Vinnies NSW to support communities in times of disaster through CARE Team
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is looking for local volunteers to support communities during disaster response and recovery efforts as part of its CARE Team.
The CARE (Community Assistance and Recovery Engagement) Team aims to bring together trained local volunteers who can support people in accessing urgent assistance, navigate support services, and connect into longer-term recovery pathways during times of disaster.
The CARE Team has so far onboarded over 80 volunteers since launching in May and is looking to expand its reach through volunteers in the Camden/Wollondilly and Illawarra/Shoalhaven regions.
“St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has responded in times of emergency over many years with our members and volunteers stepping up recently during the Black Summer and Central Coast bushfires and the Northern NSW and Mid-Coast floods,” said Joy Kyriacou, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Acting Executive Director – Membership, Volunteers and Early Intervention.
“The CARE Team is drawing on our experience responding to disasters and training volunteers to have the skills to step into action rather than learning in real-time.
“Disasters are some of the most stressful periods a person can live through, so we aim to be there for people in their time of need and as they begin to rebuild,” said Ms Kyriacou.
The CARE Team initiative is supported by the NSW Government through the NSW Reconstruction Authority. It has been shaped by recent disasters across the NSW North Coast, where communities have faced prolonged recovery periods and sustained demand for coordinated support.
A pilot phase recruited volunteers across the Ballina, Lismore, Byron, and Tweed Local Government Areas earlier this year, with volunteers becoming part of a local network and receiving training in trauma-informed practices and practical recovery operations, including attending Recovery Centres, Recovery Assistance Points and increasing capacity to support impacted areas outside of their local area when required.
“By strengthening local volunteer capacity and improving coordination, the CARE Team aims to make it easier for people to access timely and appropriate assistance,” said Rebecca Nesnidal, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Disaster Program Coordinator.
“We have seen disasters becoming more frequent and intense over recent years, resulting in impacted households requiring ongoing support beyond the initial disaster response.
“Putting the structures of the CARE Team in place now will allow us to better respond when another disaster inevitably arises. We would love for people who are wanting to step up to get involved and support communities in times of need,” said Ms Nesnidal.
CARE Team volunteers will also support referrals into specialist services, helping ensure people are connected to housing, financial, health, and wellbeing supports as early as possible.
The CARE Team initiative received funding from the NSW Government’s Recovery Services Capacity Grants to develop a base of volunteers to respond during disasters and provide practical support, connection and care.
People interested in volunteering as part of the CARE Team can register their interest at: https://nsw.vinnies.org.au/care
