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Recovery Centres opening from tomorrow as flood response continues

The NSW Government is opening Recovery Centres in flood-impacted parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast beginning from Tuesday.

As floodwaters recede, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working with partner agencies to support communities and ramp up recovery operations.

Reconstruction Authority staff are on the ground with the SES assessing impacts in key locations like Taree.

Recovery Centres will begin opening from Tuesday, offering a range of support services to help impacted communities get the assistance they need, including:

Recovery Centre locations:

  • Taree, Taree Manning Uniting Church, 29 – 35 Albert Street
    • Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
    • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
  • Port Macquarie, PCYC, 12 Owen St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
    • Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
    • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
  • Kempsey, Showground, 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey
    • Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
    • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
  • Macksville, Senior Citizens Centre, 39 Princess Street, Macksville
    • Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
    • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
  • Maitland, Town Hall, 263 High Street
    • Wednesday 28 May and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
    • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm

There will also be mobile community outreach to ensure that smaller communities are also able to connect with supports and access financial and other assistance. Information on dates and times will be available in coming days via nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates.

Information on Recovery Centres and support services will be shared through local radio stations, social media and online, with posters and flyers to be distributed across impacted areas.

People who need immediate help are encouraged to visit nearby Evacuation Centres for food support, social support and emergency accommodation.

The NSW SES website lists the nearest Evacuation Centre and opening hours.

Individuals and communities that remain isolated and need food or medical supplies should contact the NSW SES on 132 500 for assistance.

Critical information about recovery support is updated daily on the Flood recovery information web page.

The NSW Government is working hard to make sure support is available at every stage, through Evacuation Centres now and Recovery Centres as they open, to help individuals and communities get back on their feet.

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin:

“People are doing it tough but I want them to know that the Government is here to lend a helping hand. That’s what our Recovery Centres are here for, so communities can access the support and services they need to start getting back on their feet.

“We are going to be here the long haul, not just for the immediate clean-up, but for the months ahead as people begin to rebuild their lives. It’s going to be a tough process but I want the community to know that we will be here with you.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“We’re moving quickly to stand up Recovery Centres in the hardest-hit areas to ensure communities have access to the support they need.

“This is a coordinated effort across local, state and federal agencies, working together to provide a one stop shop for people without delay.

“Information and access for support is currently available on the Flood recovery information web page.”

$2.5 million Lung Bus arrives in Wollongong to protect workers against dust diseases

The Minns Labor Government has renewed its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its new $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The lung bus has arrived in Wollongong to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

The icare Lung Bus is travelling the length and breadth of the state, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Tweed Heads, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Tamworth.

The Lung Bus continues has served the community for nearly 16 years and travelled more than 700,000km (more than 17 times around the world), screening more than 53,000 people, visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.

This is one of many measures to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos.

The Minns Labor Government has established a new Expert Taskforce to oversee and help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects and led the campaign for the national ban on engineered stone which started last year.

The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.

We have also pledged $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust.

The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Workers can arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state.

To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be in Wollongong on Monday 26 May to Friday 30 May.

The new Lung Bus will next travel to the following destinations:

  • Orange: 13 June
  • Dubbo: 3-4 July
  • Broken Hill: 21-23 July
  • Wagga Wagga: 4-5 August
  • Griffith: 25-26 August
  • Newcastle: 29-30 September
  • Tamworth: 27-28 October
  • Newcastle: 1-5 December
  • Gosford: 17-19 December

Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit the icare website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The new Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Lung Bus demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I welcome the $2.5 million investment into the new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.

“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The Lung Bus is an initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.

“These health checks can be lifesaving by enabling the early detection and treatment of dust-related diseases.

“By bringing these essential services directly to the communities that need them most, the bus will help raise awareness and provide access to safe and effective detection.”

Supporting recovery efforts in flood affected New South Wales

The Albanese Government is standing with communities impacted by devastating floods in the Hunter and Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, with further support activated to help people get back on their feet.

From Tuesday 27th May, Australian Defence Force personnel alongside members of Disaster Relief Australia will be deployed to support New South Wales authorities with clearance, clean up and early recovery operations.

Coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), they will join emergency services personnel on the ground from ACT, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and New Zealand.

Disaster Relief Australia will also help residents with clean-up efforts and damage assessments.

The Albanese Government continues to work with all levels of government to help with any requests for assistance that come from New South Wales, and as damage assessments are undertaken across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, will work to quickly activate support where it is needed.

Jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have been activated for 19 Local Government Areas – administered by New South Wales, including support for emergency accommodation and essential items, help for small businesses and councils to repair damages, and support for our primary producers.

Jointly funded Personal Hardship Payments – administered by New South Wales, will also be available to cover essentials including food, clothing and medicines.

On top of this, applications for the Commonwealth’s Disaster Recovery Allowance open at 2:00pm today for an initial four Local Government Areas – Kempsey, Port-Macquarie Hastings, Mid-Coast and Dungog.

Administered by Services Australia, this provides up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers that have had their regular employment impacted.

A Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, will also be made available to support councils with immediate clean up and restorations once impacts are known.

Visit New South Wales administered support 

Visit Commonwealth administered support

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character, and we’ve seen that once again in New South Wales.

“People stepping up to help out, because that’s the Australian way.

“My message to these communities is simple: we’ve got your back.

“That’s why we’re activating further support and sending more help to communities impacted by these devastating floods.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

“Australian Defence Force personnel will be on the ground this week helping impacted communities in the Hunter and Mid North Coast during the early recovery phase.

“Alongside emergency services and Disaster Relief Australia, the ADF will provide support to assist with planning, welfare checks, route clearance and the re‑establishment of critical infrastructure across the region.

“I want to thank all of those who have been working around the clock throughout this difficult time and those who will be on the ground this week to lend a hand.”

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain

“I want to assure people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast that there will be a united effort between the three levels of government to support impacted communities at every stage of recovery.

“The financial assistance already activated and this clean up support on the ground is just the beginning of getting people back on their feet.

“As flood waters recede and as we get a better picture of the full extent of damage, we will work quickly to activate more tailored assistance to support people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast.”

Pacific Highway near Taree reopens

The Pacific Highway will be entirely open throughout NSW by early this evening with access to be restored at the major route’s only closed section near Taree. 

Lane and speed restrictions will be in place on the highway between Purfleet and Coopernook as water recedes and crews continue to remove debris from the road.

Motorists will initially have single lane access at this section of the Pacific Highway, with a plan to restore full access over next couple of days. We ask motorists to take extra care while driving through this part of highway, which is an active worksite.

Transport for NSW crews have worked tirelessly to reconnect communities and get freight moving again through this major freight and transport corridor.

Many roads across the North Coast remain impacted by floodwaters. Motorists should never drive through floodwaters – if it is flooded, forget it.

Please check the Live Traffic NSW website at livetraffic.com or download the app to get the most up-to-date information on road closures before heading out.

We thank the community and the freight industry, who we have worked closely with, for their patience while we restore access to roads across the network. 

Until the Pacific Highway reopens (between Purfleet and Coopernook near Taree), the detours outlined below remain in place:

  • Northbound: use the New England Highway at Beresfield towards Maitland (do not cross Hexham Bridge) and follow until Glen Innes, join the Gwydir Highway at Glen Innes towards Grafton, join Big River Way at South Grafton towards Tyndale, rejoin Pacific Highway at Tyndale. If you need to head south from South Grafton, follow directions to Glenugie. 
  • Southbound: exit the Pacific Highway at Tyndale, take Big River Way to South Grafton, join the Gwydir Highway at South Grafton towards Glen Innes, join the New England Highway at Glen Innes towards Armidale, join the Pacific Motorway at Beresfield. 

Hunter Line – Buses replace trains between Maitland and Dungog

Buses are replacing trains between Maitland and Dungog in both directions after recent flooding in the area.

Some services are cancelled to complete repairs caused by earlier floods. Buses will supplement between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah.

Please allow plenty of extra travel time, check transport apps and listen to announcements for service update

Charges laid over looting following floods on the Mid North Coast

Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell today issued a firm warning following the arrest of two men for looting following the devastating floods on the Mid North Coast.

Mr Thurtell said stealing from families and local businesses wiped out by some of the worst floods on record is unforgivable.

“We have additional police on the ground and if we find anyone taking advantage of this community we’ll throw the book at them,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.

“The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace.

“Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian.”

About 8.40pm yesterday (Sunday 25 May 2025), police stopped a 20-year-old man on Pulteney Street, Taree, when he was allegedly found picking through property in the street.

Police allege that when the man was stopped, he was in possession of two hunting knives, first aid kits, a defibrillator, several fishing rods and other medical items and tools.

The 20-year-old man was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and custody of knife in public place.

The man was refused bail to appear before Taree Local Court today (Monday 26 May 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Forster Local Court on Tuesday 10 June 2025.

In an unrelated incident, police stopped and searched a 4WD on Albert Street, Taree, about 10.40pm yesterday (Sunday 25 May 2025).

When personal documents, tools, and a knife were allegedly located inside the vehicle, the driver – a 29-year-old man – was arrested and taken to Taree Police Station.

He was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, custody of knife in a public place, licence expired within the last two years, and stealing.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Taree Local Court on Tuesday 17 June 2025.

As floodwaters recede, officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District – with assistance from PolAir – have increased proactive patrols to target theft and property offences in the region.

Manning/Great Lakes Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Natalie Antaw, would like to assure the public that police are performing additional patrols around the clock, and extra resources have been assigned to prevent and disrupt further offending.

“We encourage the public to report any suspicious behaviour to police as soon as possible so that we can take action.”

“I’d also like to remind people that taking any goods that are not yours, no matter where they are found, is an offence – even if the items have been moved from their original place by floodwaters,” she said.

Man charged following alleged armed robbery – Newcastle

A man will face court tomorrow charged following an alleged armed robbery at a licensed premises near Newcastle at the weekend.

About 7.50pm on Saturday 24 May 2025, police were called to a hotel on Fullerton Street, Stockton, following reports of an armed robbery.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and found a 30-year-old man being held down by a group of patrons.

Police were told the man had allegedly threatened patrons at the venue and demanded cash from staff, before stabbing a 68-year-old man.

The 68-year-old patron left the scene prior to the arrival of police. He was later located and attended John Hunter Hospital.

The 30-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to the same hospital under police guard.

Police searched the man and allegedly located and seized several weapons including a gel blaster firearm.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Earlier today (Monday 26 May 2025), the 30-year-old man was charged with five offences:

Robbery while armed with dangerous weapon,
Aggravated robbery with wounding/grievous bodily harm,
Wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,
Possess unregistered firearm-pistol, and
Common assault.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 26 May 2025).

Appeal to locate woman missing from Rutherford

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Olivia Hoskins, aged 26, was last seen in Rutherford about 8.30pm today (Saturday 24 May 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

Olivia is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall, with a thin build and brown/blonde hair.

She is believed to be travelling in a red Honda Jazz with NSW registration DVK 97V and was last seen wearing a beige jumper and track pants.

Olivia is known to frequent the Rutherford, Newcastle, Mosman and Sydney areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Driver charged following pursuit – Wallsend

A man has been charged after a pursuit in Wallsend last night.

About 11.40pm last night (Friday 23 May 2025), officers from Newcastle City Police District e were patrolling Metcalfe Street, Wallsend when they attempted to stop the driver of a white Kia Rio.

When the vehicle failed to stop as directed, police initiated a pursuit.

Police discontinued the pursuit after losing sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, officers from Newcastle Traffic and Highway Patrol re-engaged the vehicle in a pursuit.

Road spikes were successfully deployed in the Wallsend area before police terminated the pursuit after again after losing sight of the vehicle.

Just after midnight, police located the Kia Rio abandoned after it crashed into bushland at the end of Elermore Parade, Wallsend.

Police set up a perimeter with the dog squad and Polair in attendance.

The accused was located on Cambronne Parade Elermore Vale, where following a short foot pursuit, a man was arrested after attempting to jump a timber paling fence.

In climbing the fence, the man slipped and impaled his right calf on the top of the fence.

Police immediately administered first aid until the arrival of Ambulance Paramedics and officers from Fire and Rescue NSW, who cut him down from the fence.

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard for treatment.

After being released from hospital, the man was taken to Waratah police station where he was charged with three offences – two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (2nd + offence) and drive whilst disqualified (2nd + offence).

The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 25 May 2025).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Health Minister Mark Butler have joined Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to announce an overhaul of Australia’s Clinical Guidelines for PSA Testing

The announcement was made at Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s annual Parliamentary Big Aussie Barbie in Canberra today.

Experts have called for new guidelines to improve early detection of the disease.

Health Minister:

“Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer in this country, and the Albanese Government is committed to taking action to improve earlier detection and treatment of the disease.

“We are very serious about delivering on our election commitments to improve health outcomes for Australian men and families.

“More than 24,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and more than 3,500 will die from the disease.

“As Health Minister, I am determined to increase earlier detection of prostate cancer so that we can reduce avoidable deaths from the disease and manage the country’s leading cause of cancer more effectively.”

PCFA Chairman Adjunct A/Professor Steve Callister:

“Australia has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world, with one in every five Australian men likely to be diagnosed by age 85.

“We commend the Government’s support for our review of the 2016 guidelines and we look forward to commencing this work immediately.

“If we can diagnose all men at the earliest stage and ensure they have access to new medicines and care, we can beat this disease.”