Sampson Flat Recovery Centre

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland) (15:13): My question is to the Minister for Social Housing. How is the Sampson Flat Recovery Centre assisting residents in the aftermath of the January bushfires?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:13): I thank the member for Newland for his question and also his continued interest in this area. The Sampson Flat bushfire had devastating consequences for a considerable number of people in our community. In the aftermath, we now know that 12,548 hectares of land were burnt, that 25 houses were destroyed with a further 44 damaged, and that 196 outbuildings and 215 vehicles were destroyed. There was also an economic impact with 13 small businesses being severely impacted and 914 livestock also being lost in the fire.

What has been important since the fire has been the utilisation of the enormous goodwill and generosity of individuals and organisations who offered their assistance in the extraordinary time of need. The Sampson Flat Recovery Centre at the Torrens Valley Community Centre continues to operate with mobile centres at One Tree Hill and Kersbrook for half a day each fortnight. The community reference group, chaired by recovery coordinator Karlene Maywald, shares information, identifies priorities for action, and keeps the local recovery committee informed about emerging issues and work happening on the ground.

A community development officer was appointed in March and continues to develop programs in order to connect with a range of demographic groups to provide support and develop resilience. The recovery centre has facilitated a number of community activities including self-esteem workshops for teenage girls, a men's comedy night and community outings, which have led to the formation of local community support groups such as RAMBO. RAMBO, which stands for 'retired, aged men being out', had such a great time on their inaugural trip, that they have decided to continue as a support group for men aged over 65 in the local community. The community development officer through the recovery centre will continue to support groups like RAMBO to help the local community.

As time progresses, the impact of the bushfire on individuals and families is changing to be more about assistance with psychological support and rebuilding. In response to this, Housing SA's Emergency Relief Functional Service implemented a case management program in mid-February 2015. An outreach service of door-to-door welfare checks is conducted by the Red Cross with follow-up as required through the case management program.

The Red Cross continues to conduct the outreach program and to provide support in the bushfire recovery centre through the provision of psychological first aid and recovery resources. I am advised that information has been provided to 451 identified properties and recovery information packs have been left at another 242 properties. An additional 475 properties have been successfully contacted by telephone outreach. There is still a lot of work to be done with the affected communities and I commend every single individual and organisation that has played a role in the recovery effort.