Month: May 2025

Funding to empower Aboriginal carers in the Central West

The Minns Labor Government is supporting more Aboriginal carers in rural and remote communities in Western NSW with a $300,000 funding boost Carers Investment Grant Program 2025-27.

The funding for the Regional Enterprise Development Institute’s Yadama Yoorayga project will drive greater awareness of support services available to Aboriginal people who care for family and friends.

Many Aboriginal people in New South Wales provide unpaid care to a person with a disability, health condition or due to old age, and account for 3.6 per cent of all carers in New South Wales. While they experience many of the same challenges as other carers, they say they felt less recognised as carers by service providers. In a 2024 National Carer Survey, 30.4% said they sometimes or never feel services are culturally safe.

The Regional Enterprise Development Institute is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation which has served Western NSW for more than 25 years.

This funding will ensure that culturally safe services, which recognise Aboriginal carers’ history and needs are provided. The project includes ongoing education and training to service providers to better equip them to meet the needs of Aboriginal carers in Western NSW. 

Key focus areas of the two-year project include:

  • Training service providers to understand the needs of Aboriginal carers.
  • Partnering with organisations in Western NSW to connect with Aboriginal carers.
  • Creating culturally appropriate programs with community input.
  • Setting up systems for ongoing training and education for service providers beyond the project.

The Yadama Yoorayga project is one of seven projects funded under the NSW Government’s
$3.1 million Carers Investment Grant Program 2025-27 to support carers across the state.

For more information about the grants and recipients, including a Carers NSW program to help Aboriginal Health workers better identify and support Aboriginal carers, go to https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/carers/carers-investment-grant-program.html

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Aboriginal carers often integrate cultural practices and values into their caregiving but they can sometimes face limited access to culturally appropriate services.

“The Yadama Yoorayga project will help to deliver culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal communities in remote and rural parts of Western NSW as well as drive advocacy for Aboriginal carers.

“This is another example of how we’re turning our Closing the Gap commitments into action, by caring for our carers.”

Minister with responsibility for Carers Jodie Harrison said:

“Carers are the backbone of their communities, selflessly providing unpaid support to family members and friends.

“Many take on caring duties out of love or friendship so often don’t identify as carers. This means they can miss out on vital assistance.

“This grant funding will raise awareness about all the help available to Aboriginal carers in Western NSW as well as educating local service providers on how to better meet the needs of the community.”

Labor member for Western NSW Stephen Lawrence said:

“The NSW Minns Government is delivering a strong mix of carer support measures for Aboriginal communities across Western NSW, particularly for carers who diligently support their families and communities in so many valuable and meaningful ways.”

Regional Enterprise Development Institute chief executive officer Peter Gibbs said:

“The Regional Enterprise Development Institute has worked with Western NSW communities for decades and is well placed to serve the needs of carers in the area.

“Carers play a huge role in supporting family members and friends with illness or disability, particularly as they grow older. 

“This funding will allow us to deliver a culturally-tailored program in partnership with the community to meet the unique needs of Aboriginal carers.”

More than 6,000 personnel on the ground as clean up and road repairs continue in flood impacted communities

More than 4,000 people representing NSW Government agencies are on-the-ground across the Hunter and Mid North Coast completing rapid impact assessments, coordinating a clean-up blitz, repairing roads and undertaking other recovery work.

Workers and volunteers from across the NSW Government, interstate and overseas are on the ground in impacted communities, and teams continue to be deployed to assist with early recovery.

The NSW Government teams include 2,220 State Emergency Service volunteers assisting with recovery efforts, with 350 people supporting from the Rural Fire Service, and around 250 people from Fire and Rescue NSW.

There are also 650 staff and contractors from Transport for NSW, working across the road and transport network to restore access to roads.

Crews have already removed more than 1,500 tonnes of debris from the state road network. So far around 5,500 pothole repairs have been completed including on major roads like the Pacific, Oxley, Gwydir and New England Highways.

More than 20 NSW Maritime staff are also working tirelessly, undertaking 63 urgent taskings ranging from evacuations, transfers and assessment of hazards, and carrying out 420 impact assessments of navigational aids on waterways that have been damaged or displaced on the Manning, Hasting and Camden Haven Rivers.

An additional 24 police have been sent to the region to bolster community confidence, including conducting proactive patrols to deter looting.

In addition to the 4,000-plus NSW Government staff and volunteers, there are also around 2,000 people from councils, electricity companies, telco companies and spontaneous volunteers supporting the recovery effort in impacted areas.

Importantly, the SES is coordinating these teams of community volunteers to ensure the goodwill and hard work makes the maximum impact with clean-up activities.

So far, more than 10,000 cubic metres of waste has been removed from impacted areas.

An additional 76 interstate personnel arrived yesterday from emergency services agencies across the country, bringing the total current interstate support numbers to over 230. In addition, a contingent has arrived from New Zealand.

Around seventy personnel from the Australian Defence Force are in the field, bolstering recovery efforts even further.

So far, at least 8,406 damage assessments have been carried out. Of these, 1,065 buildings have been deemed as currently uninhabitable, including 632 residential buildings. This also includes around 152 commercial and industrial properties and more than 253 outbuildings (sheds etc). Repairs will likely bring a portion of these properties back to an inhabitable state.

At least thirty homes have been assessed as having been destroyed.

While these assessments are progressing, it is important to remember there are around 10,000 properties that need to be assessed for safety, including homes, businesses and other infrastructure.  Seven communities, or around 9000 people, are still isolated, which will delay some assessments.

Residents are asked to remain patient and await advice from NSW SES that it is safe to return before heading home.

Returning home to flood impacted properties can pose a number of health and safety risks.

Floodwater and mud can contain objects and pollutants that are harmful, including garbage, chemicals, debris, sewage, germs such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. NSW Health has important advice about safe household clean up after a flood at: health.nsw.gov.au/emergency_preparedness/weather/Pages/household-cleanup.aspx.

When people return home, they should:

  • Take pictures of their properties, before they start cleaning, to assist with insurance claims.
  • Leave waste on the kerbside, separating white goods and mattresses from other flood debris.
  • Wear protective clothing when cleaning or touching flood-damaged items or material.
  • Contact the Environmental Protection Agency on 131 555 for advice if there is any risk that waste contains biological or chemical hazards, or asbestos contamination.

Once items are out for collection, clean-up teams can begin washing out your property.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin MP said:

“This is a huge effort from our emergency services and volunteers, from within these communities, across the state and from around Australia.

“Thank you to the local community members who step up in these times, and everyone who is on the ground, in the mud and cleaning up, and thank you to those people helping co-ordinate the early recovery efforts to make sure the hard work is collaborative and effective.

“There are thousands of people on the ground, who have sprung into action to help people in need, and there are more to come.

“We are working on the clean-up as quickly as we can, but we know that is just one step in the recovery journey for these communities, but it’s a step we are committed to working on as swiftly and effectively as possible.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The response to these floods has been led by our NSW SES volunteers, but all emergency service personnel have been assisting in partnership with local communities.

“This has been a mammoth effort with help arriving from across the state, across the country, and from across the Tasman.

“Although we can’t control the weather, we have been able to control the way we’ve responded to the impact of the floods.

“The work of teams on the ground, cleaning up and rebuilding lives, is inspiring. These are people who leave their families and put themselves in harm’s way for the good of the community.

“Amidst tragedy our volunteers inspire us. They represent the best of us. They stand with these communities as we will stand with them for the long recovery ahead.”

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“I’d like to thank the Transport for NSW crews who have been working day and night to get our roads moving again.

“As the recovery continues, I want to remind our community to never drive through flood waters, and comply with directions as work to restore road access takes place.”

Federal financial assistance expanded for flood-affected New South Wales communities

The Albanese Government is expanding financial assistance for communities in the New South Wales Hunter and Mid North Coast regions impacted by the devastating floods – activating the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and extending the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).

From 2:00pm local time on Wednesday 28 May, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for people in the Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Maitland, Mid Coast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Port Stephens Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The AGDRP helps those who have suffered the most serious impacts, including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather. It’s a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.

From 2:00pm local time on Wednesday 28 May Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will be extended to people living in more LGAs. These are: Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Nambucca Valley, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Walcha.

This is in addition to those who can already claim in the Dungog, Kempsey, Mid-Coast, and Port Macquarie-Hastings LGAs.

DRA supports people who’ve lost income as a direct result of this event by providing up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.

People can check their eligibility for AGDRP and DRA on the Services Australia website: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport

These supports are on top of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements that have been activated to help households, small business, primary producers, and councils.

The quickest way to claim is online through myGov.

If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money You Owe service), or by calling 1800 076 072.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians.

“The heroes of the SES and other community volunteers – and neighbours looking out for each other.

“We are standing with these communities during the disaster and recovery.

“We are expanding our direct financial assistance to communities affected by the floods.

“We will continue to supplement the response and early relief initiatives being led by the New South Wales and local governments.”

Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:

“The financial assistance we are rolling out across impacted communities will help locals to focus on recovery efforts and ease some pressure during these incredibly distressing circumstances.

“Services Australia staff are working hard to ensure claims are processed as smoothly and as quickly as possible so that those impacted can access these essential supports.

“I encourage people in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for payments on Services Australia’s website.”

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“These flooding events has impacted communities across the region differently. We are working hand in hand with the New South Wales Government to roll out support for households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.

“Today’s extension of the Disaster Recovery Allowance will help eligible workers who have had their employments impacted by these floods.

“We know that this is still early days for the recovery, but we are here for the long haul and will continue working with all levels of government.”

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 so repairs can be completed. Buses will supplement trains between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah in both directions.

Allow plenty of extra travel time, check transport apps for service updates.

Adoption of World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement

The Australian Government welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement.

The Agreement is a significant step towards strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The Agreement takes account of lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports collective action to address pandemic threats, including by strengthening multi-sectoral disease surveillance and access to vaccines.

While the Agreement has been adopted by the World Health Assembly, there are further steps remaining to finalise technical details. Australia will only commence our treaty making process after the Agreement opens for signature, which is not expected until at least mid-2026.

Once the Agreement has entered into force, Australia and our region will be better positioned to reduce pandemic risks and respond swiftly if a pandemic occurs, saving lives and mitigating the impacts on our economies. Australia will retain full sovereignty in making public health decisions which promote the interests of Australians.

Australia is proud to have served as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Agreement, representing our diverse Western Pacific region.

This outcome reaffirms the value of multilateral solutions to shared global challenges.

Australia will continue to play our part to ensure the international community is better prepared to respond to future pandemics

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“We need international cooperation on health to help keep Australia, our region, and the world safe. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement demonstrates the value of the international community working together to find solutions to shared global challenges.”

Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP:

“The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. We have a collective responsibility to protect public health in all of our countries. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is an important step forward.”

Greens Welcome NSW ADHD Reforms, Urge National Action

The Australian Greens welcome the New South Wales Government’s announcement to allow up to 1,000 general practitioners to provide ongoing prescriptions for ADHD medication to children and adults. Additionally, a smaller number of GPs will be trained to diagnose and initiate the prescription of medication for ADHD. While this is a significant step forward, comprehensive national reforms are urgently needed to ensure equitable access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment across Australia.

In 2023, Senator Jordon Steele-John initiated a parliamentary inquiry into the availability of ADHD treatment and support services. The inquiry’s final report presented 15 actionable recommendations aimed at improving the lives of individuals with ADHD, including reducing the financial barriers during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Key recommendations from the inquiry included:

  • Reforming ADHD medication prescribing rules
  • Implementing a national ADHD framework
  • Developing a neurodiversity-affirming public health campaign
  • Providing training for healthcare professionals
  • Investing in ADHD support and advocacy services
  • Conducting further research into ADHD

While some States have initiated changes to prescribing rules, a nationally consistent approach is essential to ensure all Australians have timely and affordable access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

In April 2025, Senator Steele-John shared that he has an ADHD Diagnosis. 

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Health, Mental Health and Disability Services. 

“It’s encouraging to see the NSW Government expand the role of GPs in diagnosing and prescribing medication for ADHD. This aligns with one of the key recommendations from the Greens-led Senate inquiry into ADHD treatment and supports.”

“ADHDers across the country face significant barriers to accessing treatment, including high costs and long wait times. The NSW Government’s initiative will help alleviate these challenges for many.”

“However, the urgency of the situation has not been adequately addressed at the national level. Comprehensive policy changes are needed, and the Australian Government, along with state and territory governments, must act swiftly to implement the inquiry’s recommendations.”

“The Federal Government must take a leadership role in coordinating efforts across jurisdictions to ensure consistent and equitable access to ADHD diagnosis and support services nationwide.”

“The Greens remain committed to working alongside the ADHD community to advocate for immediate and meaningful action to improve the lives of ADHDers.”

Council to consider independent review report

The outcomes of the independent review into City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance will be tabled for endorsement at next week’s Council meeting.

Davidson Business Advisory presented a summary of its findings to Councillors and the public at a briefing earlier this month, which confirmed City of Newcastle was a well-managed and high performing organisation.

The full report details 20 recommendations along with actions for improvement across six themes of general and financial governance, compliance, major projects, engagement and organisational culture.

The full report will be tabled at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting, along with a recommendation that City of Newcastle’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) oversee implementation of the findings.

ARIC Chairman Stephen Coates, who has sat on 20 Council risk and audit committees, said City of Newcastle ranks among the best one or two Local Governments he has worked with.

“The City of Newcastle Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review,” Mr Coates said. 

“The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice. 

“While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge thanked the community for their input into the review, which he said will provide a basis for enhanced openness and transparency with the community.

“I thank the many members of our community who took the time to make a submission, ensuring that their voices were heard during this process,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I’m pleased that the review found the City of Newcastle to be a well-managed and generally high-performing organisation. 

“However, multiple important opportunities to improve and rebuild trust were identified. There are some real issues in communication and engagement with the community, and financial reporting can be more transparent.

“I look forward to now working with the City of Newcastle and Councillors on positive actions that build better communication, transparency, and trust with our community.”

The review was completed following a unanimous resolution of Councillors at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who tabled the Notice of Motion unanimously adopted in December, welcomed the outcome.

“This has been a very thorough review. I have been very impressed with the quality and substance of the review, and feedback from residents has been largely positive,” Cr Pull said. 

“What the review has underlined is that we are a high performing Council, but like all organisations we have room to improve. 

“I have consistently said that this review is an opportunity to reinforce confidence in Council, identify issues, offer solutions, and to give the Council some much needed direction going forward. 

“The reviewers have presented their findings and now it is over to the elected Council to decide how they respond.”

More than 800 public submissions from 548 individuals were considered during the review. ARIC was consulted at each phase of the review and accepted the final report ahead of the public briefing. 

Davidson Business Advisory has worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews.  

The full report can be viewed on the City of Newcastle website.

City of Newcastle keen to keep Surfest on the international stage

As Surfest prepares to make its debut on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in less than two weeks, one of the contest’s foundation sponsors is looking to ensure it stays there until at least 2028.

Councillors will vote at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting on whether to commit to a three-year annual investment of up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support for the Challenger Series event.

City of Newcastle’s funding would be subject to WSL receiving greater funding from Destination NSW, which is currently considering the proposal to extend the major event’s stay at Merewether Beach beyond this year.

In February, Councillors endorsed the investment of up to $2 million annually to attract and retain major events through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Surfest is a great example of how major events provide economic, cultural, and tourism benefits.

“City of Newcastle is proud to be one of the foundation sponsors of Surfest, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Surfest gives our young athletes the opportunity to see their heroes in their hometown, whether they dream about following in their footsteps or just want to see them at their local beach.

“This iconic contest and other major events enhance our community, strengthen relationships between our organisations and build prosperity through job creation and economic growth.

“In 2024, 26 events, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, were delivered through our sponsorship programs, resulting in a total direct economic impact within the Newcastle LGA of more than $18 million.

“Supporting major events demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the Community Strategic Plan, maintaining our reputation as an events destination in a highly competitive market.”

Originating in 1985, Surfest was the richest professional surfing event on the international stage and helped Newcastle evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches and surf breaks to a new audience.

Surfest founder Warren Smith said City of Newcastle has played a major role in the success and longevity of the event.

“City of Newcastle contributed the initial funding in 1985 to help create Surfest,” Mr Smith said.

“It has been onboard ever since as a foundation partner, helping to keep the contest running, turning it into a premier event for the city and involving the community in its development.

“A three-year commitment from City of Newcastle would be a major vote of confidence in our quest to remain part of the Challenger Series.”

The Challenger Series is the second highest tier on the WSL calendar and is contested by more than 120 of young and experienced male and female surfers from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It also boasts the men’s and women’s Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don’t make the mid-season cut, justifying Surfest’s newfound status as one of the top 16 events on the planet.

Next month’s event is expected to attract approximately 3.2 million live viewers across all digital platforms, and more than 50 million social media impressions, promoting Newcastle as a tourism destination to an international audience.

Fodder drops provide lifeline to flooded farmers

The Minns Government is using helicopters to provide isolated farmers with emergency fodder for their stranded livestock, as part of a range of support available to flood-affected farmers across the Mid-North Coast, North Coast and Hunter.

As of midday Saturday, 24 May, there have been 43 helicopter aerial drops of fodder, and nearly 131 emergency fodder drops by other means. There have also been 15 requests for animal assessment and veterinary support.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) with Local Land Services (LLS) teams, with around 80 people available for responding, are working together as the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA), that is managing the agricultural and animal welfare hotline and its response activities.

The AASFA operation is providing farmers with emergency fodder in cases of immediate animal welfare concern, aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock, and fodder drops to farmers in the Hunter and other areas affected.

Another important element of emergency response and recovery for farmers and communities impacted by natural disasters is the difficult process of deceased animal disposal.

Through the AASFA emergency hotline, farmers and community members can make requests for carcass disposal and report deceased livestock, either on properties or that have been transported by floodwaters off properties and into community spaces.

The correct management of deceased or unwell livestock after a natural disaster is important to minimise the impact on the environment, distress to owners and the public, and to reduce the risks to human and animal health through the spread of disease. 

Impacted farmers can call the AASFA hotline: 1800 814 647 (8am to 6pm, 7x days a week)

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“This extreme weather event has ended up being more impactful than thought possible and I want to praise the work of farmers for all their efforts in protecting their livestock as well as they have. Unfortunately, the rain and flooding has caused a lot of damage and taken many animals with it.

“The AASFA team is ready to assist with emergency fodder, stranded animals and veterinary treatment plus the necessary work of carcass removal.

“Farmers and the community can call the hotline and request assistance and the AASFA team will respond and service those in need.

“The NSW Government is providing emergency fodder, veterinary care, management advice and aerial support for isolated stock. Farmers are not alone and can call our hotline for assistance.

“Animal welfare will continue to be a top priority over the coming days as waters recede.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Director Emergency Management Dr Leigh Pilkington said:

“I would like to thank all landholders and community members for being proactive in taking steps to prepare for this event and reporting their deceased animals, so our team can make the appropriate disposal arrangements,” Dr Pilkington said.

“We know it is an incredibly difficult time for landholders, and we have teams ready to assist them where we can. I would encourage landholders to reach out to DPIRD for help.

“We have vets from Local Land Services ready to help with animal assessment, treatment and euthanasia on welfare grounds and carcass disposal.”

Assistance available through AASFA includes:

  • Animal assessment and veterinary support
  • Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
  • Emergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
  • Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
  • Livestock feeding and management advice
  • Aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock

NSW Government to meet immediate needs as response transitions to early recovery for flood impacted communities

A range of immediate support measures have been put in place for individuals and families in flood impacted communities across NSW, with more to come in the following days, as early recovery commences.

Now that the peak of the emergency response has passed, the NSW Government’s focus is on ensuring that impacted people can access food and shelter, medicine and animal welfare support.

Immediate Health and Welfare support

  • Individuals and communities that have become isolated and are in need of food or medical supplies should contact the NSW SES on 132 500 for assistance. In life threatening situations, call Triple-Zero (000).
  • Food, accommodation, and connections with social services are available at evacuation centres. A list of evacuation centres is available at: ses.nsw.gov.au/during-an-emergency/evacuation-centres.
  • People who have lost their prescriptions or prescription medicines, or can’t access their GP, can visit their local community pharmacy for a replacement for most medicines. For more information speak with your local pharmacy, GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
  • Landholders needing urgent animal welfare assistance should call the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area on 1800 814 647. Operating hours have been extended from 8am to 6pm daily.

Clean up and Returning Home

As flood waters continue to recede, we understand people will be keen to inspect their properties, but we ask that they remain patient and await advice from NSW SES that it is safe to return. Strike teams are on the ground completing rapid impact assessments and coordinating a clean-up blitz.

Following safety assessments, roads will begin to reopen, supporting resupply to communities and returning home. If roads are blocked, please do not drive around barricades even if you cannot see water, as it may not be safe.

  • The M1 has now reopened, with one lane in each direction. Please check livetraffic.com for the most up-to-date information on road closures before heading out.
  • Returning home to flood impacted properties poses a number of health and safety risks. NSW Health has important advice about safe household clean up after a flood at: health.nsw.gov.au/emergency_preparedness/weather/Pages/household-cleanup.aspx
  • A coordinated plan to manage waste is being rolled out. Residents should leave waste at their kerb. Emergency services will be on hand in some areas to help move waste from homes to the kerb. Residents are encouraged to separate white goods and mattresses from other flood debris. Please wear protective clothing when cleaning or touching flood-damaged items or material. If there is any risk that waste contains biological or chemical hazards or asbestos contamination, please contact the NSW Environmental Protection Authority on 131 555 for advice.
  • Before people start clean up, they should also take pictures of their properties to assist with insurance claims. Legal Aid NSW is providing free legal assistance to NSW flood victims through the Disaster Response Legal Service and can be contacted on 1800 801 529.

Recovery Assistance, Grants and Donations

  • Recovery Assistance Points and Phase 1 of Commonwealth and State Government grants will commence shortly. More information will become available soon.
  • If you want to help, the NSW SES partners with communities during a crisis to respond where help is needed most. In large-scale disasters, spontaneous volunteer groups and individuals are an integral part of supporting our communities with the right help at the right time. Find out more at: ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/spontaneous-volunteer
  • Please donate responsibly to flood impacted communities. Unsolicited donations often end up warehoused or in landfill, making clean-up operations more difficult and costly for communities. GIVIT is working in partnership with the New South Wales Government, local councils and recovery organisations to help people in NSW affected by storms and flooding get the essential goods and services they need. To find out what is needed, visit: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/new-south-wales-flooding.

Mental Health Support

Importantly, take care of your mental health and encourage those around you to do the same. This a challenging time. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support any time
  • Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
  • 13YARN, run by Aboriginal people, on 13 92 76
  • Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911
  • Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (if you’re aged under 25)
  • NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 to speak to a specialist mental health service.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin MP said:

“We’re working to roll out the support that people need through Evacuation Centres now and Recovery Centres as they open. This is about making sure that people get a helping hand in these challenging times.

“One of the most important steps in early recovery is the initial clean up. That’s why the government is rolling out a plan to manage waste. Public Works, the EPA, and local Councils are working together to collect flood waste from homes and businesses.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“As the severe weather subsides, we urge the community not to become complacent. Please continue to heed warnings from the NSW SES, monitor the Hazards Near Me app and always follow the advice of emergency service personnel.

“The SES is working with emergency services and recovery partners to carry out rapid damage assessments and clean outs as we continue to support NSW communities starting on the road to recovery.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Transport for NSW is working with local councils and emergency services to restore road access to isolated communities as quickly as possible.

“Communities are reminded to not drive through flood waters, and comply with all roadworks speed limits as we work to restore access.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“The priority right now is that flood impacted people have access to food and shelter. Both can be found at our evacuation centres in addition to connections to social services where required. They will also continue to be available at Recovery Assistance Points.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting people across the state when disasters hit, we work closely with emergency services and community leaders to understand what locals need and provide help to those impacted.”