THE Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre (KNC) is offering free help with community recovery in the aftermath of the May 2025 floods.
Running until October and funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, residents in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey and Port Macquarie can phone or drop in to the centre on Wednesdays between 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm.
The wide-ranging services include practical help with paperwork, applying for assistance, financial counselling, working out where else to go for help, and emotional support.
Workers and counsellors are available for a chat, along with short-term counselling, or art therapy.
“Disaster in our areas does not happen in isolation,” centre manager and counsellor Shirley Kent said.
“For many of our service users, life is already a struggle.
“Financial and psychological resources are stretched to the limits for many.
“When something catastrophic happens, this can mean that the capacity to cope on any of these levels is vastly reduced.
“More support in this space is a really important initiative for this community.”
Floods can especially cause increased financial vulnerability, due to extra costs and disrupted income.
Disaster payments, insurance claims, grants, and loan hardship programs can be hard to understand and fill out.
Financial counsellors can help people understand their options and advocate on their behalf if needed, reducing stress and the chance of long-term financial harm.
“Financial recovery is a key part of rebuilding after a disaster.
“When individuals and families get the support they need, entire communities bounce back stronger and more prepared for the future,”
Overall, the flood recovery service is a flexible offer.
“For example, if we identify a need for social connectedness, we can organise a flood recovery group,” Counsellor and Art Therapist Ms Duke Albada said.
In August, KNC held a wellbeing workshop for workers and responders, which was facilitated by Headspace.
On RUOK Day, Thursday 11 September, a morning tea will be held at the Anglican Church in Kempsey.
Call KNC on 6562 8300 or Ali on 0419 029 171 for more information.
By Andrea FERRARI
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