Following the state's worst-ever summer of natural disasters a funding package to assist communities confront the challenges associated with long-term recovery was announced by the Prime Minister and the Premier on 6 April 2011.
Funded in partnership with the Commonwealth through the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRAA) this package is designed to support community-led approaches to recovery as well as the mental health and financial wellbeing of Queenslanders.
This package is not a funding round. Funds will be directed to local councils and non-government organisations as appropriate.
The community recovery and wellbeing package includes:
Community development and recovery
Funding will be provided directly to local councils for community development and engagement activities that support recovery in the state’s most highly impacted local communities. The funding is split into:
- Targeted Funding for Community Development for intensive support to priority communities through the provision of funding for the employment of Community Development Officers and the facilitation of Community Engagement Activities.
- State-wide Community Recovery Flexible Funds to support all local councils implement community engagement and development initiatives, which may include memorials, community events, arts and cultural projects that are focused on community recovery.
Financial counselling
Funding will be provided directly to non government organisations identified by the department to provide financial counselling services that support families and individuals affected by the disasters who are experiencing financial problems. Lifeline Financial Counselling will also continue to provide its state-wide hotline with a specific focus on those affected by the disasters.
Disaster relief funding for people with a disability or mental illness
Disaster Relief funding is available for people with a disability or mental illness who were affected by the Queensland floods and cyclones of November 2010 – February 2011.
An individual with a disability, their family/carer, or an organisation on behalf of the individual can apply for this funding by contacting their nearest Disaster Relief funding coordinating service provider.
Mental health disaster recovery
Funding has been provided directly to non government organisations to support mental health services in disaster-affected areas. Through this package local organisations within the mental health sector have been identified and provided with funding to bolster their work within severely affected communities, including the provision of mental health information, advice and referral and community based counselling and support.
