In response to the severe flooding that impacted the Illawarra region this month, the Australian and NSW governments have established recovery assistance centres to provide residents with specialised support services.
These Recovery Assistance Points (RAPs) are operated by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) and will serve as central hubs where affected individuals can seek assistance from services that include mental health support, legal aid, and access to community not-for-profits and government representatives.
The locations for the Illawarra RAPs are as follows:
According to a news release from the NSW government, these two locations will operate on Friday from 10am to 4pm, as well as Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
To date, the RA has reportedly welcomed over 100 visitors, and officials are evaluating the need to continue operations beyond the current week.
Among the organisations present are Service NSW, which features Business Concierges at the Thirroul location, the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the Salvation Army, and the Insurance Council f Australia.
Telephone interpreting services are also available in the RAPs.
For those unable to visit the centres in person, Service NSW is offering support through its Customer Care specialists, who can be contacted at 13 77 88.
“This is an incredibly challenging time for communities in the Illawarra,” said Ryan Park, Minister for the llawarra and the South Coast. “It’s important we help residents get back on their feet as quickly as possible, and one way we can do that is through in-person support at Recovery Assistance Points.”
“This is a time when we need to come together and support those who are doing it tough, so I’d encourage anyone who needs it to get out to one of our RAPs and get help.”
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