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Help is at hand
We know that not everybody wants to get up a ladder, and your neighbours, carers and relatives may not be available to provide the time and muscle your yard needs.
Here are some resources to turn to if you, or someone you care for, need a bit of extra help to prepare your property.
AIDER
The Rural Fire Service AIDER (Assist Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents) program is a free, one-off service that supports some of our most at-risk community members. If you’ve got difficulty with mobility, or you care for someone who does, this is for you.
Services might include gutter clearing, vegetation thinning, raking up leaves, trimming branches and mowing/slashing long grass.
To find out more:
- visit the AIDER web page
- call 1300 011 737
- email aider@rfs.nsw.gov.au
Belong Blue Mountains
This local neighbourhood organisation can help organise lawn and yard care for people over 65 living at home.
- visit the Belong BM gardening page
- Call 02 4782 1117
- email info@belongbm.org.au
Service NSW — Bushfire Preparation & Recovery
Service NSW maintains a guide to bushfire preparation and recovery. While not mobility-specific, it links to services that can help with property preparation and emergency support.
Key tips for getting help
- Don’t wait until fire season. Book assistance or do small tasks well in advance
- Ask for help early as programs like AIDER can book out before summer.
- Reach out locally – neighbours, community groups and Men’s Sheds may be able to lend a hand
- Take advantage of free council pickups or tip drop-offs – local rubbish removal businesses can help for a fee
- Refer back to the previous task – Yard Blitz – for a list of priority tasks to get done.
Remember, if you’d like a bit of extra support with the rest of the Challenge you can sign up anytime for the weekly emails.