We work alongside government agencies and other organisations to provide emotional support and assistance for those affected by natural disasters.

Community Recovery is activated in times of natural disaster including but not limited to bush fires, floods and hailstorms. Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland provides ‘psychological first aid’ and personal support to individuals, families and communities as they experience a traumatic event.

We have been involved in over 15 activations over the past 20 years and are a member of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and the Toowoomba Regional Council Welfare and Accommodation Committee.

Our Crisis Support Officers assist with the needs of individuals and their emotional wellbeing and link them with support services in their community immediately following a disaster or critical event.

Personal support is founded on care and compassion and is about making contact with someone as they experience the intensity of their feelings, confusion and social upheaval. This may involve giving them time while sitting or taking a walk and attending to any of their practical needs.

Officers need to be able to activate, often with little notice, and can be deployed anywhere from one day to one week. The Crisis Support Officer role receives monetary remuneration when deployed and all travel, accommodation and meals are paid for. Officers need to be double vaccinated and hold a current driver’s licence and Blue Card.

Crisis Support Officers are required to have undertaken Psychological First Aid training and also one of the Living Works suicide prevention training packages including any of ASIST, safeTALK, or Livingworks Start.  This training is all paid for by Lifeline.

This role can suit anyone even if they are retired, unemployed or already have a part-time or full-time job.  It is a role that you get to fit in with your own life and work priorities. We are always looking for additional staff and anyone interested in joining the Community Recovery team is asked to please call 1300 991 443 to arrange an interview.

Additional Information

If you require information and warnings for your area please go to QldAlert 

If you are experiencing an event now and require Emergency Services assistance please call 000.

If you have recently been affected by a disaster and are seeking support, please contact us on 1300 991 443. 

You can also phone Lifeline Australia’s 24-hour counselling service on 13 11 14.

Important Phone Numbers

Lifeline DDSWQL - 1300 991 443
Ambulance, Fire, Police - 000
Energex - 13 62 62
Ergon - 13 22 96
ATSILS - 1800 012 255
Alcohol & Drug Information Service - 1800 177 833
Child Protection Safety Centre after hours - 1800 177 135
Centrelink - 1800 633 353
Domestic Violence Line - 1800 811 811
LGBTIQ+ Support - 1800 184 527
Legal Aid - 1300 651 188
Womens Legal Service QLD - 1800 457117
Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800
Homeless Hotline - 1800 474 753
Lifeline Australia 24 Hour Crisis Line - 13 11 14