Working together on the ground

Thursday, 14 July 2022

Penrith City Council staff and Resilience NSW have been on the ground at a recovery hub established by Council in Londonderry and Wallacia, the two areas hit hardest by this month's floods, to support residents through the recovery process. 

Penrith City Council staff and Resilience NSW have been on the ground at a recovery hub established by Council in Londonderry and Wallacia, the two areas hit hardest by this month's floods, to support residents through the recovery process. 

The recovery hub, coordinated with the support of Resilience NSW, brings together all of the services residents may need as part of their recovery process under one roof. The aim is to assist residents in navigating their support, in their own time, by telling their story once.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen says residents are dealing with significant trauma and flood fatigue as some are facing their fourth flood, evacuation and clean-up in 18 months.

"We've got people coming back whom we assisted only four months ago, while for others, this is their first time, making us realise this flood was much larger than the one we experienced earlier in the year.

“It's a heartbreaking situation on the ground, but people are thankful that by having all of the services together, they can tell their story once and get the support they need in one place. It makes a huge difference after having experienced such a significant event.

"I'm so glad that all of the services have pulled together to support the community at the recovery hubs. It's important we make it as easy as possible for our community to overcome the challenges ahead, and this is what Council and Resilience NSW have achieved by establishing these sites. 

"It's good we have been able to get them up and running so quickly for the community," Cr Hitchen said.

The recovery hub brings together both government and non-government agencies, including Council, Service NSW, Services Australia, Resilience NSW, Salvation Army, Peppercorn and Red Cross. Some of the support provided to residents include access to financial support, mental health services, housing and accommodation, flood waste collections, food and other items.

Initially, the recovery hubs will run for two weeks from Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday this week and next and the Wallacia Progress Hall today and next Thursday. 

The dates may be extended based on demand. Details will be posted on Council's Facebook page and website.

Find out more at penrith.city/floodhelp

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 14 July 2022.