Bushfires on the NSW Central Coast and Mid North Coast are shaping expectations for an above-average fire season, with authorities reporting one firefighter fatality and at least 20 homes destroyed across the state. Over the weekend, fire moved rapidly through Koolewong on the Central Coast, destroying or damaging multiple properties as temperatures approached 40 degrees. Residents reported limited time to respond as fire spread through the area, with some evacuating on foot and leaving most possessions behind.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) said that, as at the start of the week, there were 53 fires burning statewide, with nine yet to be contained. Approximately 500 firefighters and 160 vehicles have been deployed.
RFS commissioner Trent Curtin said conditions had been “very, very challenging” in recent days. He confirmed that 20 homes have been destroyed across NSW since last week and highlighted the Bulahdelah fire on the Mid North Coast, which has reached about 3,500 hectares and is being fought by around 100 firefighters. That fire is also where a 59-year-old firefighter died after being struck by a falling tree near Nerong. “Hundreds of firefighters have been working for days and through the nights to protect our communities in that area and to save lives,” Curtin said, as reported by 9News.
Authorities are cautioning that the state faces an “above average” bushfire season and are calling on residents to prepare for the possibility of further property losses as temperatures remain high, with Sydney forecast to exceed 30 degrees.
The Central Coast is one of six NSW local government areas where a Natural Disaster Declaration has been activated under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), alongside other fire-affected regions. The declaration provides access to:
NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, Minister for the Central Coast David Harris, Federal Member for Robertson Dr. Gordon Reid, and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch received operational briefings at Gosford RSL before visiting affected neighbourhoods in Koolewong.
Community members impacted by the fires are being directed to Service NSW, via 13 77 88 or the Service NSW website, for information on disaster assistance, grants, and recovery support. The NSW government has asked people wishing to help not to send physical goods, instead encouraging donations through GIVIT, its official disaster relief partner.
IAG has deployed staff and resources for customers impacted by the bushfires, focusing initially on Koolewong Reserve, Woy Woy, and Phegans Bay, where the NSW government disaster declaration applies. IAG – whose brands include NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI, and Rollin’ – has sent its NRMA Insurance HELP Response Vehicle to Koolewong Marina carpark, supported by assessors and partner builders.
Luke Gallagher, IAG executive general manager of claims, said the group is providing on-the-ground assistance to affected customers. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these devastating bushfires, particularly those who have lost their homes. We also extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the firefighter who tragically lost their life last night in Nerong. We understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we’re here to provide immediate support to help customers get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” he said. He added that assessors and builders are already inspecting damaged properties and that claims teams have begun arranging temporary accommodation and working to settle contents claims.
IAG’s claims team is also contacting customers in affected postcodes who may not yet have lodged claims. Gallagher encouraged those impacted “to contact your insurer or visit the Help Response Vehicle, so we can support you with your claim, temporary accommodation, and make safe repairs, or offer psychological support through our wellbeing platform Sonder.”
The insurer has also shared bushfire preparation guidance, including following directions from fire authorities, monitoring official apps such as Hazards Near Me NSW, developing emergency kits and plans that include pets and livestock, maintaining properties to reduce fuel loads, and reviewing policy limits and declared values at least annually.
HCF has announced a range of support measures for members in disaster-declared areas, including the Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle, and Dubbo regions. Eligible members may be able to access premium waivers for up to three months on HCF, RT Health, and HCF Life products, or temporarily suspend their private health cover for up to two years, with claims not payable during the suspension period.
The fund is also offering free mental health support via its HealthyMinds Check-in program, delivered by registered psychologists through partners My Mirror and PSYCH2U, including services for teenagers aged 12 to 17. In addition, eligible members in bushfire-affected rural or remote communities can book a free 15-minute GP telehealth consultation through GP2U. Kevin Keane, chief operating officer at HCF, commented: “These bushfires have the potential to deeply impact our members, their loved ones, and the communities they call home. We stand with them during this challenging time. At a time when Australians are typically preparing for the festive season and summer holidays, many are instead facing uncertainty and loss. Our focus is on easing that burden by reducing financial pressure, supporting mental health, or ensuring members can access care when they need it most.”
HCF has also made paid leave available for employees who are registered emergency service volunteers and introduced flexible arrangements and wellbeing support for staff who have been personally affected. Members experiencing hardship can contact HCF’s Member Support team on 13 13 34 or via email to discuss available options.
