Vinnies has a major supporting role and while staff and volunteers give one hundred percent to the task they continuously look for ways to improve how to assist affected people.

Vinnies Manning regional president Deacon Vince Ryan said a possible statewide taskforce within the organisation could be a way to support disaster victims as well as Vinnies members and volunteers.

"While we would like to support people, as members and volunteers we also need to be supported," Deacon Vince said.

"We're also looking at ways we can improve the service we offer people."

Deacon Vince said the drought, 2019-20 bushfire disaster, covid and the recent flood crisis caused many people to be so overwhelmed they struggled to access support, despite the presence of many support agencies.

"We're still getting people saying 'I didn't know Vinnies had support available'," he said.

Vinnies assists disaster victims through financial grants, everyday food needs and bill payments. But sometimes people affected by disasters just need to sit with someone to share their story.

"That's one of our gifts as an organisation, we are non-judgmental and let people tell their story in a supportive and caring environment," Deacon Vince said.

If further assistance is required, Vinnies can refer people to other agencies.

During the bushfire crisis, Deacon Vince was present at the Taree Evacuation Centre as a disaster recovery chaplain. He also represented Vinnies and visited many bushfire affected communities.

Vinnies has conferences at Taree, Wingham, Forster and Tea Gardens where support can be accessed.

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