MINISTER ROWLAND AND SPECIAL ENVOY FOR DISASTER RECOVERY SENATOR SHELDON VISIT RIVERSTONE NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE 

Federal Member for Greenway, Minister the Honourable Michelle Rowland, and Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon, have today visited the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre (RNC) to discuss how the community is recovering after the recent floods and additional support which is being offered.

Last week, the Australian and NSW Governments extended the ‘Back Home Grants’ to help support people who live in flood-effected areas of NSW get home sooner.

The devastating June/July floods are the third that many in the North-West Sydney suburb of Riverstone have lived through this year, and the fourth flooding event in the last 12 months.

During each disaster, the RNC provided crucial services to flood victims such as shelter, emergency supplies and support to access financial assistance, supporting hundreds in our community. 

This meeting stressed the importance of a swift and adequate response from the Government for this rapidly growing area, such as the extension of the Back Home Grants. 

Quote attributable to the Minister for Communications:

"North-West Sydney has shown resilience, community spirit and strength during what has been a devastating series of floods for some in our region.

The Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre has engaged the North West Sydney community during the floods in a way that not only assists them with essentials in the short-term, but empowers them in the long-term.

They have generously helped our community access Government grants, like the Back Home Grant extension, settle into new homes and secure basic necessities."

Quote attributable to Senator Tony Sheldon, Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery:

“Organisations such as the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre play a vital role in helping their communities come through disasters of all kinds.

The client-centred and trauma-informed approach they bring to helping their community is clearly best practice, not just when disaster hits but also in the subsequent weeks and months.

The centre’s staff and volunteers are critical in helping their community navigate the multitude of services available across a range of agencies.”

MONDAY, 8 AUGUST 2022