Current Deployments to NSW Floods
Since the flooding in the NSW northern rivers (in February and March) DRCN chaplains have been engaging with the needs of disaster affected individuals and communities.
Chaplains, both local and out of area, were deployed to evacuation and recovery centres in the far north of the state and to centres to the west and South of Sydney. The DRCN has worked alongside our Community Partners at the direction of Disaster Welfare Services and Resilience NSW.
Interstate chaplaincy deployments assisting in flood response
Disaster Recovery chaplains from Victoria joined the DRCN chaplaincy response to evacuation and recovery centres on the NSW Far North Coast. Having these chaplains volunteer a week's deployment in the flood-affected areas has added capacity to the network as a whole, and given the local DRCN chaplains an opportunity to attend to their other personal and pastoral responsibilities brought on by the flooding. Read a full article from VCC-EM here.
Sydney Morning Herald Article
The Sydney Morning Herald wrote an article about the work of the DRCN chaplains in the light of the NSW flood response. Read it in full here
The next phase of recovery in the north
As of May 6th, chaplains have ceased being rostered and available in recovery centres in the north of the state. A transition to the care of local churches and agencies means that locals will, rightfully, continue to support their communities in recovery. The DRCN will bring resourcing, training and networking to the local leaders in the time ahead, including seeking to establish and resource local longer term recovery roles in the region.
DRCN face to face training resumed
During the COVID-19 restrictions, face to face training was suspended. As restrictions have eased, face to face training will be starting in May with courses to be held in Lismore and Tamworth.
For a list of DRCN recruitment courses being offered, click on the "Training" tab above.
Why train with the DRCN?
See a five minute introductory video by clicking here