Extreme weather in Mid North Coast NSW, a natural disaster has been declared. Major flooding has taken place, severely impacting individuals and communities across the region by severe rainfall, resulting in severe flooding, mass evacuation orders and, tragically, loss of life.
Over 50,000 people have been displaced from their homes and communities as floodwaters rise.
For many of these communities, the floods are the latest in a series of punishing natural disasters over recent years. In hard times like these, organisations like Vinnies play a vital role in ensuring people have the support to recover and rebuild.
Vinnies will be offering immediate support in recovery centres and mobile outreach, along with longer-term assistance to help people recover in the weeks and months to come.
The most effective way to support communities impacted by flooding across the NSW North Coast is through financial donations. While we appreciate the goodwill of people wanting to offer physical donations, the logistics of transporting goods in severe weather conditions is complicated and time consuming. Cash donations enable us to respond immediately and give affected people choice to address their individual needs.
As flood waters recede over the coming days, Vinnies will be present in recovery centres distributing immediate assistance with grocery vouchers and financial relief.
Our members will also be conducting outreach through our Vinnies Vans to affected communities that are unable to reach recovery centres in-person. This aid will include water, sleeping bags, sanitary and hygiene packs, along with emotional support.
The funds raised through the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal will enable our members and services to offer support beyond the immediate aftermath of the floods, including financial assistance, referrals to specialist services and other wrap-around supports.
