Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Communication and community engagement

22

3.27 The Committee heard that formalising partnerships with local organisations

through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) is an effective mechanism to

help strengthen local relationships while reducing key person risks.

134

3.28 As part of its service delivery plan, the Authority has existing MoUs with a

number of community organisations.

135 The Authority noted that MoUs help to

ensure that non-government partners in recovery are adequately trained and

have the right qualifications to keep communities safe.136 MoUs also allow the

Authority to collaborate quickly and flexibly with non-government partners

without the risks associated with a legally binding contract.137

3.29 Uniting NSW.ACT representatives noted the importance of having clear roles and

responsibilities during recovery to coordinate recovery services.

138 Without

formal agreements, the experience for social service organisations taking part in

Authority-led disaster recovery can feel 'haphazard' and disorganised.

139 A

formalised plan allows organisations to be more structured in the kinds of service

offered.

140

3.30 Stakeholders told the Committee that the Authority should continue to enter into

further MoUs with both community organisations and social service

organisations.

141 The Committee heard that the Authority does not currently

have MoUs with several social service organisations that have previously been

key recovery partners, such as Legal Aid NSW. These organisations told the

Committee that a MoU would be positive development and expressed interest in,

or are working towards, entering into one with the Authority.

142

3.31 The Committee recommends that the Authority continue to establish further

formal partnership agreements and MoUs with local community organisations.

This will ensure their vital role in disaster preparedness and recovery is formally

recognised and properly resourced.

134 Sally Bryant, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, p 18; Submission 49, p 12.

135 Ashlee Abbott, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 29.

136 Ashlee Abbott, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 29.

137 NSW Reconstruction Authority, Answers to supplementary questions, 30 March 2026, p 3.

138 Niki Gill, Operations Manager North Coast, Uniting NSW.ACT, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 20;

Charlie Chubb, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 20.

139 Niki Gill, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 20; Charlie Chubb, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026,

p 20.

140 Niki Gill, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 20.

141 Elly Bird, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, p 29; Submission 49, p 12; Joy Kyriacou, Director of

Programs, Members and Volunteers, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, p 3;

Catherine Vaara, Chief Executive Officer, Lifeline Mid Coast, Transcript of evidence, 17 February 2026, p 23.

142 Submission 49, p 12; Joy Kyriacou, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, p 3; Catherine Vaara, 17 February

2026, p 23.