Residents recovering from last summer’s bushfires in Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Tenterfield and Walcha are set to benefit from vital face to face support services being extended for another year. 

Recovery Support Services link people to their own personalised recovery support worker, who can help them navigate and access services and disaster assistance packages. So far 4,200 families across 25 local government areas have accessed their local Recovery Support Service.  

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said that an additional $8.2 million in funding will see this support continue to be available next week, next month and for all of next year.

“We understand that every person is recovering at their own pace but I encourage anyone who needs advice, assistance or guidance on the next steps in their recovery to make contact with their local Recovery Support Service,” Mr Joyce said.  

“These free services are there to help everyone impacted by the bushfires and no case is too big or too small, so don’t feel like you’re burdening anyone, they’re here to help.”

Australian Government Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the extension would ensure long-term support is available for impacted communities throughout their recovery.

“The Australian and NSW governments are pleased to extend this funding for another 12 months as these locally based services provide an important link between survivors and the support they need as they recover,” said Minister Littleproud. 

Recovery Support Services are funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (DFRA) which is jointly funded with the Australian Government. The extension takes the total funding for the services to almost $17 million.

Further details are available here.