Community organisations vital to disaster relief

Community organisations like the St Vincent de Paul Society play a vital role in disaster recovery in Australia, new research supported by the  Australian Research Council's Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course and St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland [1] reveals as the annual storm and bushfire season builds. 

The research finds that community organisations are not secondary but key partners in disaster recovery, offering highly responsive, dynamic and need-based assistance that complements emergency services.  

‘Although not first responders, the Society delivers immediate relief and long-term support that help individuals and families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,’ said St Vincent de Paul Society National Vice President and QLD Disaster Committee Chair, Matt Nunan  

‘Our extensive experience in disaster assistance across Australia extends from emergency support measures like food, clothing, shelter and cash, to the rebuilding and recovery phases, including housing, repairs and social connections,’ Mr Nunan said. ‘We know disasters don’t just damage infrastructure; they disrupt lives, communities and people’s sense of safety. Recovery not only requires monetary investment, but also time and support over the long haul.’ 

According to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), investment in disaster risk reduction remains far too low in national budgets. Mr Nunan said the UNDRR’s call to ‘Fund Resilience, Not Disasters’, urges governments to invest in resilience building now to avoid paying more for disasters later.  

‘St Vincent de Paul Society Members have been helping Australians recover from disasters for well over 100 years and while we can’t stop disasters occurring, we know that our people and the communities we serve can be more prepared and more resilient,’ he said.  

Drawing on decades of experience, the Society identifies a need for improved coordination across all levels of government and their disaster agencies to achieve a more flexible funding model focusing on community-led preparedness that builds social capital and resilience. 

‘Because our Members, volunteers and staff are already living and operating in communities right across Australia, the Society is well placed to respond quickly and effectively in disasters, always ready to deliver help where it’s needed most,’ Mr Nunan said.  

‘But just as first aid officers require training before rendering assistance, the Society needs funding to equip our people with the skills that empower them to respond as effectively as possible. There is a continuing need for better funding and community preparedness to help Australians prepare for and respond to disasters when they strike.’ 

The Society continues to advocate for ongoing support and investment from government and partners to ensure that affected Australians receive timely, equitable and effective assistance that extends well after the initial disaster event.  

The St Vincent de Paul Society offers more than 200 services that help people in need across Australia. For assistance, visit vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12 or 1800 VINNIES [1800 846 643] 

[1] igem.qld.gov.au/research/case-studies/taking-long-view-how-community-organisations-and-volunteers-transform