mmg.com.au

Rochester is set to keep its flood support service for an extra six months.

Member for Rodney Paul Weller last week announced funding had been granted for an extension to the Rochester and Elmore District Health Service case support service, which was set up in response to the floods of late 2010 and early 2011.

The flood support service was due for closure on November 18.

REDHS, with the support of Mr Weller, had been lobbying the State Government for the continuation of the service for some time.

Mr Weller said Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge notified him late last week that additional funding of $36,000 had been made available to extend the service to May 19 next year.

The REDHS case support service will see a three-day-a-week position continue to provide support for immediate practical needs and psychosocial recovery in the area.

REDHS chief executive Matt Sharp said the continuation of funding was ‘‘welcome news’’ and the organisation was grateful for the government support.

He said there was still a clear need for flood support in the area, with up to 15 households requiring active support beyond the original cut-off date.

Mr Weller said some towns were still struggling emotionally despite the clean-up being behind them.

‘‘I commend REDHS for its ongoing commitment to support the many locals still struggling to come to terms with the effects of the flooding and for continuing to lobby for State Government support,’’ he said.

Mr Weller said despite 80 per cent of the town of Rochester being inundated by the 2011 floods, the community had shown strength and resilience.

He said many locals remained positive and supportive of each other and the ongoing presence of flood support officers had been appreciated.