The NSW Reconstruction Authority has helped more than 5680 people in Northern NSW get back on their feet after Tropical Cyclone Alfred through its Recovery Assistance Points and outreach services.
Recovery Assistance Points will stay open in key locations this week to make sure that communities in Northern NSW get the help that they need.
Recovery Assistance Points can be found at the following locations and times this week:
- Lismore: Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, Room V1.19.
Monday 24 to Friday 28 March from 9am to 5pm - Tweed: Tweed South Community Hall – Corner Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads
Monday 24 to Friday 28 March from 9am to 5pm - Woodburn: Woodburn Memorial Hall, 127 River Street, Woodburn
Tuesday 25 March from 12pm to 7pm
Wednesday 26 March from 9am to 3pm
Mobile community outreach has also been undertaken to ensure that smaller communities are also able to connect with supports available and access financial and other assistance.
The Reconstruction Authority has already visited Kyogle, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Coraki, Woodburn, Wardell, Dorrigo, Bellingen and Nana Glen. More visits are planned and will be announced very soon.
Support available for anyone who needs help at these one-stop shops includes direct support like grocery vouchers and hardship grants as well as legal, insurance and business advice, mental health and wellbeing services.
Anyone who has experienced lengthy power outages or evacuation orders is eligible for a Personal Hardship Assistance Payment of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five through Service NSW.
Service NSW has already distributed $1.5 million in Personal Hardship Allowance Payments to help people in Northern NSW get back on their feet. Anyone who needs support can visit a Recovery Assistance Point or Service NSW Centre to apply. You can also apply online through Service NSW at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/northern-nsw-storm-relief-grant-individuals-march-2025;
Services Australia is also on hand at Recovery Assistance Points to help people who have lost income access income support and other Federal Government payments.
Small businesses and primary producers in Local Government Areas included in the Natural Disaster Declaration may be eligible for concessional loans up to $130,000 and primary producers may also be eligible for transport subsidies of up to $15,000. Applications can be made online via the Rural Assistance Authority – https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/ndrl. Primary producers and small businesses can also call 1800 678 593 or email rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au for help with their applications.
Information on where to find help and the assistance available, including eligibility criteria for grants and how to apply, can be found at nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery.
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“We are going to do everything we can to make sure people across Northern NSW can get back on their feet as quickly as possible. If you need help to support your family or to get your business back on track, then come to one of our Recovery Assistance Points.
“These one stop shops for anyone who needs help will stay open this week and the Reconstruction Authority will be visiting other communities too to make sure we don’t leave anyone behind.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:
“The Reconstruction Authority has been working closely with residents in the 18 impacted Local Government Areas following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred to ensure those impacted have access to the support they require.”
“We will continue to work through the Recovery Coordinator, Councils and our NGO partners to assist communities to recover.”