FORMER NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens has been appointed as the Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid-North Coast in the wake of devastating floods.
Mr Owens commenced the role last week and will be based out of Taree.
“Dave Owens has a lot of experience helping communities after natural disasters, so I am grateful he has agreed to lead our recovery effort,” said Premier Chris Minns.
“He is on-the-ground in Taree, ready to go, to help the community recover from these terrible floods.
“There are literally thousands of NSW Government staff and volunteers working on this recovery.
“The Recovery Coordinator will ensure our agencies continue working closely together to help these regions over months ahead.”
Mr Owens has previously acted as the NSW State Recovery Coordinator for a number of severe weather events.
In June 2016, he was appointed as the NSW State Recovery Coordinator for the East Coast Low and in September 2016 as the Regional Recovery Coordinator for the Central Western floods.
He was also appointed as the State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCON) in 2007 and performed this position for four years.
As SEOCON, he was responsible for overall emergency management responses within New South Wales.
He was also the 2020 Co-Lead for the NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry.
Mr Owens will also be supported by other local Recovery Coordinators for the Mid North Coast, and for the Hunter and Central Coast.
They will report to Mr Owens, ensuring the two regions are equally represented in recovery considerations.
As Mr Owens steps into the role, five Recovery Access Points are up and running in Taree, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Macksville, and Maitland.
These centres are there for people who need assistance, including assistance with financial aid, identification documents, accommodation, legal support, insurance, and more.
Critical information about recovery support for impacted communities – including locations of the recovery centres – is available at www.nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates
