PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council is wrapping up its flood recovery centres as the region moves into the next phase of rebuild and repair.
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Within days of the flood water subsiding in March, council partnered with Resilience NSW to set up flood recovery centres and outreach services to provide the community access to vital services and begin the clean up and recovery journey.
Almost 5,000 people came through the centres to speak with Resilience NSW, Red Cross, Beyond Blue, Legal Aid NSW, Insurance Council of Australia, and other government and welfare organisations.
Thie enabled thousands of flood-affected residents to get access to grants which help with the cost of cleaning up, loss of income, business impact, and also receive one-off payments.
Around $12.8 million in funding has been paid to individuals, families, small businesses and farmers so far. More grants are expected to be approved and government agencies are working hard to process the remaining applications.
Funding was applied for under Small Business Recovery Grants, Special Disaster Assistance Primary Producer Grants, Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Payment, Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Allowance and the NSW Disaster Relief Grants for structural damage and household contents (low income earners).
"Our team, and all of council, did an amazing job supporting people as soon as possible. From setting up and staffing the centres, together with Resilience NSW, to waiving around $2 million in tipping fees, Council has moved quickly to help our community as much as possible," said Lucilla Marshall, group manager community.
As the region moves into the next phase of repair and rebuild, council has seen fewer people needing to access the recovery centres. At the end of next week, the recovery services will move to Service NSW centres.
The last day for the Laurieton recovery centre on Bold Street is Monday June 28, 10am-3pm.
The last day for the Port Macquarie centre on Gordon Street is Thursday July 1, 10am-3pm.
The NSW government has a range of assistance packages.
To seek assistance visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods, phone 13 77 88, or visit Port Macquarie's Service NSW centre, on Central Road.
Recovering from disasters takes time, both physically and mentally. Make sure you're looking after your mental health. If you need help, it's available:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
- NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
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