The NSW Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy NetworkNetwork (DRCN)

The Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network has been formed to provide pastoral care for people in traumatic situations, particularly following major emergencies where people and communities are affected by trauma.

How does the DRCN work?

Under the Welfare Services area of the NSW state disaster plan, Community Services draws on a number of government and other agencies to ensure disaster-effected people are cared for in and beyond evacuation and recovery centres.  Red Cross, Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul, ADRA, and Anglicare are “Participating Organisations” who are often called to assist with designated roles to bring welfare services to people.  Beyond these, other organisations such as Housing New South Wales (HNSW) and Centrelink are designated “Supporting Organisations” which may be called upon to provide specialist services as a particular need arises.

The Uniting Church in Australia (NSW and ACT Synod) is a Supporting Organisation which has the responsibility of coordinating disaster recovery chaplaincy, specifically in the context of evacuation and recovery centres, during a time of emergency within the state.  In doing this the Synod has trained clergy from across the state from a wide range of religious bodies which are member organisations of the NSW Civil Chaplaincies Advisory Committee.  These groups include Anglican, Australian Christian Churches (AOG), Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Churches of Christ, Jewish, Moslem, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, and Uniting Church.

Who are DRCN Chaplains?

Disaster Recovery Chaplains are experienced clergy from this wide range of faith groups who have been nominated by their religious bodies, trained and accredited for this work.  These clergy have also agreed to work under a set code of ethics and guiding principles to ensure the best possible level of care.

What do disaster recovery chaplains do?

When people are dislocated and traumatised, they may be affected in every way: physically, emotionally and spiritually.  The nature of disaster is that local capacity to cope is overwhelmed in the face of great and sudden need.  This also includes that of local pastoral and faith community leaders.  DRCN chaplains are available to people at a point of major crisis for pastoral care, working cooperatively and with clear accountability, to help disaster-affected people and equip local faith leaders in their care within a traumatised community. 

DRCN chaplains are available to complement existing services to disaster-affected people within evacuation and recovery centres: being available for conversation, pastoral care, understanding and, where practicable, creating some space for quiet, mediation or prayer.