These unprecedented bushfires have devastated communities right across the state and the government is determined to work with people to get them back on their feet. During this time we have seen an amazing display of community spirit as people rally to support one another.

As we begin to rebuild, the NSW Nationals in government are determined to make sure this process is as easy as possible during this tough time.

Lawyers will form part of the wide range of assistance available at Law Access NSW offices at Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour and outreaches at Forster, Kempsey, Taree, Bowraville, Grafton, Macksville, and Nambucca. These lawyers are specialists in areas of law such as insurance, debt, tenancy, social security and financial hardship.

Free legal advice is available to anyone affected by a natural disaster. For more intensive casework, a means and merit test is applied. Natural disasters victims are priority clients. The Law Access NSW Disaster Response Hotline is 1800 801 529 or visit legalaid.nsw.gov.au.

Shark spotting

Local councils and surf clubs are invited to apply for grants to improve shark surveillance at local beaches under the NSW government's Shark Observation Grants Program.

The government is encouraging beach authorities to apply for grants to ensure local shark mitigation measures and infrastructure match the needs of the community.

Our beaches are integral to the fabric of our community and keeping them safe is a major priority for the government.

The Shark Observation Grants Program helps ensure lifesavers, lifeguards and beach authorities are better equipped to monitor our beaches - not just to look for sharks, but also for people in distress to ensure help gets to them as soon as possible.

The Shark Observation Grants Program is administered as part of the Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program. For more information, or to apply for a grant, visit sharksmart.nsw.gov.au.