THE IMPORTANCE OF PLACE-BASED COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN DISASTERS: REFLECTIONS FROM THE WELLBEING PROJECT

In August 2023, North West Community Services Inc. (NCWS) initiated The Wellbeing Project – My Liveable Neighbourhood, targeting communities in Blacktown and The Hills Shire LGAs, especially for those affected by the 2022 NSW flooding. A wide variety of activities were carried out from August 2023 to February 2024 as part of this project. The Wellbeing Project is an example of why place-based organisations are crucial to addressing community needs before, during, and after disasters. The project addressed ongoing community needs, emphasised the significance of place-based interventions, and adapted flexibly to community requirements. NWCS commissioned Western Sydney Regional Information and Research Service (WESTIR) Ltd. to create this research report as one of the components of The Wellbeing Project.

This project is funded by the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN).