Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Communication and community engagement

30

therefore crucial that the Authority ensures that recovery efforts are specifically

tailored for, and with, members of the community who may be more vulnerable

to disaster impacts. This includes residents living in isolated or remote locations.

3.69 NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS) highlighted that people experiencing

poverty are the most impacted by a disaster and have fewer resources to

recover, including low income renters, people experiencing homelessness, and

those with complex needs such as people with disability.187 Carers NSW similarly

submitted that disaster preparedness and recovery planning must be inclusive of

vulnerable groups. Vulnerable people face higher risks given their complex needs,

limited mobility and dependence on essential supports during emergencies.

188

3.70 The Committee heard that the Authority used targeted mobile community

outreach, use of local networks, and revised approaches to identification at

recovery centres.

189 NCOSS observed that after the May 2025 floods, the

Authority's community-facing teams took a proactive approach in engaging

directly with social service organisations and community groups. This enabled

timely identification of issues, particularly for residents who may struggle to

engage with recovery support, such as older residents living in caravan parks.

190

3.71 However, the Committee heard that barriers still remain for some of the most

vulnerable members of the community to access appropriate recovery support.

Homelessness NSW submitted that, at the time of the May 2025 East Coast

severe weather event, there were no clear plans in place for people without

secure housing, including safe shelters, evacuation procedures and defined

service roles. Communication strategies largely targeted homeowners, renters

and businesses, with little tailored communication directed at people without a

fixed residence. Recovery information was primarily digital, excluding those

without phone or internet access.

191

3.72 Stakeholders generally noted that centralised recovery hubs create issues for

residents spread across large geographical areas.

192 Community members must

either travel significant distances to attend these centralised hubs in person, or

rely on government agencies coordinating transport services for them.

193 This

creates barriers that exclude or discourage certain members of the community

from accessing recovery support, in particular those with disabilities or the

elderly.

194 Homelessness NSW cautioned that transporting persons experiencing

homelessness to recovery hubs is not a trauma-informed response and does not

support dignity in accessing services.195

187 Submission 37, NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS), p 4.

188 Submission 40, Carers NSW, p 2.

189 Clare Van Doorne, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, pp 2-3; Cassandra Gibbens, Transcript of evidence,

20 February 2026, p 24; Greg Wells, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 26.

190 Submission 37, p 4.

191 Submission 34, Homelessness NSW, p 3.

192 Submission 27, Australian Red Cross, p 7; Chris Favaloro, Transcript of evidence, 17 February 2026, p 5.

193 Submission 34, p 5; Submission 27, p 7.

194 Submission 27, p 7.

195 Submission 34, p 5.