ADRA Responds to Hunter Valley Floods

22nd June, 2006

Wahroonga, New South Wales — The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia has committed $50,000 toward supporting those affected by floods in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Central Coast areas of NSW, following two weeks of devastating weather conditions.

ADRA Australia’s commitment of funding will be used to support those affected by the floods who are not insured and do not qualify for the full range of government support. ADRA will work in partnership with the NSW Department of Community Services to identify and assess those in need of supplementary support.

“Most people insure their houses, but may not have insured household items or, for small business owners, the equipment they use to make a living,” said ADRA Australia’s Manager of Emergency Management, Chris Olafson. “Our financial and Recovery Services support will help local families get back on their feet after this terrible disaster.”

Immediately following the disaster, ADRA Australia’s Disaster Recovery Volunteers facilitated emergency accommodation for approximately 700 evacuees and emergency services workers, as part of the NSW Disaster Recovery Service.

ADRA Australia has provided emergency accommodation for those affected by disaster in NSW for more than 30 years. ADRA Australia is a Community Partner in the NSW Disaster Recovery Service, which also includes the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS), the Australian Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the St Vincent de Paul Society and Anglicare.

Donations to ADRA’s Hunter Valley Floods Appeal can be made by calling 1800 242 372 or by donating online.

Those seeking assistance should contact the DoCS Disaster Recovery Line on 1800 018 444.

ADRA Australia is a non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in sustainable development programs and disaster relief for people in Australia and abroad. It is fully accredited with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and is signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct. The ADRA network has a presence in 125 countries. For more information about ADRA Australia visit www.adra.org.au.

Media Enquiries:
Candice Jaques
p    02 9489 5488
m   0407 172 305
e    news@adra.org.au
www.adra.org.au