The recovery process is continuing in Harden-Murrumburrah, following severe storms that swept through the area earlier this week, causing significant damage to commercial and residential properties.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) formally concluded its response phase yesterday (Friday 14 February 2025), with more than 180 incidents completed across the Hilltops Shire since Monday.
The NSW SES has been working closely with NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) throughout the week, with a formal transition taking place yesterday afternoon to hand responsibility to the NSW RA.
A shuttle bus service run from Harden to Young was established as the local supermarket sustained significant damage, but is expected to cease next week as the supermarket operation is restored and service resumed.
About 120 NSW SES volunteers have been on the ground this week, ably assisted by the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will open a Recovery Assistance Point in Harden again next week, supporting residents, landholders and businesses affected by the recent severe storms.
Representatives from Legal Aid NSW, Insurance Council of Australia, RAMHP, Uniting Church NSW, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network will be on hand to provide help. Impacted people will be able to access legal and insurance advice, mental health support and referrals to other services.
If you’re unable to attend, assistance is available. Please call 02 9781 5530 to see what support may be available to you.
Harden Recovery Assistance Point
Harden Country Club (East Street, Harden)
Tuesday, 18 February: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday, 19 February:10am to 5pm
Thursday, 20 February:10am to 5pm
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“I want to thank volunteers and emergency responders who have moved quickly and given their help to a community in need.
“The NSW Government is working with the local council and emergency response organisations to assess the damage from the storms as we transition towards the recovery phase.
“I’ve been speaking with the local MP Steph Cooke and council to support them with Natural Disaster Declarations.
“Welfare services have contacted residents with damaged homes, with temporary accommodation being offered to those that need it.”
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said:
“A number of properties saw significant and moderate damage.
“I thank those local SES volunteers, who worked tirelessly through what proved to be technically challenging damaged buildings.
“NSW SES volunteers also came from across the state from Kiama, Sutton, Cootamundra, Wagga, The Rock, Queanbeyan, Batemans Bay, Crookwell, Dapto, Cooma, Yass and Bungendore.
“I’d like to acknowledge the great work from Hilltops council, our emergency service partners, volunteer organisations and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, who have all been working hard to support this community recover from this storm.
“We still have a few residual jobs to attend to, but it is important we commence the recovery process as soon as possible so this community get the support they need.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:
“There has been considerable damage to both commercial and residential premises, including the local supermarket, chemist and council buildings. We also saw the Bunyip preschool closed due to damage.
“First responders have worked around the clock supporting this town, and it is now the role of the NSW Reconstruction Authority to help the community recover.
“We have teams on the ground and are working closely with our Recovery Partners to provide the community with the support and assistance they need.”
“We will have in-person support available through our Recovery Access Point operating next week at the Country Club, and I encourage anyone who needs help to come in and see us.”