I am extremely proud of the response from all communities in the face of historic flooding and water damage to homes and property, businesses, agricultural properties, facilities and public space.
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To be part of this huge community response has been a lesson in looking out for your neighbour, helping strangers in a time of need and banding together in the common good.
There is still plenty to do and I will continue to work with communities across the Cowper electorate to ensure they have the necessary manpower and resources to complete the clean-up following this extreme event.
While this is continuing, my attention has been drawn to the impacts this event could be having on residents, their family and their friends.
The Federal Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Allowance providing short-term income support payments to assist individuals while the Disaster Recovery Payment is a non-means tested payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children.
Healthy North Coast is also providing GP Telehealth services.
This is for residents in flood-affected areas who are not able to get an appointment with their regular GP can now book a telehealth appointment any time of the day, seven days a week.
Healthy North Coast GP Telehealth can provide, information, advice, diagnosis and treatment, prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy, medical certificates, specialist referrals, and, care summaries provided to patients, regular GP and My Health Record.
They also have a healthy minds program available which offers psychological support. People affected by floods will be prioritised for this program which is free, and provides up to 10 sessions.
This program can be accessed through Connect to Wellbeing on 1300 160 339. Connect to wellbeing can also refer people to existing support services such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline.
I understand and appreciate the enormity of this situation but it is also vital that everyone try to take a few minutes to check their our own mental health.