New Recovery Centres are set to open in flood-impacted areas of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, beginning 27 May.
As floodwaters recede, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working with partner agencies to support communities and ramp up recovery operations.
Reconstruction Authority staff are on the ground with the SES assessing impacts in key locations like Taree.
Recovery Centres will begin opening from Tuesday, offering a range of support services to help impacted communities get the assistance they need, including:
- Help with replacing ID and personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, Medicare card, vehicle and vessel registrations and licences, and citizenship documents
- Legal assistance
- Insurance support and guidance on claims, policy coverage, and clean-up
- Mental health support as recovering from a natural disaster can take a toll on mental and physical health
Recovery Centre locations:
- Taree, Taree Manning Uniting Church, 29 – 35 Albert Street
- Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
- Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
- Port Macquarie, PCYC, 12 Owen St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
- Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
- Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
- Kempsey, Showground, 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey
- Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
- Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
- Macksville, Senior Citizens Centre, 39 Princess Street, Macksville
- Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
- Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
- Maitland, Town Hall, 263 High Street
- Wednesday 28 May and Thursday 29 May 10am-6pm
- Friday 30 May 10am-4pm
There will also be mobile community outreach to ensure that smaller communities are also able to connect with supports and access financial and other assistance. Information on dates and times will be available in coming days via nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates.
Information on Recovery Centres and support services will be shared through local radio stations, social media and online, with posters and flyers to be distributed across impacted areas.
People who need immediate help are encouraged to visit nearby Evacuation Centres for food support, social support and emergency accommodation.
The NSW SES website lists the nearest Evacuation Centre and opening hours: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/during-an-emergency/evacuation-centres
Individuals and communities that remain isolated and need food or medical supplies should contact the NSW SES on 132 500 for assistance.
Critical information about recovery support is updated daily at nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates
The NSW Government is working hard to make sure support is available at every stage, through Evacuation Centres now and Recovery Centres as they open, to help individuals and communities get back on their feet.
New South Wales Minister for Recovery and Small Business, Janelle Saffin, said, “People are doing it tough, but I want them to know that the government is here to lend a helping hand.
“That’s what our Recovery Centres are here for, so communities can access the support and services they need to start getting back on their feet,” Saffin said.
“We are going to be here the long haul, not just for the immediate clean-up, but for the months ahead as people begin to rebuild their lives. It’s going to be a tough process, but I want the community to know that we will be here with you.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO, Mal Lanyon, said that the government is moving quickly to stand up Recovery Centres in the hardest-hit areas to ensure communities have access to the support they need.
“This is a coordinated effort across local, state and federal agencies, working together to provide a one stop shop for people without delay,” Lanyon said.
“Information and access for support is currently available at nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates.”
