The Northern Territory Government is continuing to support communities across the Northern Territory as recovery efforts progress following recent flooding and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
In Katherine, the Welfare Recovery Centre has reopened at the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre (GYRACC), providing a central place for residents to access support.
On the first day back, around 40 Immediate Relief Payments were processed, with more than 5,400 payments already delivered to flood-affected residents across the region.
Department of Children and Families Chief Executive Officer Brent Warren said the focus is now on supporting communities through the next phase of recovery.
"Our priority is making sure people can access the support they need as they begin to get back on their feet," Mr Warren said.
"Most eligible residents have already received their Immediate Relief Payment, and we are now focused on helping people access the next stage of support."
Residents who have not yet applied for an Immediate Relief Payment can still apply online or in person at the Welfare Recovery Centre. Immediate Relief Payments are also now available online for eligible residents outside of Katherine.
Immediate Relief Payments related to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle are targeted support for medically vulnerable residents who were evacuated or relocated during the event. Eligible residents are being contacted directly and supported through the application process.
Applications are now open for Re-establishment Assistance and Temporary Accommodation reimbursement.
Katherine residents can apply in person at the Welfare Recovery Centre, while all residents can submit applications via email to the Payments Team. Eligibility information and application forms are available on SecureNT, or by calling the Emergency Call Centre on 1800 888 901.
Across the Territory, communities are beginning to return home. Repatriation of Numbulwar residents commenced on Tuesday, with 188 people returning home via light aircraft. Remaining residents are scheduled to return today (Wednesday).
Residents from Nauiyu and Daly River have relocated to the Batchelor Indigenous Institute of Training and Education (BIITE), alongside Palumpa residents relocated to the Batchelor Outdoor Education Centre, where a full range of supports and activities are now in place.
This includes pop-up schooling, early childhood supports, skills and training opportunities, and arts and cultural workshops to support community wellbeing during recovery.
Residents from Murray Downs are also set to return home, with repatriation commencing today (Wednesday). While in Ali Curung, residents received the first instalment of their Immediate Relief Payments, with the remaining to be provided once they return home.
The Welfare Group is also supporting Blue Mud Bay residents currently in Nhulunbuy. Mr Warren acknowledged the strength of communities and the ongoing work of staff and partners across the Territory.
"We know this has been a difficult time for many families, and recovery takes time," he said.
"We thank communities for their patience and resilience and acknowledge the support of our partner organisations and host communities who have helped people stay safe."
We will continue to provide updates, including new support measures and financial assistance, on the SecureNT website and DCF Facebook page as they become available.
