Who we are
The Uniting Church WA’s Disaster Relief and Community Recovery Working Group exists to resource the Uniting Church and its agencies to support communities in preparation for and ‘best recovery’ from disasters. Often recovery from a disaster takes years, rather than weeks or months.
The Disaster Relief and Community Recovery Working Group’s ministry in times when people’s lives and property are impacted, assists churches to help communities through:
- support and consultation
- disaster recovery funds
- special recovery ministry placements
- peer support, and
- disaster recovery chaplaincy.
What we do
Support and consultation
The Working Group is available during and following disasters to connect with affected congregations and agencies of the Uniting Church to support and advise on strategies to equip congregations in their responses and move to ‘best’ recovery.
Disaster recovery funds
With your financial support, the Uniting Church WA has disaster and emergency funds. The Working Group is available to help Uniting Church congregations and agencies apply for these funds and facilitate the rapid release of funds for areas of need.
Special recovery ministry placements
With your financial support, the Uniting Church WA has disaster and emergency funds. The Working Group is available to help Uniting Church congregations and agencies apply for these funds and facilitate the rapid release of funds for areas of need.
Establishing short and medium-term special ministry placements to work with local congregations with a focus on the care of the affected community.
Peer support
Training peers to care for the carers by supporting ministry agents and congregations through critical incidents and disasters.
Disaster recovery chaplaincy
Facilitating regular training for ministry agents, suitably qualified lay people from helping professions and faith community leaders in disaster recovery chaplaincy in partnership with the Council of Churches of WA (CCWA).
Contact – Bush Chaplains WA website.
WA Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network (WADRCN)
WADRCN is a multi-denominational network of chaplains. They are trained to bring a calm and compassionate presence to traumatised, grieving, injured or ill people who have been caught up in emergencies and disasters. WADRCN are committed to:
- Recovery focus: As disasters subside, Disaster Recovery Chaplains are available to visit and spend time with those affected.
- Standing alongside communities: Work alongside other agencies or community-based groups providing pastoral care and support.
- Community gatherings and meetings: Provide support at community meetings.
- Grief and loss education: Deliver training programs to communities on grief and loss for children, youth, and adults. For example, Seasons for Growth and Stormbirds for children and youth.
Make a difference when it matters most.
Please support disaster-affected communities and assist in their recovery through the essential ministry of the Disaster Relief and Community Recovery Working Group by donating to the Uniting Church WA’s Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund.
Donations can be made to –
Name: The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (WA) – Trust & Special Purpose
BSB: 036001
Acct: 698310
Ref: WA Disaster Relief
Further Information
Disaster Relief and Community Recovery Working Group
Uniting Church Western Australia
85-89 Edward Street, Perth
GPO Box M952, Perth 6843
Phone: (08) 9260 9800
Email: