Helping the community back on its feet

MORE than 5680 people in Northern NSW have received assistance from the NSW Reconstruction Authority through the RA’s Recovery Assistance Points and outreach services after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said the RA had worked closely with residents in the 18 impacted Local Government Areas.

“We will continue to work through the Recovery Coordinator, Councils and our NGO partners to assist communities to recover,” he said.

The RA has undertaken mobile community outreach to ensure that smaller communities can access financial and other assistance and connect with available support.

Having already visited Kyogle, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, and Byron Bay, the RA plans more visits, which will be announced soon.

The one-stop shops include direct support such as grocery vouchers, hardship grants, legal insurance, business advice, and mental health and well-being services.

Service NSW has already distributed $1.5 million in Personal Hardship Allowance Payments.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the government was doing everything possible to ensure people across Northern NSW can get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

“If you need help to support your family or to get your business back on track, then come to one of our Recovery Assistance Points,” Saffin said.

“The Reconstruction Authority will be visiting other communities too to ensure we don’t leave anyone behind.”

Small businesses and primary producers in LGAs included in the Natural Disaster Declaration may be eligible for concessional loans of up to $130,000, and primary producers may also be eligible for transport subsidies of up to $15,000.

Assistance Points can be found in Lismore at Southern Cross University and in Tweed at Tweed South Community Hall and will remain open until Friday, March 28, to 5 pm.

For information, visit nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery