NCOSS Welcomes Disaster Funding to Build Community Resilience

The NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) has welcomed a $3.855M funding injection from the Disaster Ready Fund to build disaster preparedness and resilience in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley, the Hawkesbury, the Northern Rivers and Snowy Monaro.

With partners, AbSec, Local Community Services Association (LCSA), and local project partners in these communities, NCOSS’ Community Organisations Disaster Adaptation (CODA) project builds disaster resilience and preparedness across NSW and is focused on communities that are most vulnerable to disaster impacts.

The CODA project will build connections between the community, local social service delivery organisations and Emergency Management authorities to take action to reduce local disaster risks.

NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said this funding is an important step towards properly integrating social services into the disaster management response.

“Natural disasters disproportionately impact the most vulnerable members of society,” Ms Varian said.

“A person’s income, health, disability, age, geographic location and other factors impact their ability to respond when a disaster strikes.

“To date, the social service sector has had a limited formal role in responding to emergencies. But the last five years has demonstrated that social services are intrinsically embedded in a disaster response before, during and after an event.

“This funding will show the value in expanding and formalising the NGO sector’s role in all phases of disaster management.

“We look forward to delivering greater disaster resilience for communities through collaboration and a strengths-based approach. This project will inform sensible recommendations to the Government and prove the value of the social service sector in the full gamut of disaster preparedness and response.”

AbSec CEO, John Leha said: “AbSec is thrilled to partner with NCOSS, LCSA, and a number of NGOs and ACCOs who continue to feel the impact of natural disasters. CODA will help us to build the capability and resilience of the community sector and people, including Aboriginal people, who need to be provided with appropriate information and culturally safe and strengths-based supports.

AbSec is pleased to see that a number of the projects funded across NSW draw on the wisdom and experience of Aboriginal communities who for time immemorial have been Caring for Country. All projects are vital opportunities to strengthen relationships and connections between emergency management and communities.”

Can Yasmut, Executive Officer of the LCSA said the organisation welcomes the funding and the recognition this gives to the increasing role Neighbourhood Centres have been taking in disaster management.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with NCOSS and thank them for their leadership in developing the CODA project. It builds on the work NCOSS with the support of LCSA and AbSec have been doing with our members in developing disaster ready community organisations and building resilient communities.”

Find out more about NCOSS’ work on disaster management and community resilience with its partners.

Media contact: Billy Briggs | 0474 697 235