Drought and Fire: the story of summer 2019/2020. Now that the bushfires are finally out and the rain that we all prayed for is steadily falling from the sky, it’s time to recover. Recovery is more than the long and arduous process of rebuilding, it’s about helping struggling businesses get back on their feet and strengthening local economies. Much of the NSW South Coast relies on tourism. Many small businesses were unable to operate at all during the bushfires; others lost everything. Whether it’s a holiday park like ours, a local cafe or a south coast surf school, we all need your help to recover.
Here’s what you can do to help spread the word.
Empty Esky
The Empty Esky is a not-for-profit initiative run by a small group of volunteers. It encourages people to book a trip in a fire-affected town and pack an empty esky that you fill up with fresh produce and other goods from local businesses.
Businesses affected by the fires can register their details and let people know how they can best help. Fire-affected businesses will appear on a map allowing tourists to plan their empty esky trip.
You can get involved by taking the pledge “I pledge to visit a fire-affected town with my Empty Esky,” joining the @emptyesky community and sharing your journey by tagging #emptyesky.
Holiday Here This Year
The Holiday Here This Year campaign was launched in late January in response to the bushfire crisis gripping the country. The message is simple – book a holiday in Australia instead of heading off overseas.
“Take a drive up the coast, head inland, fly across this vast and beautiful land. It’s time to holiday here this year.”
With so many people wanting to help, but not knowing how, taking a holiday in Australia is a simple but powerful way to help the long-term recovery of our economy. Get involved by planning your Aussie holiday, joining the Facebook group and sharing your journey to #holidayherethisyear
Now’s The Time To Love NSW
Visit NSW launched the #lovensw campaign last month to help highlight everything that is great about the state and encourage tourists to share what they love about NSW.
“It’s time to share your experiences and help get tourism and the communities it supports back on their feet by visiting, staying, eating out and shopping in NSW. You’ll have the time of your life… and help someone rebuild theirs.”
The website provides holiday ideas and links to special packages such as these recovery weekends, flight deals and a dedicated play, eat and stay in Shoalhaven section.
Holiday on the NSW South Coast
Did you know April is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the NSW South Coast? The weather is reliably sunny, the sea temperature is at its warmest and the cooler nights give you the perfect excuse to snuggle up and sleep in. If you haven’t decided on a destination for your Aussie holiday yet, come and see us in Cudmirrah. We’d love to welcome you to our beautiful corner of the world and together we can help our local community and the wider economy recover from these trying times.
Want to know more? Traveller has put together this fantastic list of clever and creative ways we can all help with bushfire recovery in Australia – 50 ways tourists can help with bushfire recover