Applications for Personal Hardship Assistance Grants are now open, helping cover out-of-pocket expenses incurred following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred across northern NSW.
The jointly funded Commonwealth and NSW Government package provides emergency financial assistance of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation.
Applications can be made online through your MyService Account on the Service NSW website (https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/nsw-support-cyclone-alfred-march-2025) or on the Service NSW mobile app.
To be eligible for a Personal Hardship Assistance Grant, you must reside in one of the 18 declared affected Local Government Areas, and you must have been either subject to evacuation orders (Category red emergency warning) or experienced power outages of more than 48 hours.
From the Tweed to Coffs Harbour, the NSW Government is continuing to provide support on the ground to communities impacted by the disaster, with teams deployed to Recovery Assistance Points and mobile outreach locations.
NSW Government staff will be available onsite at Recovery Assistance Points to help residents and businesses access a range of essential government services to aid their recovery.
Impacted community members are encouraged to visit the Recovery Assistance Points which will open tomorrow, Thursday 13 March:
- Tweed Heads - Tweed Heads South Community Hall Cnr Heffron St and Minjungbal Dr, South Tweed Heads, open 9am - 5pm
- Lismore - Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore Room V1.19, open 9am - 5pm
- Coffs Harbour - C.ex Coffs 2-6 Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour, open 10am - 6pm
- Ballina - Ballina Surf Club Lighthouse Beach Parade, East Ballina, open 9am - 5pm
Reconstruction Authority and Service NSW teams will also be available to help at mobile recovery outreach locations across the region running between Thursday and Saturday, including Dorrigo, Mullumbimby, Coraki, Nana Glen, Byron Bay and Murwillumbah.
While people do not need to attend a Recovery Assistance Point or Service NSW Centre to access a Personal Hardship Assistance Grant, staff can assist those who are unable to apply through the Service NSW website or app. People can also contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 for assistance.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is working alongside other government agencies, local governments, non-government organisations, and community groups to repair essential infrastructure, assess social recovery and mental health impacts, understand the needs of small business and primary producers, and coordinate any additional support that may be required to help the community recover.
To find out about support available to communities following Tropical Cyclone Alfred visit www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"The impacts of an event like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred are far reaching and as we shift to recovery, we hope these payments can help ease the immediate financial burden being felt by families and individuals.
"The NSW Government is here to lend a helping hand in restocking your fridge, replacing damaged goods and other essentials.
"These payments have a proven track record of offering relief in times of hardship and have previously helped the residents of Broken Hill to recover from the recent power outage.
"This is just the first step in recovery that the NSW Government and the community will navigate together."
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"We are on the ground, delivering vital support to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and providing residents and businesses the assistance they need.
"Whether it's applying for Personal Hardship Assistance payments, accessing essential services or receiving in-person guidance, the NSW Government alongside support organisations is here to help.
"We are continuing to assist communities affected by this natural disaster and moving quickly into recovery by offering a range of support services. Whether you're an individual or family, business or farmer, or someone who requires health or mental health support, I encourage you to reach out."
Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said:
"As we move from response to recovery, the NSW Government is making sure people across the North Coast can get back on their feet.
"These personal hardship payments offer immediate assistance, so that individuals and families can get the essentials like food and medicine, or cover a range of other out-of-pocket costs.
"I want to assure these communities that we're here for the long run as we begin to take stock of the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and shift our focus to repair and recovery."
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said:
"I encourage people to check their eligibility and apply for a range of disaster assistance being offered by the Minns and Albanese governments.
"Thousands of Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands residents have been impacted by the now Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the damage left in its path, prolonged power outages and isolation from flooding.
"I thank the NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, together with responsible ministers, for moving quickly to ensure timely disaster declarations and early assistance.
"If you live in any of the 18 disaster declared Local Government Areas, check your eligibility and apply for financial support to get back on your feet."
