After a disaster

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Navigating the recovery journey post-disaster is a gradual process, and it's perfectly acceptable to seek assistance. Prioritising safety extends beyond physical wellbeing and should also encompass mental health.

Familiarising oneself with the available support and understanding how to access it proves invaluable in the recovery process.

This page provides information to help support our community in recovering from emergencies and disasters. 

General Recovery Support

Service NSW will provide information about what support is available from the State and Federal Government following a disaster or emergency.

NSW Reconstruction Authority will also publish information about recovery assistance. More information can be found on the NSW Government website.

Recovery Committee

After an emergency event, the Coffs-Bellingen Local Emergency Management Committee, in consultation with the LEOCON and Combat Agency, will determine the need for a coordinated recovery operation through a Recovery Committee.

The Committee would be responsible for assessing community needs and capacity, then developing a recovery action plan.

Wellbeing Support

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.

Experiencing a variety of emotions in the aftermath of a natural disaster is entirely normal. These feelings may arise not only immediately after the incident but also well into the future.

Consider reaching out to your friends and neighbors with a supportive phone call. If you or someone you're aware of requires assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.

There are free services accessible around the clock, seven days a week, including:

Lifeline

Lifeline are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website.

Lifeline Natural Disaster toolkit

Mental health services and support contacts

For a full list of mental health services and support contacts, visit the NSW Health website.

Contact List

Support for individuals

Disaster relief and support

If you have been impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for Disaster relief assistance and support from the NSW Government.

Disaster relief and support information

Recovery Centres

Recovery Centres provide support to disaster-affected communities by bringing together both government and non-government services in one location to help restore emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing.

Recovery Centres are not established following every emergency. The Recovery Committee in consultation with the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON), local council and NSW Reconstruction Authority, will assess the need for a Recovery Centre and make recommendations regarding its establishment to the State Emergency Recovery Controller (SERCON).

Practical Support

A number of agencies provide practical support and guidance for community members impacted by a disaster.

 

Personal Documents

Service NSW provides assistance in replacing personal documents such as identification, licences, certificates, permits, registrations or documents that might be lost or damaged during a disaster or emergency.

Visit a Service NSW centre or call 13 77 88.

More information

Legal Assistance 

Legal Aid NSW is a state-wide independent government agency that helps people in NSW with their legal problems. Legal Aid NSW can provide free legal advice and minor assistance to those affected by disasters on issues such as insurance, tenancy, credit and debt problems.

Call 1800 801 529 or visit their website.

Mid North Coast Legal Centre has developed a range of legal resources relating to natural disaster and emergencies.

Legal Resources

Support for businesses

Service NSW

Service NSW provides a range of resources to assist businesses impacted by natural disasters and emergencies.

These include information on financial help, insurance advice, programs to support staff members and more.

More information

Australian Government Business website

The Australian Government Business webpage provides support for businesses in Australia, including information, grants, services and support from across government agencies. This extends to providing information on supports available to businesses affected by disasters.

More information 

Support for landholders and primary producers

Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (NSW - Northern Region) provide free, independent and confidential assistance to help eligible farmers and small rural related businesses with current and long-term financial planning.

Find out more

Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline

Providing assistance to landholders and communities with animal welfare-related issues resulting from the floods. Landholders can request emergency fodder for livestock, animal assessment, veterinary advice and if required, euthanasia and burial.

To request assistance, call the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647

More information

PiNDDA Survey 

The primary industries natural disaster damage assessment (PiNDDA) survey is a simple online survey which farmers, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services (LLS) staff, and agricultural industry representatives can use to record damage to primary production and animals from natural disasters such as floods, fires and storms.

Submit a survey

Rural Assistance Authority

Primary producers can access concessional loans and transport subsidies through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Assistance. 

More information

Rural Aid

Rural Aid’s assistance for primary producers includes coucnelling and wellbeing, financial assistance, community representatives, fodder, domestic water, domestic water tanks, farm army, educational resources and more.

More information

Local Land Services (LLS)

Local Land Services helps landholders to plan and prepare for, respond to, and recover from biosecurity emergencies and natural disasters. 

More information

How to help

Donations

To best support communities impacted by natural disasters, it's important to approach donations thoughtfully. Unrequested donations to affected regions may impede ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Consider donating goods or financial assistance through the not-for-profit organisation GIVIT.

Other organisations such as Salvation Army, Anglicare North Coast Appeal, Lifeline, Rotary, Food Bank NSW, Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal and Australian Lions Foundation also accept financial donations.

Volunteering

Donate your time as a volunteer to help support your community. During recovery, you may be able to help with building or maintenance tasks, referring people to services and information, visiting people or offering social support. 

Register with Emergency Support Volunteering and your details will be passed on to organisations needing assistance.

Fundraising

Engaging in fundraising during disaster recovery not only provides crucial financial assistance, but also fosters a sense of solidarity, community support, and resilience, contributing to the overall rebuilding process.

It is important that you read the NSW Government advice on fundraising during a disaster to ensure it is effective.

Wildlife and vegetation recovery

Local Land Services

Local Land Services is helping land managers, with RU zoned properties, with advice on native vegetation management before, during and after bushfires.

A factsheet on managing native vegetation after a bushfire emergency is available through their website.

More information

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