From Thursday (April 11), flood-affected Illawarra residents will be able to access face-to-face support at Thirroul and Warrawong.
The state and Commonwealth governments earlier this week declared a Category B disaster in the region, which opens up special assistance measures for affected communities.
It also sees the NSW Reconstruction Authority coordinating the region’s recovery in conjunction with councils.
The Recovery Assistance Points (RAPs) will provide access to support services for flood-affected individuals, families, and business owners, from a range of not-for-profit, community and government organisations.
Services will include:
- Service NSW, including Business Concierges (at North Wollongong)
- NSW Reconstruction Authority
- Salvation Army
- Insurance Council of Australia
- Telephone interpreting services
Member for Wollongong and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully says the state government has worked quickly to release disaster funding to local councils.
“…but we also know face-to-face support is crucial in the early stages of recovery, so we encourage anyone affected by the floods to visit our Recovery Assistance Points.”
The RAPs are located at Thirroul District Community Centre & Library and the Warrawong Community Centre, and operate the following hours:
• Thursday – 12-7pm
• Friday – 10am-4pm
• Saturday – 9am-1pm
Financial assistance is also available for individuals and businesses – including disaster relief grants and concessional loans and subsidies. More info at nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.
