to provide homeowners with a fully functioning toilet, shower and sink.
- Installation of 22,500L water tank for rainwater harvesting.
- Sheds (6x7m) were constructed to house the bathroom and enable water catchment.
- Producing a ‘Maintenance Manual’ so homeowners can carry out repairs safely and correctly in the future.
- Their work also resulted in the construction of a community garden shed for Cobargo.
