The ACT Government has released its first Social Recovery Framework, to help Canberrans recover from disaster.

The framework supports people from immediate need to long-term social recovery, and is designed to:

• ensure the effective, timely and community-centred delivery of social supports and services, consistent with national principles,
• keep people safe and ensure their physical and mental wellbeing,
• help people maintain connection with family, friends, and community, and
• strengthen ACT emergency management arrangements.

Emma Davidson, Minister for Community Services, Seniors and Veterans, said: “Good social recovery supports our whole community to rebuild following a disaster and the needs of the individual, including their health, wellbeing, safety and security.

“Resilient communities are connected, kind and caring. They recover from disasters by finding new ways for people to do the things they love in a safe and supported way.

“Climate change will see more frequent and destructive natural disasters in the Canberra region, which will impact our community in many ways.

“This new framework outlines the practical direction and guidance to better support individuals and communities during the recovery phase, so Canberrans can have the best possible life outcomes following a disaster.

“The ACT Social Recovery Framework will strengthen and improve our disaster recovery leadership. It ensures we engage with and listen to people to clearly understand the unique recovery needs of individuals and communities.”

The framework was co-designed with and informed by the community sector, healthcare providers, emergency management services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, disabled people, mentally ill people, and old people. The Canberra community also contributed through a YourSay process.

ACT Greens MLA Andrew Braddock moved in 2021 for a plan to support community recovery from the COVID pandemic. He said he was pleased to see the ACT Government expand social recovery planning to all types of disasters.

“COVID showed how challenging it can be for people in Canberra to access the services they need and have the resources they need to live well and be connected with family, friends and their community,” Mr Braddock said.

“It’s fantastic to see Minister Davidson and the ACT Government expand social recovery planning beyond COVID to all disasters so no matter what comes next for Canberra, we are well prepared and resilient as a community.”