Over the last two and half years our region has experienced our fair share of natural disasters from drought, to bushfires and floods, on top of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, I want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our primary care health professionals who have worked hard to provide continuity of care to their patients, often while being directly impacted by these events. That is why we are pleased to launch our Disaster Response Grants for Vaccine Providers.

Disaster Response Grants are open to general practices and pharmacies in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Penrith and Lithgow local government areas that provide COVID-19 vaccinations. These Grants have been provided as part of the Federal Government’s response to the 2022 floods and significant rain events. The purpose of these Grants is to help ensure service continuity of COVID-19 vaccinations for communities, during and after disasters. Grants may be used for purchases or expenses arising from the 2022 floods, or to help prepare for future disasters.

There are three grant levels; $1000, $2500 and $5000 (excl GST), which can be used on a variety of expenses. Examples of eligible purchases and initiatives include:  

• Small infrastructure to support business continuity, e.g. generator, vaccine fridge, portable vaccine esky, electronics or other essential supplies and equipment 
• Repairs and maintenance from flood/water damage  
• Costs associated with replenishing of consumables 
• Reimbursement of additional staffing costs to administer COVID-19 vaccines during the floods 
• Purchase stockpile of consumables e.g. dressings, batteries 
• Communications equipment e.g. portable power banks, AM/FM battery radios, portable modems  
• Training in emergency and procedural medicine for GPs and practice nurses

Visit our Disaster Response Grants webpage, download and complete the Grants Supplier Form and upload this to the Online Application Form. Applications close Monday 6 June 2022. 

I encourage general practices and pharmacies in our region to visit our Disaster Response Grants webpage to find out more and to apply if eligible. These Grants may help you recover from previous disasters or may assist you to prepare for future natural disasters that our region will inevitably face.