The Department of Communities has deployed a team of local staff experienced in social work, welfare and logistics to fly over to New South Wales to lend a hand with its activities as it makes the transition from response to recovery.
Announced by the Minister for Community Services, Simone McGurk, the specialist workers are to travel this weekend (21 May) to support areas hard-hit by severe flooding.
Ms McGurk said the staff were experienced in recovery and social work and would travel to NSW’s North Coast to areas such as Ballina, Lismore and Richmond Valley, where communities are still struggling in the wake of the emergency floods.
She said the deployment of five staff will replace an earlier rotation of Communities staff sent to support NSW earlier this month.
“The teams deployed to New South Wales are experts in their field and will provide invaluable assistance to communities impacted by the floods,” Ms McGurk said.
“The road to recovery will be a long one and I’m proud the State Government is able to provide these important supports to New South Wales, to help these communities get back on their feet.”
She said the first Communities team was deployed to the Kyogle/Richmond Valley area, bringing expertise in social work, welfare and logistics.
Emergency Services Director with the Department, Tami Maitre said that even though this emergency unfolded a couple of months ago, there were many small communities in NSW doing it tough.
“It’s a privilege to be able to help,” Ms Maitre said.
“The relationship between the States is a reciprocal one, and while we are all feeling the impacts of COVID, we will always step in to help if we can,” she said.
Ms McGurk acknowledged the efforts of the Department’s staff members who “put up their hands to assist.”
“Caring for the community is at the heart of what they do and their important work will help those affected to heal,” Ms McGurk said.
“Teams are being deployed to NSW on 14-day rotations,” she said.
