An additional $31.2 million for mental health support services is one of a range of measures promised to flood affected communities in northern NSW this week.
Making the funding pledge was Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who toured Lismore and surrounding areas on Wednesday, viewing some of the devastation and meeting with community leaders.
He also announced $10 million under the ‘Resilient Kids’ program to support the mental health of the region’s school-aged children.
‘We can’t underestimate the long-term mental health toll so many communities will be facing,’ Mr Morrison said.
Included in the assistance package was:
- $25 million for emergency relief, food relief and financial counselling services, and
- $4.7 million to ensure the immediate continuity of primary health care services for people who have been flood-impacted.
Healthy North Coast will be tasked by the Australian Government to commission a portion of the announced funding. Healthy North Coast will work with effected local general practice, allied health and mental health providers to ensure continuity of services for flood affected communities.
The Prime Minister’s media release includes detailed funding announcements.