NSW Reconstruction Authority

Together, we're building a more resilient Northern Rivers. Our first local workshop was a great step toward community-driven disaster adaptation with a discussion of the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaption Plan (DAP) - the state's first regional, multi-hazard plan, containing strategies for reducing risk and building community preparedness. Working collaboratively with community, we’re ensuring the Northern Rivers will be able to: • Build Resilience: Together, we can strengthen the Northern Rivers' ability to bounce back from future disasters. • Reduce the risk: The plan will focus on both preventing disasters and adapting where we can’t. We were pleased to hear from the Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin, who emphasised the importance of collective action across all levels of government and the community. This workshop is the first of many opportunities for the community to get involved in shaping the DAP. Head over to our website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gVFKiJu2

Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future We're committed to equipping NSW children and young people with the knowledge and skills to protect their communities from the impacts of flooding. Our Flood Aware, Prepared, Safe program is empowering students to learn about flood safety and create their own awareness campaigns. Building on the success of our Water in the World, Water in the Valley curriculum, developed in partnership with the NSW State Emergency Service and Western Sydney University, we've been conducting workshops in schools across the Hawkesbury, Penrith, and Blacktown regions, reaching over 800 students in partnership with the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education. Our hackathons also brought together students from primary and secondary schools to participate in workshops led by experts and develop their own flood preparedness campaigns as part of RA’s work on the first Disaster Adaptation Plan in NSW to address flood risk in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley. In Term 4, we'll be launching an Aboriginal Education Program focused on storytelling, language, and art to further engage students and promote flood awareness within Indigenous communities in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley. Want to get involved? Contact us at hnv_dap@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au. #NSWReconstructionAuthority #DRRday #AreYouReady24

Calling all Lismore residents! Great opportunity to be part of designing an important community project. Living Memory is a community-based project preserving the history and character of North Lismore as it transitions into a new future. Join the workshop on Thursday at Living Lab Northern Rivers and share your ideas for this meaningful initiative. Let's document and celebrate the history of North Lismore together. Thu 17 Oct 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm Living Lab Northern Rivers shopfront Free. All are welcome. Places are limited and registrations are essential. Find out more and register at https://lnkd.in/g7DS8gJz #NSWReconstructionAuthority #LivingMemory #Lismore

We want to congratulate our own Terence Siriwardena for being announced as a finalist in the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award 2024. Terence's passion for helping people extends beyond our agency, he's been a proud member of the NSW State Emergency Service for over seven years, helping in the field and within the incident management team across NSW, VIC, WA and Canada. We wish Terence luck for the NSW Volunteer of the Year State Gala ceremony in Sydney in December! #NSWVolunteerAwards #NSWSES #NSWReconstructionAuthority

We’re honoured to have participated in the National Indigenous Disaster Resilience Gathering! Last week, we had the privilege of attending and supporting the National Indigenous Disaster Resilience Gathering on Bundjalung Country in Lismore. This gathering provided invaluable insights from Indigenous leaders on disaster resilience, emergency management, community recovery, and Caring for Country. By working together with Indigenous communities and implementing nature-based solutions, we can create more resilient and sustainable communities. #NationalIndigenousDisasterResilienceGathering #NSWReconstructionAuthority #Community

Last call! 📢 The Northern Rivers Towns and Villages Resilient Business Activation Program closes tomorrow at 2pm. Small and medium-sized businesses who provide a public benefit in the Northern Rivers can apply for up to $2 million to rebuild and revitalize their operations. Don't miss out! Submit your EOI now: https://lnkd.in/gZ8ScNSm #NSWReconstructionAuthority #SmallBusiness #Recovery

Exciting news for the Blakebrook community! 🎉 We're thrilled to announce the redevelopment of Blakebrook Public School, ensuring students can return to their learning environment by Term 2, 2025. The rebuilding of the school will provide a safe and modern learning environment for the community's children and strengthening the local community's sense of hope and resilience. The new school will be built to withstand future flooding and will feature modern amenities such as four new classrooms, a library, canteen, and admin areas. We're also excited to include an undercroft play space and new landscaping. Construction is progressing rapidly, with the steel structure underway and demolition of old buildings commencing. Join us in celebrating this milestone as we rebuild a stronger, more resilient future for Blakebrook students and community. You can find out more about this project on the NSW Government website here: https://lnkd.in/gqKF6HYX NSW Department of Education  #NSWReconstructionAuthority #SchoolRedevelopment #Community 

Exciting Update for Resilient Homes Program Participants! Last week, the NSW Reconstruction Authority hosted focus groups at Living Lab Northern Rivers to discuss the Mount Pleasant development in Goonellabah. This project will be the first to be delivered under the $100 million Resilient Land Program, offering a diverse range of affordable housing options on flood-free land. We gathered valuable insights from participants regarding their housing preferences and community aspirations. This feedback will inform the development's masterplan, ensuring it meets the unique needs of our community. If you've accepted a buyback and are interested in relocating to a safer location, register your interest at https://lnkd.in/gyM7YTsq or email us for updates at RLP@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au. Thank you to Living Lab Northern Rivers for hosting these productive discussions. #ResilientHomes #FloodRecovery #NSWReconstructionAuthority

Last chance! ⏰ The Northern Rivers Towns and Villages Resilient Business Activation Program is closing next week on Friday, 4 October at 2pm. Small and medium-sized businesses who provide a public benefit in the Northern Rivers can apply for up to $2 million to repair and restore their businesses. Don't miss this opportunity! Submit your EOI now: https://lnkd.in/gZ8ScNSm #NSWReconstructionAuthority #SmallBusiness #Recovery

Innovative solution turns waste into opportunity! RICHMOND VALLEY COUNCIL faced a significant challenge: disposing of 8,000 cubic meters of debris from the 2021 landslides and 2022 floods. Through creative thinking, the council devised an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective solution. Rather than sending the debris to landfill, they repurposed it to enhance the Casino to Bentley section of the rail trail. This not only improved safety for cyclists but also reduced costs for the Naughtons Gap Road project, saving $2.4 million dollars. With approval from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Australian and NSW governments, and after thorough testing, the council successfully transported the debris to the rail trail site. This initiative showcases their commitment to environmental sustainability and resourcefulness. By repurposing waste materials, the council have not only reduced costs but also created an asset for their community. #Sustainability #WasteManagement #Infrastructure