Department of Communities staff deployed to flood-ravaged NSW

  • Department of Communities teams fly to northern NSW to assist in recovery efforts
  • Specialist staff experienced in social work, welfare and logistics lend a hand as activity transitions from response to recovery
  • Specialist workers from the Department of Communities (Communities) will fly to New South Wales this weekend as part of ongoing efforts to support areas hard-hit by severe flooding.

    Staff experienced in recovery and social work will 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.

    The deployment of five staff will replace an earlier rotation of Communities staff sent to support NSW earlier this month.

    Operational activity in flood impacted areas has transitioned from response to recovery, with State agencies from across the country pitching in to lend a hand.

    The first Communities team was deployed to the Kyogle/Richmond Valley area, bringing expertise in social work, welfare and logistics.

    Teams are being deployed to NSW on 14-day rotations.

    Western Australia is a member of the Social Recovery Reference Group of the Australia-New Zealand Emergency Management Committee’s Community Outcomes and Recovery Sub-committee – a forum through which States are able to request mutual assistance in times of emergency.

    As stated by Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:

    “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.

    “The teams deployed to New South Wales are experts in their field and will provide invaluable assistance to communities impacted by the floods.

    “I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the 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.”

    As stated by Department of Communities Emergency Services Director Tami Maitre:

    “Even though this emergency unfolded a couple of months ago, there are many small communities in NSW doing it tough, and it’s a privilege to be able to help.

    “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.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.