Disaster Recovery
Get disaster recovery information such as community support services and the Recovery Action Plan.
Recovery & Support following Cyclone Alfred
Find out what kind of support, grants and funding is available as the focus moves from disaster support to recovery.
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.
- Essential household goods
- 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:
Other agencies
Legal Aid NSW Disaster Response Legal Service
The Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS) provides free legal help for disaster affected community members in NSW with legal issues like:
- Insurance claims and disputes
- Housing and rental problems including caravan parks
- Credit, debt, fines and financial hardship
- Eligibility for disaster relief grants and benefits
- Employment – unfair dismissals, entitlements
- Domestic violence
- Other legal problems related to disasters.
Anyone affected by a disaster can get free help by contacting the Disaster Response Legal Service NSW helpline on 1800 801 529 (9am to 5pm weekdays).
You can also visit the DRLS website Disaster Response Legal Service NSW for fact sheets and information.
Following a disaster, you can also often find us at Recovery Centres where we provide face to face help.