SA Housing Authority has announced the reopening of its Port Adelaide customer services office and the resumption of face-to-face services with its customers. This after staff who were deployed to support the flood-impacted families in the Riverland and the Mid-Murray returned to their communities.
More than 40 authority staff, including five from the Port Adelaide office, worked alongside public sector employees and NGO staff in emergency relief centres (ERCs) in Berri, Mannum, and Murray Bridge to ensure flood-impacted families were getting the support they needed to stay safe and secure.
According to the authority, during the River Murray flood emergency relief:
- more than 2,000 households attended an ERC
- more than 500 personal hardship grants were distributed, worth $343,700
- 119 people were provided emergency accommodation
- 63 instances of private rental assistance were given, worth $201,250
- 337 travel relief grants worth $101,100 have been issued
During the Port Adelaide office’s temporary closure, SA Housing customers were able to access services at the Croydon office.
Human Services Minister Nat Cook thanked SA Housing staff as the authority transitions to a recovery support role.
“Everyone involved has worked around the clock to keep our river communities safe but also to continue to support those with housing needs locally,” Cook said. “I’d like to thank our Housing SA staff who, time and time again, respond to disasters and leave their families behind to go and work where they are needed the most. They do it willingly to keep their fellow South Australians safe.”
Mary Patetsos, SA Housing Trust board presiding member, said she was incredibly proud to be part of an organisation that stands solidly with South Australians during some of the worst moments of their lives.
“Every time there is a disaster in South Australia, SA Housing staff are there, setting up emergency relief centres, and providing safety and assistance to the community,” Patetsos said. “Our staff and our NGOs who run our ERCs are ever-reliable and, when called upon, are ready and willing to help.”
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