Australians arriving in Sydney this week from war-torn Lebanon are receiving immediate assistance from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in securing short-term accommodation.

Those arriving at Sydney’s international airport are being met by ADRA Australia and other community service providers so that their needs can be assessed and met quickly.

Since Sunday 23 July, when the first flights started arriving, ADRA has provided short-term accommodation for more than 100 people. ADRA will continue to meet people as they arrive this week.

"Many of those arriving seem quite traumatised. They’re exhausted from lack of sleep and some haven’t been able to eat much in recent days," said ADRA’s NSW Disaster Recovery Deputy Coordinator, Bruce Prince.

"Fortunately, most of those arriving do have places to go to. But there are some who simply have no money, no where to go and no friends to meet them," said Mr. Prince. "ADRA is providing these people with accommodation until they can make long-term arrangements."

ADRA Australia is partnering with other aid agencies under the coordination of the NSW Department of Community Services. "Anglicare is providing general support to our work, which is proving very useful," Mr. Prince said.

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and Centrelink are also assisting recent arrivals where needed with personal support, catering and translation services. The total relief effort for Australian nationals affected by the conflict between Lebanon and Israel is being coordinated by the Australian government "Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)".

The global ADRA network, through it’s Trans-European office, has mobilised resources closer to the region to respond to the needs of internally displaced persons in Lebanon. Working with local partners and volunteers on the ground, ADRA’s emergency response is providing food aid, blankets, mattresses and clothing for those sheltering in select schools and community centres. ADRA will also train families in structured activities for their children to help mitigate the effects of the trauma, as well as facilitate their psychological rehabilitation.

ADRA Australia is a major non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in sustainable development programs and disaster relief for people in Australia and abroad. It is fully accredited with the Australian Government’s Agency for International Development (AusAID) and is signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct. The ADRA network has a presence in more than 125 countries.