Dental Fireaid donates $13,000 to Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund

More than $13,000 has been donated to the Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund by the organisers of the Dental Fireaid NSW conference.

The funds were presented to Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick and Chair of the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast, Mick Brosnan by Dr David Moffet and Jayne Bandy at Merimbula's Sapphire Dental Care on December 1.

The conference was originally planned to be held in Merimbula to help bring economic stimulus to the town, which suffered significant economic losses as a result of the summer bushfires.However, due to COVID-19, the conference pivoted to an online platform, with 16 speakers donating their time to the cause.

Cr Fitzpatrick thanked Dr Moffet, Ms Bandy and everyone involved in Dental Fireaid for their outstanding effort.

"Bushfire-affected communities across the Shire will benefit from this generous donation," Cr Fitzpatrick said.

"Our current balance is just over $530,000 and this donation will give a valuable boost to the perpetual fund.

"We've completed two funding rounds so far, with more than $200,000 distributed to individuals across the Valley. This has provided much needed financial assistance directly to people impacted by the summer bushfires."

Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund Co Chair, Mr Brosnan said Round 3, which opened in early November, will focus on projects, programs and events that support the community's mental health and wellbeing.

"We are now looking towards helping people left with the emotional scars of living through a traumatic event," Mr Brosnan said. "This perpetual fund gives help where it is needed and will maintain a healthy balance for unexpected incidents in the future."

The Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund was established to support the Bega Valley community in the aftermath of major disasters. It is governed and managed by the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast, Council and independent community members.