The partnership between the NSW Government and the Minderoo Foundation to provide temporary accommodation pods to those recovering from the recent bushfires has now been expanded, with larger, family-sized pods in development.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro visited Yarranbella today with the Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey to provide the Willis family with keys to the first 6-person pod.
“Due to such a positive response from the initial 4-person pod roll out, the natural next step was to look at what can be provided for larger families of up to six,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These Minderoo Foundation pods have meant so much to families who have received them from Eurobodalla up to Kempsey. It has been a real lifeline for many of the hardest hit families who lost everything.
“The bushfires that swept across the state last summer were unprecedented, and so is the recovery.
“I am thrilled to be here with the Willis family to give them the keys to their new 40-foot pod.”
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said 43 temporary accommodation pods have now been delivered across NSW, six of which arrived in Nambucca this week.
“I cannot tell you how important this lifeline is for many who have seen the worst of the bushfires and in some cases, have lost everything,” Ms Pavey said.
“There are a small number of families where the current pod isn’t suitable as they have 3 to 4 children. I am pleased that there is now a tailored option for larger families, which is the first of its kind in NSW.”
The family sized pods will be around twice the length of a standard pod and designed to fit six beds, including a double for the parents.
Minderoo Foundation CEO Andrew Hagger said that the Minderoo Foundation exists to help Australians in their time of need.
“When our Fire Fund was launched, Andrew and Nicola Forrest made it clear that Minderoo Foundation was here to help for the long-term. We knew it wasn’t going to be a quick or easy rebuild,” Mr Hagger said.
“Today I am proud to say we have a dedicated team of people who are on the ground across NSW helping those who lost everything get back on their feet. the Minderoo Foundation is not going anywhere. We will never give up.”
The initial program announced in March will see more than 100 20-foot temporary accommodation pods designed to house small families, singles or couples, with a bathroom, kitchen and four beds.