Twenty three of our Anglicare accredited disaster recovery volunteers assisted with the recovery response at Tathra, when fire devastated the small community before Easter. These trained volunteers included clergy, such as Archdeacon Carol Wagner, parishioners from across the region, and Anglicare staff. They helped at the Evacuation Centres in Bega and Bermagui, at the Recovery Centre, the Surf Club in Tathra and with door knocking in the Tathra Community for four days. They gave out essential items, listened, offered support, provided advice, cleaned, provided food and cups of tea, and facilitated referrals for counselling and other services.
Rev Capt Stuart Haynes, the rector at St Johns Anglican Church Bega, was also very much involved in providing assistance and support to the community and will be continuing to do this as the community works towards rebuilding and recovering.
The recovery process for this small community is only just beginning. Helen Bennett, our Anglicare Disaster Recovery Coordinator reported that it was “a humbling experience and an absolute privilege to be welcomed and accepted by community members in a time of crisis. Hopefully our small contribution has in some way helped others in their time of need.”
We always need more Disaster Recovery volunteers. If you would like to find out how you can become an Anglicare Disaster Recovery volunteer, CLICK HERE.
Anglicare have also devoted some funds to support ongoing counselling for members of the Tathra Community. If you would like to contribute to this, please CLICK HERE.
