Community Services Struggle Amid Climate Challenges
A new report led by Dr Rebecca Huntley from 89 Degrees East, commissioned by UnitingCare Australia, highlights the challenges faced by the community service workforce in Australia due to extreme weather events.
The study, released on 2nd June 2026, surveyed 829 frontline staff across the UnitingCare network, revealing that 91% have been affected by extreme weather in the past five years. This includes heatwaves, floods, and storms, which are worsening due to climate change.
Tamara Thomas, National Director of UnitingCare Australia, stated, "Extreme weather is limiting the support our people can provide, increasing workloads, disrupting access to clients, and taking a significant toll on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our staff and clients."
Survey Findings Highlight Worker Strain
Key findings from the report indicate that 77% of respondents experienced heatwaves, while 65% faced severe storms, and 52% were affected by flooding. 40% reported that extreme weather events have restricted their ability to perform tasks with the people they support.
Alice Salomon, Uniting NSW.ACT’s Head of Advocacy, expressed concern that health and social support services may not keep up with increasing frequency and severity of weather events. She noted, "We have seen firsthand that heatwaves, fires, floods, and storms cause social shocks that erode financial security, strain services, and make recovery slower and harder."
The report also shows that nearly 1 in 3 frontline workers feel conflicted about prioritising the needs of those they support over their own safety during extreme weather events. This dilemma is felt more acutely by 46% of staff in rural and remote areas compared to 29% in urban locations.
Dr Rebecca Huntley emphasised the importance of recognising the pressures on frontline workers, stating, "The data we have collected tells a clear story of an essential workforce under pressure. Workers committed to supporting vulnerable people are increasingly having to make hard choices about safety and capacity."
The report calls for policy changes, investment, and partnerships to reduce harm and strengthen resilience in the community services sector as climate risks deepen. The full report is available on UnitingCare's website for further details.
Last updated: 2 June 2026, 4:56 pm
