Welfare centres are buildings such as recreation centres, town halls and schools which are used as temporary shelters during disasters such as fires, floods and cyclones.

A welfare centre dormitory room	Dining/conference room

They are sometimes set up before an expected event to provide shelter where existing accommodation may not be considered satisfactory during the event. These may include caravans during a cyclone or where houses are threatened by a bushfire.

Because welfare centres are temporary shelters set up quickly in an emergency, they provide fairly basic comforts like chairs, tables, kitchen and toilets. Tea and coffee are usually provided too. However if you have friends or family who you can go to instead, this will be preferable to going to a welfare centre, as you are likely to be more comfortable.

Depending on the nature of an emergency a welfare centre may need to stay open for an extended period. In these circumstances additional services may be offered such as:

Emergency accommodation
This is temporary shelter for persons who have become homeless. Where necessary, services may help people find more permanent accommodation.

Emergency catering
An emergency catering service for the homeless, evacuees, casualties and welfare workers.

Emergency clothing and personal requisites
This includes essential clothing and personal needs (such as toiletry packs) to affected persons.

Personal services
This means services for affected persons who need personal support to cope with the effects of loss, stress, confusion and family disruption. Services also often provide information and advice.

Registration and inquiry
A registration and inquiry system helps to answer enquiries and trace people so families can be reunited.

Financial assistance
Financial help includes personal hardship and distress relief payments, disaster relief payments, special benefits and other forms of emergency assistance to those who need it.

What to take with you to a welfare centre

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