After a Disaster

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. 

Getting familiar with the available support and understanding how to access is invaluable in the recovery process. 

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

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.

Contact Service NSW

Wellbeing Support

Mental Health Crisis Support - 1800 011 511

Mensline - 1300 789 978

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Personal Documents

If you were affected by a natural disaster and lost important documents. Service NSW can help replace personal documents such as identification, license, certificates, permits, registrations that might be lost or damaged from a disaster or emergency.

Insurance Support

For insurance advice and guidance, call the Insurance Council of Australia disaster hotline on 1800 734 621. You cannot make a claim on this hotline.

For free legal help with insurance claims and disputes visit the Disaster Response Legal Service.

Insurance support and resources are also available through the Insurance Law Service.

Visit a Service NSW Centre or call 13 77 88.

Support for Businesses

Disaster Assist aids and support to businesses across Australia that have been affected by natural disasters. Types of assistance and support can vary:

• The Disaster Recovery Allowance is a short-term payment for people that have had their income affected by a disaster. 
• Small Business Debt Helpline provides financial support from a professional financial counsellor

Support for Individuals

The NSW Government provides financial relief and support services for eligible individuals, families and households following a disaster. 

• Disaster Relief Grant
• Stamp Duty Relief for motor vehicles 
• Disaster Assistance Finder

Returning home after a disaster

Recovering from a disaster is a gradual process, it’s important to take care of yourself and your family. For practical tips to help you cope and clean up following a flood, fire or other disaster, please visit:

• Returning home and coping after a crisis | Australian Red Cross
• Recovery Connect brings together services and support from charities and government directly to you. This assistance helps people prepare for and recover from disasters and major natural events.

Support for Landholders and Primary Producers

• Rural Financial Counselling Services provide free confidential solutions to farmers and primary producers by developing practical solutions to help you regain control.
• Drought Resilience Fund offers low interest loans of up to $250,000 are available for primary producers in NSW to fund a broad range of products, activities and services aimed at improving drought preparedness and climate variability resilience.
• RIC offers low-interest loans to farm businesses to strengthen Australia agriculture and build thriving regional communities.
• Grant and Payment Finder for Farmers and Primary Producers after floods. 
• Disaster Assist identifies disasters in specific areas. People in those areas can then apply for disaster recovery payments.

Wildlife & Vegetation Recovery

• Local Land Services provide leadership in Flood Recovery support and advice to impacted landholders after an emergency response has wound down. 
• Pasture Recovery After Flood
• Local Land Services Bushfire Recovery
• Local Land Services Disease Control

Disaster Information