SUPPORT TO ADF MEMBERS AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Defence is supporting its people affected by the Queensland floods.

ADF members should make their own safety and that of their families their first priority - Defence will provide support as the situation demands.

ADF members or their families are asked to follow this guidance.

For those who have been evacuated due to the floods:

On Evacuation:

• If you have been ordered to or decided to evacuate, proceed to your local evacuation centre.
• Once there you should comply with the directions of the local authorities.
• If possible, ADF members should ring their military unit/chain of command and inform them of your circumstances.
• If you are the partner of an ADF member who is absent from home, ring Defence’s National Welfare Coordination Centre (NWCC) on             1800 801 026       and a message will be given to the unit responsible. If further support is required, NWCC will contact the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) to conduct an assessment and arrange support if available. Noting that in flood affected areas DCO will not be able to reach you except by phone.
• Your concern should not be your home or your removal but the safety of your family.

Once you are able to return home:

• ADF members or their partners should notify their units or NWCC or DCO as appropriate.
• Please note that any action by Defence Housing Australia (DHA) will be determined by the ongoing situation. Accommodation and repairs may take some time and patience should be exercised as this is a State emergency affecting thousands of people.
• If your Service or own residence is uninhabitable then call DHA on 139 342 and temporary accommodation will be provided. DHA will develop a long term plan to resolve housing requirements.
• If your Service residence is habitable but damaged ring DHA on 139 342 and you will be placed on a repair list. Noting it may take some time to effect repairs.
• If your rental accommodation or own residence is damaged you need to ring your agent or organise repairs yourself.
• DCO remains available for support and connection to community resources. Contact can be made through NWCC on   1800 801 026      .

For Personnel who have had their removal or travel delayed:

• If you are delayed and unable to move to your new location then inform your unit/chain of command of your circumstances and call Toll Transitions on    1800 819 167       to organise temporary accommodation.
• If you are in location but unable to receive your removal then inform your unit/chain of command of your circumstances and call Toll Transitions on    1800 819 167       to organise an extension to your current accommodation.
• DCO remains available for support and connection to community resources. Contact can be made through NWCC on  1800 801 026      .

For ADF members or extended family members seeking information on ADF family in flood affected areas:

• At present the situation is ongoing and some areas are without power. Efforts are being made to secure the safety of individuals and while best efforts will be made to find the details on family members this is not our priority at this time. You may wish to view the current set of warnings but be aware that contact details are for local residents.
• If you have been unable to contact your family please provide NWCC the details of their last known location and contact details. Efforts will be made to contact them on your behalf and ascertain their situation. Note there will be a delay in providing feedback to you.
• If you have been in contact and are concerned about the future support, please be aware that Defence has this in hand and advice is available for your family to gain temporary accommodation, new housing or repairs. Please note that this may take some time due to the extent of the damage and the fact that the situation is still ongoing.
• DCO remains available for support and connection to community resources for extended family members. Contact can be made through NWCC on    1800 801 026