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Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC V4.0, Open Access
Report
Community sector involvement in disaster management
Southern Cross University
21/11/2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/report.315
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Following the devastating floods on the Northern Rivers of NSW in February 2022 local non-government organisations (NGOs) that are place-based had identified ongoing issues relating to the lack of government support and poor coordination. This was later confirmed in the Government Inquiry into the floods (State of NSW, 2022).
Disaster management, traditionally a government service, drew heavily on NGOs during this time of crisis. NGOs, particularly place-based NGOs, became critical players, holding key roles and responsibilities in the days and sometimes weeks that communities were cut off from external support services. Similarly, these local NGOs provided critical services and support to communities in the medium-term and continue to provide long-term support to affected individuals and communities.
In response to the concerns of the Northern Rivers Flood Working Group (NRFWG), the NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS), invited Social Work staff and students of Southern Cross University to undertake a study that specifically examines the question: How can the coordination between government and non-government agencies be improved to more effectively respond to disasters including disaster planning, response, and recovery rollout?
This study identified that local NGOs became critical players, with affected communities relying on their adaptable and responsive approach to the emerging and changing needs of individuals and communities in a context of limited access to formal response and recovery services. Although a critical part of the disaster supports, these catastrophic events highlighted what is now evident; that placed-based local NGOs have lacked a voice at the disaster management table and had limited inclusion in disaster management across this region. This limited inclusion is consequent of both formal disaster management structures, and the limited resources available for planning and coordination in smaller and/or place-based organisations.
Details
- Title
- Community sector involvement in disaster management
- Creators
- Sara Donnarumma (Author) - Southern Cross UniversityKim Doyle (Author) - Southern Cross UniversityErica Russ (Author) - Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University; Lismore, NSW
- Identifiers
- 991013149313702368
- Copyright
- ©️ The authors, Southern Cross University, and NSW Council of Social Services.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health; Social Work
- Resource Type
- Report