Recovery support is set to become available to Broken Hill and the surrounding communities after they were struck by a severe storm on 17 October.
The region – which includes remote communities Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee and White Cliffs – was impacted by severe weather which destroyed seven Transgrid transmission towers causing significant disruption to the supply of electricity.
A Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) will be established on 5 November in Broken Hill with support and resources to help residents and businesses recover.
The RAP will be open from 10am to 6pm at the Age Care and Wellness Centre in Broken Hill. It will be managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) and staff are already working with councils and agencies to understand the local impacts.
Community members can visit the RAP to access mental health services, community not-for-profits, and government representatives, including:
- Service NSW, including Business Concierge
- NSW Reconstruction Authority
- Vinnies
- Red Cross
- Legal Aid
- Insurance Council of Australia
In addition, RA staff will also visit communities in the following locations:
- Menindee: Tuesday from 10am to 3pm at the Menindee Civic Hall
- Wilcannia: Tuesday 11am to 3pm at the Wilcannia Community Hall
- White Cliffs: Wednesday 10am to 1:30pm at the White Cliffs Sporting Club
- Tibooburra: Wednesday 11am to 2pm at Albert Hall
People who are experiencing hardship, need food relief or support replacing pharmaceuticals are encouraged to visit one of the RAPs and staff will be on hand to assist them.
1,000 food hampers will be made available by Foodbank. This assistance is being jointly funded by the Federal and New South Wales Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). RA is working with key services to make sure they get to the people who need them the most.
This support is being offered ahead of the roll out of the New South Wales Government’s financial package. As part of that package, Service NSW will be delivering support payments to help residents and businesses. Service NSW will provide updates to the community when this financial support will be available.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister, said that the Federal Government is working closely with the State Government to quickly provide on the ground support for those who need it most.
“It has been an incredibly difficult time for the Far West and this assistance will help affected families and businesses access food relief, government services and other financial support,” Minister McAllister said.
“Recovery takes time. We’re committed to helping impacted communities in the Far West for the long haul.”
New South Wales Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe, said that as work is undertaken to restore electricity to the Far West there is a need to support the communities which are affected.
“This support includes financial assistance, access to mental health support and food as well as advice on insurance claims. The RAPs bring this together to help those who need it,” Minister Sharpe said.
New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said that this is an incredibly challenging time for communities in the Far West.
“The New South Wales Government is here to help,” Minister Scully said.
“The in person support available through the Recovery Access Points can help to provide the personalised solutions to problems that people need and are looking for.
“If you need help, please get in touch with us through one of the Recovery Access Points as soon as you can.”
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said that he encourages everyone who needs help to visit the Recovery Assistance Points.
“There are government services available to wrap around people and provide support during this time,” Minister Dib said.
“I want to assure those affected that we are working hard to help manage the region’s recovery.”
