A Message From The President And CEO – RFSA Member Support
Dear Members,
The unprecedented weather event of recent days has resulted in a flood emergency across northern New South Wales, with threatening weather now impacting the entire NSW coast.
Our thoughts are with members in affected areas, some of whom have sadly experienced flooding and loss of their own homes, properties and businesses.
Across the flooded areas, members of the RFS have been helping the SES with evacuation and rescues. They are also aiding their communities with sandbagging and preparation for the clean-up and recovery effort.
It goes without saying that we are deeply grateful for all members who answered the community’s call and have been assisting those devastated by this wild weather event.
The RFSA is supporting our members in the flood zones with clean t-shirts and care packages, which are on their way to local RFSA representatives for distribution.
Services are already available to assist if you have experienced flood loss and damage. This includes the RFSA Welfare Fund, which is able to aid members in necessitous circumstances. Further details on how to access these assistance services are listed below.
Weather forecasters predict more storms and extreme weather over the coming days. Please take care and stay safe.
Scott Campbell Sharon Ellicott
President CEO
RFSA Recovery Assistance
RFSA Welfare Fund
The RFSA maintains a Welfare Fund to aid members in necessitous circumstances. The fund is facilitated through the NSW RFS Chaplains who are able to assist in what is a trying time. For access, please contact the RFSA Office on 02 4723 3400 or via email to communications@rfsa.org.au to be referred.
RFSA Disaster Support
RFSA Disaster Support can be arranged quickly, with fresh, clean t-shirts and socks sent out from our office in Penrith. Local coffee vans at staging areas, and additional meals through local restaurants provide a welcome break, and put funds in to the community. Requests from Incident Managers and Logistics can be made to the RFSA Office on 02 4723 3400 or communications@rfsa.org.au.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
One-off cash payments are available to people who have been injured, lost their homes or had their homes damaged in the event. Ongoing payments for up to 13 weeks are available to people who have lost income due to these floods.
More information is available through Services Australia.
Service NSW
Other assistance for areas affected by severe storms and floods in NSW.
Service NSW Storm and Flood Care Service.
RFS Member Assistance Program (MAP)
MAP is a confidential counselling, coaching and wellbeing service available free of charge for all NSW Rural Fire Service staff, volunteers, and their immediate family. The MAP service is provided by Benestar©, giving you access to professional face-to-face counselling, telephone support, Live Chat and a vast library of online health and wellbeing resources. For more information, contact Benestar on 1300 360 364.