Dungog community receives funding from nib foundation

In the wake of the catastrophic floods that hit the Upper Hunter township of Dungog, nib foundation is partnering with the local community centre to provide specialty support services to those affected by the natural disaster.

Dungog was left devastated by the unprecedented floods that hit the region on 21 April, with 82 homes left severely damaged or destroyed, 139 individuals forced to evacuate their homes, and tragically, three people lost their life.

The Dungog Shire Community Centre (DSCC) has been leading the recovery effort since the floods hit and as the community now looks to rebuild, nib foundation has lent a hand to fund a new project to provide much needed support for those affected.

A grant of $50,000 from nib foundation will assist the Dungog Shire Community Centre in rolling out the Community Renewal element of 'Project Bounce Forward' over the next 12 months.

The funding will allow a Community Renewal Project Officer to be employed part-time to deliver a range of community events and activities, and also create pathways to information and services.

Accidental Counselling training will also be offered to those within the community who by the nature of their job, such as teachers, hairdressers and hospitality employees, fall into an informal counselling role.

Dungog Shire Community Centre's Sarah U'Brien, said Project Bounce Forward will provide welcome relief for those who have been working tirelessly to deliver outstanding service to the Dungog community.

"Part time and volunteer staff have been working many extended shifts since the floods to meet the demands on the centre. These additional support services will provide respite for our staff and a wonderful structure and resource that will continue to meet the demands of our townspeople over the next 12 months," Sarah said.

"This support from nib foundation provides a much needed and heart-warming boost, not just for the Centre but the entire Dungog community."

nib foundation Chairman, Keith Lynch, said that while the support of the project came from outside its traditional funding rounds, special consideration was made to help a community that is in great need.

"We know from the experience of other communities who have been through similar events to Dungog, that as well as providing individual support to the communities most vulnerable people, there is also a need to support the wellbeing of the broader community, and this is what our grant will focus on over the coming year." Mr Lynch said.