Kempsey Shire Council has established a single location centre for disaster assistance following the unprecedented level of recent disasters in the shire.
The Macleay Valley Recovery Hub has been designed to prevent confusion or lost opportunity arising from the multiple agencies that are involved in the recovery process by bringing key support services together under one roof.
Created with financial support from the State Government, the Macleay Valley Recovery Hub is a ‘one stop shop’ that provides residents with face-to-face support from Council as well as representatives from NSW Health, the Department of Primary Services and St Vincent de Paul.
Residents can receive support, advice and information on the grants and programs available from the government, charities and local support services.
The Recovery Hub will operate in addition to Council’s Mobile Recovery Events which will continue to regularly visit the townships of Willawarrin and Bellbrook to provide support to residents.
Council’s Recovery Coordinator Jo McGoldrick said the Hub’s aim was to ensure that no resident fell through the cracks and every opportunity for assistance was readily available.
“We’re incredibly proud that we’ve been able to create this groundbreaking service centre for our community,” she said.
“Despite all the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainties we continue to face, Council has not lost its focus on delivering recovery services and initiatives.
“I’m confident that by having the Hub in addition to our mobile events we can continue to provide ongoing support for individuals, businesses, farmers and landholders.”
The hub, located on Elbow Street, West Kempsey, next to Service NSW, will launch with an open day on Thursday 30 July from 10am-4pm where people can drop in and talk to service providers about their recovery needs.
Following this, the Hub will be open to the community five days a week from the beginning of August.
