The Society's members, volunteers and employees in Mid North Coast Recovery Centres have already assisted near 1,600 impacted households, with over $320,000 in disaster relief grants. Vinnies Vans and Shops are also providing essential items, with more support planned in coming weeks. 

This overwhelming response is thanks to our people's dedication, community and business generosity, and partnering with the NSW Government.  

A special thank you to all our members in the Mid North Coast for supporting each other and the community, especially John Setz, Newcastle/Maitland Central Council President, Paul Edgar, Lismore Central Council President, members at St John’s Conference Maitland, Jacqui Burgess, St Mary’s Conference Taree President, and Bernadette Morrissey and Janet Davidson of All Saints Kempsey Conference, and many others.  

Members and volunteers have responded to the disaster in collaboration with our dedicated staff supporting the recovery, such as Bree Harding, Joy Kyriacou, among many others, and staff based in the North East, including Clare Van Doorn, Regional Director, MVEI. 

Clare expressed the feelings of many when she spoke about the experience of the impacted community with the Newcastle Weekly. 

“We’re seeing entire communities either inundated by floodwater or severely impacted by storm damage,” Clare explained. “It’s not just loss of property, it’s the loss of security, memories and dignity.” 

Previous natural disasters in the North East have impacted many in the community with unaffordable rising insurance premiums, often having to choose between insurance and food on the table - consequently being unprotected in the current disaster. 

As people arrive in Recovery Centres in Maitland, Taree and Kempsey, the Society’s members, volunteers and employees are there to help. 

“One woman had lost everything, including her purse,” Clare said.  

“We made sure she had something to hold on to, so we got her a new purse and that meant the world to her.” 

The practical, personal and spiritual support offered by the Society in the Mid North Coast disaster is invaluable and vastly appreciated. Thank you, all! 

We are grateful that most of our temporarily closed locations have reopened, with further support for affected sites underway. We are mindful that many communities remain impacted and the Society will be part of the long-term recovery. 

Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, especially those who have been directly impacted, the people we assist, and our members, volunteers and employees living in these communities. 

Any of our members, volunteers, or employees can reach out to our assistance program, Converge International for free confidential counselling. You can call 1300 687 327 to book an appointment. Our Mission & Pastoral Care Team are also available at mission@vinnies.org.au