3.3 Recovering After an Emergency  

The information in this section is sourced from the following websites, where more detailed advice and guidance is available.

https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/next-steps-toward-recovery/ 

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare 

https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/  

https://www.abc.net.au/emergency/ 

https://midcoast.disasterdashboards.com/recovery/overview 

Disaster Recovery Centres

 Disaster Recovery Centres may be established following some disasters. These can provide a range of welfare services including financial assistance, personal support, organising temporary accommodation and providing information and referrals. 

A Recovery Centre offers more than just support in applying for financial assistance. It is also a place where affected people can share their concerns with people who understand what you’re going through.

There is support for your immediate needs as well as information and advice about all the programs that are available from the government, charities and local support services.

Recovery Centre staff are able to help you get application processes started and answer questions about your circumstances. There is support for individuals, businesses, farmers and landholders. Ongoing help is also available over the phone.

Agencies and services at a recovery centre may include the local council, small business, Red Cross, NSW Health, Legal Aid, Fair Trading, Salvation Army, chaplains and insurers. It is likely that a Recovery Centre for an event in our district would be located in Taree.

Depending on the nature of the event, one of the greatest challenges in the recovery phase can be to find adequate suitable housing for those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed — as well as temporary accommodation for volunteers and workers who come to assist in recovery efforts. In such cases the generosity of community members can play a major role in complementing the efforts of government agencies and welfare organisations. 

You can find out more about the range of assistance available after an emergency event from:

Disaster Welfare Services — 1800 018 444
Disaster Assistance Finder — https://disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au
Disaster Dashboard — https://midcoast.disasterdashboards.com/recovery/overview provides information on the support available from MidCoast Council and the NSW Government. 

Recovery and coping after a crisis 

The NSW SES Recovery Guide, designed to assist you to take the next steps towards recovery following a disaster can be found at 

https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/next-steps-toward-recovery/

The Red Cross has a large range of resources which may help you — or help you support others — through a difficult time. Resources include:

• Looking after yourself: What you or others might experience after a crisis, and how to manage it.
• Returning home and coping after a crisis: Practical tips to help you cope and clean up following a fire, flood or other disaster.
• Maintaining wellbeing in the face of long-term stress: Simple things you can do to look after yourself and others.
• Resources for parents and caregivers, to support children and young people after a crisis — including activities, videos and story books. 
• Resources for teachers and schools as they support their students, including lesson plans.
• Information for agencies and community groups looking to support their local community following a crisis. 

See https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/coping-after-a-crisis/