Personal Services Assistance after the Sydney Floods of August 1986

In New South Wales, the State Disaster Welfare Plan provides the structure for disaster relief and the co-ordination of both government and non-government bodies. The plan provides for a Personal Services and Welfare Information subcommittee in each regional or local area, responsible for assistance to individuals, groups and communities. This can be of a personal (e.g. counselling, referral) and information (e.g. dissemination, publicity, meetings) nature. Separate subcommittees are responsible for accommodation, clothing, catering and registration in the immediate post-disaster phase.

The New South Wales Government also provides assistance to families who have suffered material losses in bushfires or floods, though a Relief Scheme, administered by the Department of Youth and Community Services and the Bushfire/Flood Relief Committee. The department is divided into ten regions throughout the state.