The Department of Community Services (DoCS) yesterday urged bushfire victims to seek help at their nearest Disaster Recovery Centre.

DoCS’ Acting State Disaster Recovery Manager, Mr Steve Frost, said Recovery Centres have been established in western Sydney, the Wollongong area, Shoalhaven and southern Sydney.

“The Recovery Centres are coordinated by DoCS and operate with a range of government and community partners as one-stop shops to provide longer term assistance for disaster victims,” Mr Frost said.

“We can provide people with a range of services such as financial assistance, personal support, information on insurance as well as referrals too Housing and Centrelink.

“DoCS is urging people who have suffered loss and hardship to go to their closest Recovery Centre or contact the State Disaster Assistance Line on 9683 2388.

“Support and assistance to victims is a vital component of the battle against bushfires.”

Meanwhile DoCS Evacuation Centres, set up as bushfires created havoc, have provided immediate emergency support and assistance to more than 2000 people since the blazes started.

Mr Frost said Evacuation Centres are on standby across the state including the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, South Coast, the Wollongong area, Central Coast, the Hunter and in western and southern Sydney.

If conditions worsen and evacuations are required, officers from NSW Police and the Rural Fire Service will direct residents from these areas to the nearest evacuation centre.

DoCS and community partners - St Vincent de Paul, Red Cross, Anglicare, Adracare (Seventh Day Adventist) and the Salvation Army - have been working round-the-clock at the centres organising emergency accommodation in hotels and motels as well as food, shelter, mattresses, blankets and emotional support.