Save the Children is currently responding to the flooding in Wagga Wagga
Since early February 2012, Queensland (QLD), New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) have been affected by severe flooding. After thousands were evacuated in QLD in the beginning of February, heavy rain in NSW and Victoria in late February has caused waters to rise, with several rivers breaking their banks and flooding local towns.
While some areas still remain under flood threat, various flood recovery initiatives are underway, following recent flooding in the Riverina. The SES has given the all clear in most areas except the following areas where flood warnings have been issued and there may be need for further evacuations:
Flood Warning - Murrumbidgee River at hay and downstream and for Darlington Point and Carathool
Flood Warning - Murray River at Barham and the Edward River at Moulamein
Flood Warning - Lachlan River at Condobolin and downstream
A Evacuation Warning has been issued to the region around Barren Box Swamp and properties adjacent to Mirrool Creek
On Sunday 11th evacuees from Wagga Wagga and Forbes were allowed to return to their homes (two of the worst affected communities in NSW).
To date, there have been three deaths, one in QLD and two in NSW. Around New South Wales more than 13,000 people have been asked to leave their homes due to flooding, with at least 250 properties already inundated and a number of rural communities isolated by the rising waters.
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said it will be weeks or months before the real cost of the crisis is known, but said it will take at least half a billion dollars to repair roads damaged by flooding.
Save the Children is providing Child Friendly Space at Deniliquin for all those affected by the floods.
Save the Children NSW State Manager Georgia Tacey said Child Friendly Spaces can play an important role in identifying and addressing child protection concerns within an affected population following a natural disaster.
"Child friendly spaces can improve children's psychosocial wellbeing by helping to re-establish routine, provide support and a sense of stability, as well as an opportunity to play,'' Ms Tacey said. "The spaces also provide respite for families under stress, so parents can focus on re-establishing their livelihoods knowing their children are in safe hands.''
You can help children and families like those affected by the flooding across Australia by donating to our Child Emergency fund.
Video Update
Scott Gilbert Save the Children's Director of Programs and Humanitarian Response thanks all of the dedicated Save the Children Australia staff and volunteers for their work in response to the floods that have recently devastated local communities around Australia.
Save the Children's NSW Office Board was first set up in 1959 by Pam Barrington who came to Australia from the UK in 1955. Initially the states were still separate entities with their own board. However to put in for national government grants Save the Children needed a national identity. This was the beginnings of what is now our Melbourne Office.
We have had a lot of support over the years from many branches scattered throughout New South Wales. These dedicated people donated their time and energy to raise money for our programs through all sorts of local ideas and fundraisers right through to volunteering their time working in Save the Children shops.
Gain insight into the foundations of our NSW programs.
Upcoming events
City2Surf 2012
Sunday August 12, 2012
Golden charity entries now available We want you on our team!
City2Surf is the world's largest run and Sydney's favourite sporting event. Save the Children is thrilled to take part in the 2012 City2Surf and is seeking dedicated team members! Why not join us on the 14km journey from Hyde Park in Sydney's CBD to Bondi Beach.
By joining the Save the Children City2Surf Team you will be contributing towards ensuring that every child has a safe and happy childhood.
When you join the team you will receive:
unlimited support, advice and guidance
fundraising ideas to help you get to your target
the opportunity to learn more about our work and the programs we run
For more information, please Lauren on (03) 8417 1405 or
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For information on events in New South Wales, please contact our New South Wales office on (02) 9211 8800 or email:
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Volunteering in New South Wales
We're always looking for more wonderful volunteers to help us out. If you're interested in sorting donations in our warehouse or assisting us with one off events throughout the year - please get in touch. Find out more on how you can become a volunteer.
Programs
Our first pre-school for Aboriginal Children was set up in 1962. A trained kindergarten teacher was employed as director of each school and all the teachers assistants, cooks, mini-bus drivers, cleaners and handymen were aboriginal. Each school was then supported by a Mother's Club which helped the teacher and raised funds for what was then Save the Children Fund. These pre-schools were handed over to the communities in which they were set up to be run by the locals for the locals.
The Save the Children play bus scheme was initially started in NSW with the donation of a bus by St George Building Society to bring the mums and children to the play area. However, we quickly realized that we could cover more ground by taking the play area to the children. Today we run play schemes in the Inner City, Inner West, Riverina Murray and Wilcannia regions as well as inside Villawood Detention Centre. Find out more about our Mobile Play Schemes.
In NSW also facilitate lifeskills programs for kids in juvenile detention centres, a mentoring program for indigenous children ‘at risk' in Bourke, an Alternative Education program for children who have dropped out of mainstream schooling in Glebe, Child Protection support for Foster Carers and a Future Parents programs for young mothers. Find out more about our youth programs across Australia.
Branches
We have six Save the Children Branches across NSW. These are groups of interested people who meet and fundraise for us in a variety of ways. Our branches are located in:
Eastwood & Districts
Gosford
Sutherland
Tamworth
Upper Blue Mountains
Wahroonga/Turramurra
If you are interested in learning more about any of our branches please call Lyn at the NSW Save the Children Office on 02 9211 8800 or email us at
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State Manager
Georgia Tacey
As State Manager of New South Wales, Georgia is passionate about developing sustainable life changing programs for children and families living in disadvantaged urban and remote communities in NSW. Georgia brings over 13 years of community development experience in Australia, Kenya and India to the role and is driven and inspired by the children we serve who continue to smile and thrive despite their exposure to poverty, neglect and abuse and who every day overcome staggering adversity.
Contact
Office Administrator
Lyndell Garrard
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Since early February 2012, Queensland (QLD), New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) have been affected by severe flooding. After thousands were evacuated in QLD in the beginning of February, heavy rain in NSW and Victoria in late February has caused waters to rise, with several rivers breaking their banks and flooding local towns. 
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said it will be weeks or months before the real cost of the crisis is known, but said it will take at least half a billion dollars to repair roads damaged by flooding. 
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