
The Commonwealth and NSW government have jointly funded emergency financial assistance following Tropical Cyclone Alfred of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation.
‘As we move from response to recovery, the NSW government is making sure people across the North Coast can get back on their feet,’ said Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson.
To be eligible for a Personal Hardship Assistance Grant, you must reside in one of the 18 declared affected Local Government Areas (LGAs), and you must have been either subject to evacuation orders (category red emergency warning) or experienced power outages of more than 48 hours.
‘I encourage people to check their eligibility and apply for a range of disaster assistance being offered by the Minns and Albanese governments,’ said Lismore MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin.
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.
‘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,’ said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.
Recovery Assistance Points
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
‘We are on the ground, delivering vital support to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and providing residents and businesses with the assistance they need,’ said Jihad Dib, Minister for Emergency 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.’


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