Multi-agency partnership expands accommodation pod program in NSW
17 September 2020
Published by https://www.redcross.org.au/
AUSTRALIA – The Red Cross has pledged funds and joined a multi-agency partnership to expand the successful roll-out of Minderoo Foundation recovery pods in NSW, helping bring more temporary housing to those recovering from the summer bushfires.
Australian Red Cross has joined the NSW Government, The Salvation Army and Minderoo Foundation to offer even more temporary accommodation pods in fire-affected areas. With Red Cross support an additional 40-50 accommodation pods are planned across NSW. This is in addition to the 160-plus accommodation pods already available.
The accommodation ‘pods’, designed by Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation, have built in electricity, water and sewer systems and are provided free to families, singles and couples for a period of up to two years whilst they rebuild their homes.
The pod program has recently received confirmation of an additional $2m from the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, bringing the total funding for the program to $10m.
Australian Red Cross Director NSW/ACT, Poppy Brown, says, “Red Cross is pleased to pledge $2 million to further help meet accommodation needs in bushfire affected communities, giving people access to much needed temporary housing through the recovery pods. This is in addition to significant support Red Cross is providing through direct financial assistance through its Bushfire Grants, all of which is possible because of generous donations.
“Having somewhere safe to live is one of the cornerstones of recovery, and offers families and communities with more security as they make decisions on their next steps, as they rebuild their homes and lives.
“We have been able to help provide more accommodation pods, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Australians who donated to the Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund during the summer bushfires.
“This $2 million contribution is on top of $167 million which Red Cross has already disbursed or spent in bushfire affected communities, helping families access vital grants to help rebuild their homes and lives, as well as access long term recovery support”, Poppy Brown said.
Community members who would like to access the accommodation pods, should contact the New South Wales government via service.nsw.gov.au or 13 77 88
For media queries, contact alemme@redcross.org.au or 0437 331 310. Outside of business hours, contact media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443.
Notes to editor
The $10 million partnership includes $2.5m from the Minderoo Foundation, $2m from Australian Red Cross, $1.5m from the Salvation Army and $4m from the NSW Government towards what has been a hugely successful program that allows people to stay on their land for up to two years while they rebuild.
