Cyclone Alfred Recovery Information

Information about recovery efforts following Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025. 

Council pick up of green waste

We completed storm related green waste from urban areas in the Byron Shire in May 2025.

Residents can continue to use their TWO $50 waste disposal vouchers, if they have not already done so this financial year, to bring green waste to the Byron Resource Recovery Centre. Bring your rates notice.

Sandbags – what to do with them?

Empty Sandbags can be dropped at The Resource Recovery Centre.

The sandbags will be re-used.

Make sure all sand is removed and drop at The Re-Market tip shop.

Do not empty sand or place sandbags onto the beach

  • Sand can be dirty and contaminated from flood or stormwater with weeds, pests and chemicals posing an environmental risk for marine life, birds and insects.  
  • People can empty sandbags onto their gardens or use as a top-dressing for their lawns.
  • Do not put full sandbags in the wheelie bin.

Beach erosion & safety

We are working through the 49 beach access points we maintain, undertaking works to make them safe. 

Please access all beach areas with caution. For the safety of all beach goers, we urge the community to not cut your own path down the eroded dunes or remove barricade tape or warning signs.

More information about staying safe on beaches following storms and cyclones

Cyclone Alfred recovery support

Disaster assistance grants

Disaster assistance has been announced under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recover Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for the Byron Shire.

Assistance will support councils, and their communities meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items.

Financial support for individuals 

Disaster Relief Grants are available to individuals who require immediate financial assistance and assistance with clean-up, including removing waste. 

Essential Household Goods Grants

There are two types of Essential Household Goods Grants to support eligible applicants who are impacted by a natural disaster.  

  1. Essential household goods
  2. Rough Sleepers/Camping Package

Structural Grants

Structural Grants provide a contribution toward essential structural works for households unable to meet the cost of repairs and may also assist in relocation-related costs.

There are 4 types of Structural Grants available (depending on the type of damage suffered).

Financial support for businesses

Financial support is available for small businesses, non-profits and primary producers, including: 

  • Concessional interest rate loans to small businesses and primary producers
  • Concessional interest rate loans 
  • Grants to non-profit organisations
  • Assistance to sporting and recreation clubs
  • Loans to non-profit organisations
  • Freight subsidies for primary producers.

Primary Producers can also access a Natural Disaster Transport Subsidy | NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA)

Disaster Recovery Quick Response Grants program

The annual Disaster Recovery Quick Response Grants program has been established to assist any Indigenous corporation whose property has been directly affected by a declared natural disaster.

On the ground assistance and support

Vinnies

  • Food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance for those who need it most following the cyclone.  
  • 13 18 12
  • Vinnies Website

Australian Red Cross

Legal Aid

  • Free legal help for those affected by a disaster, including insurance claims and disputes, housing and tenancy, financial hardship, and government disaster grants. 
  • 1800 801 529
  • Legal Aid Website 

Access to essential medicines

People impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies

For more information:

Donations and volunteering

Donations

We encourage community members to consider supporting local recovery efforts.

Money is more helpful than physical items because it lets organisations buy exactly what’s needed for the community. Your donation will make a real difference in the recovery process.

Please do not drop or send donations into impacted regions as unrequested donations can hamper recovery efforts.

Where to donate

Northern Rivers Community Foundation

Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) directs donations to local not-for-profits and community groups that support recovery efforts.

You can learn more and donate at Northern Rivers Disaster Relief Fund | Northern Rivers Community Foundation

GIVIT

GIVIT is the NSW Government’s identified donation platform, collecting money for disaster recovery.

GIVIT connects donors and community organisations to make sure people get what they need.

Visit GIVIT | Tropical Cyclone Alfred | Donate Money For Cyclone, Flood & Storm Relief | Give Now for more details.

You can also consider donating to local community service organisations based in the Byron Shire who are working directly with people impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. 

Volunteering

People can register to help volunteer at Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre’s (MDNC).

MDNC is taking spontaneous volunteer registrations for food support, material aid, and counselling (only). 

Register with Mullum District & Neighbourhood Centre

MDNC is not currently taking registrations for clean-up activities.

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