NSW councils activated for disaster assistance in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred

A $15 million Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, is now available to NSW councils and their communities following the impacts of the Cyclone Alfred weather event.

Activated councils will have up to $1 million in funding made available once impacts are known. This will provide proactive support for communities to undertake essential immediate clean up and restoration activities for important community assets such as pre-schools, senior citizen centres, libraries and community halls.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The NSW Government is coordinating a multi-agency response to the cyclone, which has been forecast to significantly impact Northern NSW and Southern Queensland.

The currently weather modelling suggests that these 15 NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) will sustain the most immediate impact of the cyclone,

The Commonwealth Government is working closely with both the New South Wales and Queensland Governments to ensure appropriate support is provided to impacted communities over the coming days.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Northern NSW residents, and their neighbours to the north, are on high alert watching Tropical Cyclone Alfred approach.

“We are providing assistance now, but also have this future support on standby, ready to roll should recovery and cleanup work be needed in the immediate aftermath.

“Having this support ready to go means, if needed, essential work can begin and people’s lives can begin to return to normal as soon as possible.”

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

“It’s a challenging time for communities in the Northern Rivers, who are experiencing the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“Having grown up in the Northern Rivers, I know these communities well.  I am acutely aware of how worrying this event will be for local people.  

“I’ve been incredibly grateful for the work of the local mayors, Councils and community leaders, supporting their communities.

“We are activating this assistance quickly to ensure councils are supported in their work. 

“We seek to be good partners to Premier Minns and his government, through the immediate event and into the recovery”.

Premier Chris Minns:

“This is a pre-emptive step to help local councils quickly respond to this disaster.

“Councils are helping their communities prepare for the onslaught, and this will help them in the aftermath.

“This is just one early part of the support for the regions that get impacted by this disaster.”

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“The NSW Government with the support of the Commonwealth is continuing to roll out support for the Northern NSW communities facing the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“This funding will be directed to councils in the local communities who need it most, with many of them still recovering after the devastating 2022 floods.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing ongoing support to the communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in the days and weeks ahead.”

Indigenous claims to end under One Nation policy

Indigenous land or heritage claims such as those threatening Mount Panorama at Bathurst will be halted, and all existing claims reviewed as part of One Nation’s policy to achieve equal rights and treatment for all Australians, regardless of race.

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson said the claim on McPhillamy Park at Bathurst was a contrived farce and should be immediately rejected.

“The Aboriginal corporation making the claim has been trying to make the location—home to one of Australia’s most iconic sporting events—a sacred site for years,” Senator Hanson said.

“They were successful in hoodwinking Sussan Ley into blocking a go-kart track on the site, and this latest claim is based on them scattering the remains of a former director at the site, after gaining permission from the local council in 2022. It’s a sick joke. It’s a complete farce. It should be immediately rejected.”

“Claims for land based on Aboriginal mythology should have no more validity than a claim for land based on the tooth fairy.”

“This group and others are trying to lock Australians out of their own country not for genuine cultural or heritage reasons, but out of racist hatred and pure, naked greed. One Nation’s policy will restore equality for all Australians. Equal rights for all citizens, and special rights for none, is the only fair approach to law in a free representative democracy.”

“Under our policy, no new submissions will be accepted while all existing claims under native title or cultural heritage laws will be reviewed. We’ll amend the Native Title Act to insert a sunset clause. Attempts to rename Australian places with Indigenous words will be rejected. Taxpayers will no longer pay for ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies or similar rituals. An individual’s Indigenous heritage will no longer confer any undue advantage in applying for a loan, a job, a course of education, or accessing health services.”

“Being Indigenous does not make a person exceptional; being Australian makes a person exceptional.”

“Australians overwhelmingly rejected Indigenous exceptionalism at the 2023 referendum. The Albanese Labor government has failed to heed this lesson or accept any responsibility for its failures, including blocking a billion-dollar gold mine in New South Wales due to an Indigenous claim—by the same group threatening Mount Panorama—based on a mythical bee.”

“Like bureaucratic red tape and environmental green tape, Indigenous heritage black tape holds our nation hostage only because we let it. One Nation will finally put a stop to it and achieve true equality for all Australians regardless of race.”

Council cyclone recovery package fuels SEQ clean-up

  • Community Relief Fund activated for South East Queensland local governments affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
  • Funding will be available for councils to assist with the costs of immediate clean-up and early recovery activities.

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the Queensland coast, $15 million in emergency assistance has been made available to South East councils in the impact zone.

The Community Relief Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments will provide councils up to $1 million to undertake essential immediate clean up and restoration activities.

Councils can use this funding for waste and debris removal from streets, properties, and community assets, and activities to restore public assets.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Commonwealth Government is working closely with both the Queensland and New South Wales Governments to ensure appropriate recovery support is ready to go for impacted communities over the coming days.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Community Relief Fund was on standby to kickstart clean-up and recovery in the South East.

“Obviously, everyone is hoping we don’t see the worst of what this tropical cyclone can bring. But if we do, we want to make sure that as soon as recovery work is physically possible it gets underway.

“Early focus on clean-up is the first step to returning life to an even keel.”

Premier David Crisafulli

“Recovery planning was well advanced to unlock immediate support for South East Queenslanders, as soon as it was required.

“Delivering this support now means no delay and no time between response and recovery.

“Just as work continues in the north and far north, we’ll walk side by side with local governments during the next phase of recovery.”

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister

“The funding gave local councils confidence to roll out the response needed.

“This funding will boost recovery across the region.

“It’s a critical injection that will allow councils to dedicate resources to urgent clean-up tasks like tree and debris removal, and will ensure work keeps progressing.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy

“The Community Relief Fund provided flexibility for councils to address unique local recovery challenges and priorities.

“Disaster impacts vary from community to community, but the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to helping Queenslanders through recovery remains the same.

“This fund allows councils to focus on tasks of most benefit to their residents, with officers from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority positioned ready to assist all affected SEQ councils with their recovery efforts.”

Visit www.qra.qld.gov.au for more information.

NSW councils activated for disaster assistance in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred

A $15 million Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, is now available to NSW councils and their communities following the impacts of the Cyclone Alfred weather event.

Activated councils will have up to $1 million in funding made available once impacts are known. This will provide proactive support for communities to undertake essential immediate clean up and restoration activities for important community assets such as pre-schools, senior citizen centres, libraries and community halls.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The NSW Government is coordinating a multi-agency response to the cyclone, which has been forecast to significantly impact Northern NSW and Southern Queensland.

The currently weather modelling suggests that these 15 NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) will sustain the most immediate impact of the cyclone,

The Commonwealth Government is working closely with both the New South Wales and Queensland Governments to ensure appropriate support is provided to impacted communities over the coming days.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Northern NSW residents, and their neighbours to the north, are on high alert watching Tropical Cyclone Alfred approach.

“We are providing assistance now, but also have this future support on standby, ready to roll should recovery and cleanup work be needed in the immediate aftermath.

“Having this support ready to go means, if needed, essential work can begin and people’s lives can begin to return to normal as soon as possible.”

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister

“It’s a challenging time for communities in the Northern Rivers, who are experiencing the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“Having grown up in the Northern Rivers, I know these communities well.  I am acutely aware of how worrying this event will be for local people.  

“I’ve been incredibly grateful for the work of the local mayors, Councils and community leaders, supporting their communities.

“We are activating this assistance quickly to ensure councils are supported in their work. 

“We seek to be good partners to Premier Minns and his government, through the immediate event and into the recovery”.

Premier Chris Minns

“This is a pre-emptive step to help local councils quickly respond to this disaster.

“Councils are helping their communities prepare for the onslaught, and this will help them in the aftermath.

“This is just one early part of the support for the regions that get impacted by this disaster.”

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib

“The NSW Government with the support of the Commonwealth is continuing to roll out support for the Northern NSW communities facing the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“This funding will be directed to councils in the local communities who need it most, with many of them still recovering after the devastating 2022 floods.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing ongoing support to the communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in the days and weeks ahead.”

Greens ‘Big Tech Tax’ to raise $11.5b from global giants

The Greens will implement a Big Tech Tax to ensure companies like Meta, Google, Microsoft and Amazon are paying their fair share to support the Australian communities and consumers that spend billions on their services.

The policy is expected to bring in approximately $11.5b in revenue over the medium term, according to independent analysis from the Parliamentary Budget Office. 

Under the proposal, revenue in excess of $20 million earned from digital services in Australia will be taxed at a rate of 3%. Digital services include advertising, online marketplace services, user data, social media and cloud services.

To be captured under the tax, platforms would need to make more than €750 million in worldwide revenue. 

Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for Communications & Senator for South Australia:

“Companies that trade in Australia need to pay tax on the money they make in Australia. Global tech giants are making billions of dollars in revenue in Australia while paying very little in tax. 

“Parliamentary Budget Office analysis of digital service revenue shows that in 2022-23 alone, Google raised more than $8.7billion, Amazon almost $6b, while Microsoft and Uber both earned over $2.9b.

“It’s time the tech giants and the billionaire tech bros paid their fair share back to the Australian community. 

“A tech tax would raise approximately $11.5 billion over the medium term which could be invested in essential public services, like dental into Medicare and cost of living relief.

“We know this works overseas and it can work here. At least 12 other countries already have a Digital Services Tax including the UK, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal.

“A digital services tax is the first step in reining in the astronomical power that big tech companies currently wield. Not only are they making super profits, they are harvesting and selling the personal data of millions of Australians and ripping off Australian journalists and creators.

“These big foreign owned corporations make huge profits off Australians and resist regulation at every turn. It’s time they paid their fair share of tax.

“With a power sharing Parliament likely, the Greens will push for this policy after the election.

“We need to stand up for our national interest against Donald Trump’s billionaire oligarchs like Zuckerberg, Musk, and Bezos.”

Greens to Premier: extend free public transport for ‘Mad March’ festival season

The Greens have called on SA Premier Peter Malinauskas to extend free public transport for ticket holders during the Adelaide ‘Mad March’ festival season, including the Fringe, Adelaide Festival, WOMAD and Adelaide Writers Week.

Free public transport for festival ticket holders – similar to that afforded sporting events like the AFL and Cricket at Adelaide Oval – would have significant benefits for the South Australian economy and arts sector. The Greens have also urged the Premier to rename the Adelaide Cup public holiday on March 10 to Adelaide Festivals Day.

Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for the Arts and Senator for South Australia:

“Adelaide is at its best during our March festival season and free public transport for ticket holders should be a no-brainer. This is a win-win for our economy and the arts.

“I have written to Premier Malinauskas and urged him to consider our proposal that anyone coming in to see a show or event at the Fringe, Adelaide Festival, WOMAD or Writers Week can travel for free. 

“It is also time to change the name of Monday’s public holiday from ‘Adelaide Cup Day’ to ‘Adelaide Festivals Day’. The long weekend that hosts the Adelaide Festival, the Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide is the crescendo of Mad March. 

“Plenty more people are participating in the festivals this weekend than those going to the Adelaide Cup. It’s not even a Group 1 race anymore – it was downgraded years ago, while the Fringe alone is now the largest arts festival in the country. 

“Backing our arts festivals and encouraging audiences to attend more performances and events via public transport has a range of cultural, economic, and environmental benefits.

“We know that free public transport works and has proven immensely popular during the Adelaide Test Cricket, and of course for AFL football including the Gather Round. Given the huge contribution of the arts and festivals to our city, it makes sense to offer the same level of support to locals and visitors who are attending these hugely successful cultural events.

“The arts make an enormous contribution to the South Australian community, directly employing over 13,500 South Australians; not to mention the economic multiplier effect for jobs in hospitality, tourism and so many other small businesses. Making public transport free would add further value to our thriving cultural economy.

“Our festival season is a huge drawcard for South Australia, and we are already known as the Festival State. It’s time we recognised this properly with free public transport for ticket holders and by renaming the public holiday Adelaide Festivals Day.”

Robert Simms MLC is Greens spokesperson for Transport

 “The Fringe and festival season are enjoyed by many South Australian families. In the middle of an economic crisis, the exorbitant costs of car parking can make a visit to the city very expensive.”

 “The city is well serviced by public transport ⁠— the State Government should make this free for the duration of the festival season to reduce costs and ease congestion on our roads.”

 “The festival season should be open and accessible to all South Australians regardless of their bank balance.”

Greens hit the ground to help with Cyclone Alfred preparation, say stronger climate action needed to prevent future disasters

This week the Greens’ Queensland Senators, MPs and Councillors have been working around the clock to provide information, fill sandbags, distribute emergency kits, and knock on doors in communities susceptible to damage and flooding to offer assistance.

However, the Greens say while keeping communities safe right now is their number one priority, we must listen to the climate scientists who this week are warning that the climate crisis is supercharging catastrophic weather events, including tropical cyclones.

The Australian Greens are working with communities to prepare for the impact of Cyclone Alfred as they call for stronger climate action to prevent future climate disasters.

Globally we have just sweated through our hottest year on record, with annual sea surface temperatures for the Australian region their warmest on record. 

Marine heatwaves accelerate evaporation, and can intensify storms and cyclones. 

Climate change is also increasing the destructive power of tropical cyclones, including the windspeed, rainfall and rapid intensification, as well as coastal flooding from storm surges that are more destructive as a result of rising sea levels. 

Warming oceans are also increasing the likelihood of cyclones shifting further south, like this cyclone.

Meanwhile coal and gas companies are reaping massive profits while increasing others’ misery.

To prevent these climate disasters from becoming more frequent and intense, the Greens say governments must take stronger climate action, which means no new coal and gas.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Please listen to the authorities and if you need help, reach out.

“All our elected representatives in Queensland are focused on helping their communities prepare, and it’s right that federal and state governments are doing the same. Right now everyone needs to listen to the authorities to stay safe, and that includes governments listening to the climate scientists. 

“As we hope for the best and prepare for the worst, the priority right now is making sure people are as ready as possible to deal with this cyclone that was supercharged by coal and gas. Over 30 new coal and gas projects have been approved in this Parliament alone, which is just making it harder for us all to prepare and protect people. More coal and gas puts more people in more danger.

“Governments need to be helping people right now, but they also need to stop approving the coal and gas mines that are making these disasters worse.

“Governments have a responsibility to keep people safe – now and in the future.”

Winner of the 2025 NAWIC NSW Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship announced

The National Association of Women in Construction NSW (NAWIC NSW) has awarded a prestigious government sponsored $30,000 scholarship for women in property and construction to engineer Nicole Waterman, Project Leader at Laing O’Rourke.

This NSW Women’s Week, the Minns Labor Government is recommitting to gender equality and boosting women’s empowerment and advancement.

In particular, the government is focussed on increasing opportunities in the construction industry, proudly funding the 2025 NAWIC NSW Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship.

The game-changing scholarship was created to recognise women who have made a significant impact on the construction industry and demonstrate potential as future leaders. It provides funding for executive level further education to equip senior women in the construction sector with the leadership skills to drive industry change.

The scholarship was awarded to Ms Waterman at the NAWIC NSW International Women’s Day lunch on Thursday 6 March 2025. 

As a talented engineer who has led teams of up to 250 people, Ms Waterman has contributed to the delivery of multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects and championed women in the industry through mentoring and advocacy.

Ms Waterman is currently leading the TAP3 Footbridge Project at St Marys NSW, was Delivery Partner Lead on the $2 billion Western Tunnelling Package and played a key role in the Central Station upgrade for Sydney Metro.  

The scholarship will provide her career a boost, enabling her to enrol in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Global Executive Academy in the United States. 

Previous scholarship recipients include 2023 winner Talia Keyes, General Manager for Design with Scentre Group and 2024 winner Jua Cilliers, Head of the School of Built Environment at UTS. 

To find out more about the Women in Construction program visit the Women in Construction webpage and the NAWIC NSW Scholarships webpage.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“This scholarship is one of many NSW Government-led initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining women in the construction industry across NSW. Our objective is to cultivate a workforce that is both diverse and representative of the entire community.

“Congratulations to Nicole Waterman on securing this wonderful opportunity to enhance her skills and advance her career. The Minns Labor Government is delighted to support the professional growth of women like her.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Congratulations to Nicole Waterman for being an inspiring leader.

“The NSW Government is committed to bringing about change in the construction industry by removing barriers and creating opportunities for women to succeed.

“It has the potential to change the career trajectory of the recipient and reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to attracting and retaining women in construction.”

Infrastructure NSW Chief Executive, Tom Gellibrand said:

“We are thrilled to announce Nicole Waterman as the recipient of this year’s NAWIC NSW Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship.

“Nicole’s dedication to the construction industry and her leadership in advocating for women in STEM make her an outstanding choice. This scholarship will further empower her to drive positive change and inspire future leaders in the industry.

“The NSW Government Women in Construction Program is proud to support this initiative and remains committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the construction sector.”

NAWIC NSW Co-President, Taleah Stofka said:

“Nicole stood out for her strategic thinking, collaborative leadership and passion for the construction industry. She is a leader with deep technical expertise and site-based experience, a gift for communication, and an ability to inspire teams at scale. 

“The judges look for industry role models – leaders with a clear vision and commitment to giving back. Nicole is exactly that.

“This year’s scholarship saw a record-breaking number of applications, thanks to an expanded reach through our partnership with the NSW Government Women in Construction Program.”

NSW Women of the Year 2025 award recipients honoured

Five of the state’s most exceptional women have been honoured as recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025, at the International Convention Centre in Sydney this morning.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards are the centrepiece of NSW Women’s Week, which runs from Sunday 2 March and concludes on International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March.

The five 2025 Award recipients are:

Dr Jessica Luyue Teoh (Hornsby), NSW Young Woman of the Year

Dr Jessica Luyue Teoh is a domestic violence advocate and 2023 Churchill Fellow – one of only two women under 30 in Australia to receive this honour.

Sandy Rogers (Tweed), NSW Community Hero

Sandy Rogers has dedicated 40 years to improving the lives of children with intellectual and physical disability and their families.

Dr Vanessa Pirotta (Canada Bay), Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence

Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist renowned for her impact on marine conservation and science communication.

Kirsty Evans (Orange), NSW Regional Woman of the Year

Kirsty Evans has led efforts to provide pro bono legal advice to the community of Molong, affected by severe flooding in 2022.

Marjorie Anderson (Georges River), NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

Marjorie Anderson is a dedicated leader who has been pivotal in the success of 13YARN – the first national crisis support service for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in crisis, since its inception.

The Ones to Watch (girls aged 7-15 years)

  • Aish Khurram (The Hills Shire)
  • Ashleen Khela (The Hills Shire)
  • Aurora Iler (Campbelltown)
  • Chloe Croker (Goulburn Mulwaree)
  • Emilia Trustum (Richmond Valley)
  • Hayley Paterson (Hornsby)
  • Jiayi Fang (Ku-ring-gai)
  • Kat Mulcair (Yass Valley)
  • Lydia Tofaeono (Strathfield)
  • Waniya Syed (Camden)

This year, a special In Memoriam was added to the Awards ceremony for Maddy Suy, a vibrant girl whose love for life inspired many. Diagnosed with a brain tumour at age six, Maddy faced the challenge with bravery and positivity. Maddy advocated for those who could not. She wanted to leave a legacy and to inspire others to contribute through the Maddy & Co hubs.

Local Woman of the Year 2025 recipients, who were nominated by their local MP also attended the Awards ceremony today and received certificates for exemplary service to their communities. The Local Woman Honour Roll will be published on the Women of the Year Awards webpage.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards have been running since 2012, recognising and celebrating the New South Wales’s revolutionary thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.

More details about the NSW Women of the Year Awards program and recorded livestream of 2025 ceremony are available on the Women of the Year Awards webpage.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“I’m delighted to congratulate NSW’s most remarkable women and girls, for breaking barriers and achieving the highest success in their respective fields.”

“You are the future of NSW, inspiring everyone right across the state with your dedication, passion and lasting impacts in the community.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Congratulations to the recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards. You are truly deserving of the recognition you received today. The New South Wales Government is proud to celebrate your incredible success and highlight your role in inspiring other women and girls across the state.

“You can’t be what you can’t see, and you all are paving the way forward for women and girls with your strength, resilience and achievements.

“The program also recognises women at the core of communities and families, with our Local Women of the Year recognition.

“I also look forward to following the journeys of our incredible young recipients. You are all already hitting goals and making waves in your communities, so I’m sure you have bright futures ahead.”

NSW Young Woman of the Year 2025 recipient Jessica Teoh said:

“To stand alongside such a diverse and passionate group of women, each making impactful contributions to their communities and fields, is truly inspiring. This recognition highlights the collective strength of women driving change, and I am grateful to be part of this incredible journey.”

NSW Community Hero 2025 recipient Sandy Rogers said:

“I have been fortunate enough to be given great opportunities to help many in our community. Being able to support those needing a ‘little helping hand’ when times and money are tough, make me feel good and I know it means a lot to those we support.”

Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence 2025 recipient Dr Vanessa Pirotta said:

“This recognition is so powerful and means a lot to me as an early career researcher in science and as a mum. So much of my work is intergenerational and community based, which enables me to ask questions to help equip future generations with important information now about our marine environment. This recognition will help make waves – pardon the pun – across the state to encourage communities to connect with the sea, regardless of whether they live in Bondi, Forbes or where I grew up in Murrumbateman.”

NSW Regional Woman of the Year 2025 recipient Kirsty Evans said:

“It’s a privilege to be acknowledged among such inspiring women who are making a meaningful impact across our state. This recognition is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the incredible support I’ve received from my community, my colleagues and family.”

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year 2025 recipient, Marjorie Anderson said:

“I am passionate about having healthy, sustainable and safe Aboriginal communities. This award reflects my important work in the community and delivery of a world first national crisis line for Indigenous people. Women need to be recognised for the outstanding work they do and supported to continue to achieve greatness.”

Volunteers playing an important role as the NSW Government responds to Tropical Cyclone Alfred

As the NSW Government continues to prepare for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Northern NSW, we want to thank all the volunteers who are supporting communities.

More than 2,000 NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers are in the field and working with other NSW Government emergency service agencies to prepare and assist communities in the Northern Rivers and on the Mid North Coast. 

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has signed a protection order for volunteers involved in responding to Tropical Cyclone Alfred to ensure their employment will not be affected while they assist in the response. 

As this situation continues to unfold, the ongoing support of volunteers will be crucial over the coming days and weeks. 

If you are an individual or part of a group who is planning to or is ready and willing to help, consider partnering with the NSW SES, local authorities and endorsed community groups. 

Your support could be invaluable for urgent tasks such as sandbagging, sharing information, and participating in clean-up activities. 

The NSW Government encourages communities to monitor the NSW SES social media pages for information about volunteering as the situation evolves and community needs are identified. 

People who want to help are urged not to drop off goods or send donations into impacted regions as unrequested donations can disrupt recovery efforts.

If you want to help, please go to GIVIT.org.au to find out exactly what is needed. GIVIT has been contracted by the NSW Government to manage donations of essential goods and services for people impacted by disasters. 

Community members who want to volunteer with the NSW SES can find more information on the Spontaneous volunteers webpage.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said: 

“We’re grateful for our dedicated volunteers and emergency services crews as they work to support the communities facing the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. 

“If it’s safe and you’re willing and able to help, please consider supporting friends, family and neighbours. 

“I’d also encourage people who are able to look for opportunities to partner with local authorities and community groups for tasks like sandbagging and clean-up activities. 

“If you are elsewhere in NSW, please consider donating to help communities in need through GIVIT. They will ensure people get exactly what they need, when they need it. 

“If we all work together, Northern NSW communities will get the right help at the right time.” 

Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said: 

“As the North Coast braces for impact, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of SES volunteers, emergency workers and residents stepping up to protect their communities. 
 
“The days ahead will be tough, but you are not alone. The NSW Government is here, working alongside emergency services and community groups to deliver immediate support and recovery assistance. 
 
“If you’re in a safe position to help, please consider volunteering with the SES, partnering with local groups and if you’re not on the ground – donating through GIVIT to make sure aid reaches those who need it most. 
 
“This region is strong and resilient, with a long history of coming together in tough times. Just a few hours of sandbagging, cleaning up or checking in on a neighbour can make a real difference.”