Support Information

Emergencies
If you are seriously injured or know someone who is at risk of harm right now, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. 

There is a range of financial assistance available to individuals, families and businesses who are recovering from/experiencing the devastation from a disaster. If you are experiencing hardship due to recent flooding events, you are encouraged to reach out to your financial institution, phone and energy providers to enquire about financial assistance and support packages available to you.

Please note - Council has made every effort to find as many as possible and will continue to add to this page. Residents should consider their individual circumstances and provide accurate information when making any applications for assistance.

2025 Flood Event AGNR 1211 
The assistance measures are being provided by the Australian and New South Wales Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

Assistance for Individuals

Immediate assistance: This assistance is intended to meet the essential emergency needs of people who are directly affected by the disaster and have no other means of meeting their immediate needs (such as evacuees who are unable to access their personal finances or arrange alternative forms of assistance). The assistance may be provided during and in the days after the disaster. Assistance is provided through in-kind direct material aid e.g. emergency accommodation or small cash payments to purchase essential items.  

Immediate assistance is generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.

Grants for essential household contents: These grants will assist with the cost of replacing household items essential to maintaining a basic standard of living. Examples of essential household contents include bedding, furniture, clothing, and essential electrical items (e.g. refrigerator, washing machine, stove). These grants assist low-income residents, not covered by insurance, who have no other means of restoring their homes to a safe and habitable condition following the disaster event. Grants are subject to income and assets testing. The amount of assistance provided depends on the assessed needs of the affected household and the number and type of items that have been damaged. 

Grants for essential structural repairs to homes: These grants provide a contribution toward essential structural repairs to low income home owners who have no other means of restoring their homes to a safe and habitable condition following the disaster event, and who are not covered by insurance. Grants are subject to income and assets testing. The amount of assistance provided depends on an assessment of structural repairs required and the number of occupants in the home. 

  • State administering agency: NSW Reconstruction Authority 

  • Enquiry contact: Service NSW on 13 77 88. 


Assistance for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations

Concessional interest rate loans (direct damage) to small businesses and primary producers:  

Loans of up to $130,000 at a fixed concessional interest rate may be available to small businesses and primary producers (subject to certain eligibility criteria) that have been directly impacted by a disaster. These loans may be used to meet carry-on requirements or to repair or replace damaged property not covered by insurance. 

  • State administering agency: NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 

Freight subsidies for primary producers: Transport freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent on the carriage of livestock and fodder are available to help primary producers. The maximum subsidy available is $15,000 per annum. 

 

Concessional interest rate loans (direct damage) and grants to non-profit organisations: 

Assistance to sporting and recreation clubs: A special scheme is available to assist sporting and recreation clubs in meeting the costs of restoration of essential club facilities that have been damaged or destroyed.  

The assistance is only made available to clubs that do not have the financial capacity to meet restoration costs from their own resources, and who are unable to obtain assistance through normal channels, but that have the capacity to repay any loan that may be granted. The maximum assistance provided to any single applicant is a grant of up to $2,000 and/or a loan of up to $10,000 at a concessional interest rate. 

  • State administering agency: NSW Treasury for grant assistance. Enquiry contact: NSW Treasury via email at natural_disasters@treasury.nsw.gov.au
  • State administering agency: NSW Rural Assistance Authority for loan assistance. Enquiry contact: 1800 678 593

Loans to non-profit organisations: Loan assistance is available to voluntary non-profit organisations for the restoration of essential facilities that have been damaged or destroyed. Assistance is only available to those organisations that do not have the financial capacity to meet restoration costs from their own resources or insurance and are unable to obtain assistance through normal channels. Advances are subject to a maximum of $25,000 at a concessional interest rate per annum. 

Personal and Business Support

Personal Documents 

If you were affected by a natural disaster and lost important documents, such as identification, license, certificates, permits, and registrations, as a consequence, the relevant NSW and Federal Government department or agency can help replace them. The NSW Government website has a full list of documents that can be replaced, and how to apply to have them replaced. Click here.

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, through Service NSW, 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 

 

NSW Government Support

Services Australia

The Australian Taxation Office has a range of support options available to help you meet your tax obligations. You can phone their emergency support line on 1800 806 218 to see what support is available in your circumstances or see Support in difficult times.  

Service NSW

Service NSW 

If you a struggling, Service NSW can assist with connecting you to the right financial support. Whether you are an individual, business and or affected from a disaster. 

Contact Service NSW 

Address: 77 Fox Street, Walgett (Entrance via Euroka Street) 

Address: Shop 2/3 Morilla Street, Lightening Ridge  

Legal Aid

Crime

Legal Aid Criminal lawyers provide duty and case services, attending the regional Courts. We encourage any person charged with a criminal offence to phone the Walgett Legal Aid office as soon as possible rather than wait to seek assistance at Court on the day.

Family

Legal Aid NSW’s Family Law solicitor can assist with a range of issues like:

  • Questions about family breakdown

  • Property settlements

  • Child access and custody issues

Civil

Legal Aid NSW’s Civil Law solicitors can assist with a range of issues like:

  • Financial hardship – credit card or other debts, fines

  • Consumer or contract issues – unfair contracts, insurance

  • Centrelink – pensions, debts, fraud prosecutions

  • Housing – evictions, tenancy, mortgage difficulties

  • Discrimination or harassment – in employment, education, housing

  • Complaints about government authorities – such as police, schools, government departments

Our focus is to seek to resolve issues as early as possible, trying to help clients avoid the need for litigation. Court representation is available in a limited range of matters.

Work Development Order program (WDO):
WDOs are a voluntary option for vulnerable people to clear their fines debt through volunteer work, mental health/drug & alcohol treatment, counselling, educational courses, or programs.

Law Access

The best way to find out if we can provide you with free legal advice or book an appointment is to speak to our team at LawAccess NSW. Anyone with a legal problem in NSW can obtain legal information and referrals by calling 1300 888 529 or through our chat on our website: Legal advice (nsw.gov.au).

Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS)

The DRLS is a specialist team within Legal Aid NSW that provides free legal help for disaster-affected individuals in NSW with legal issues including:

  • Insurance claims and disputes

  • Eligibility for the Resilient Homes Program

  • Eligibility for disaster grants

  • Tenancy issues around rent, repairs, and eviction

  • Credit, debt, fines, and financial hardship

  • Employment entitlements and unfair dismissals

  • Domestic and family violence

  • Other legal problems related to disasters

Our specialist disaster solicitors are actively providing services in the region. We regularly attend outreach in Eugowraand other locations in conjunction with community events and in collaboration with services like Catholic Care financial counsellors.

Anyone affected by a disaster can get free help by contacting the Disaster Response Legal Service NSW helpline on 1800 801 529 (9am to 5pm weekdays). Further information is available on the Disaster Response Legal Service NSW website.

Key Legal Aid Contacts

Walgett Legal Aid Office
44 Fox Street, Walgett
Phone: (02) 6857 8122
Email: walgettOffice@legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Law Access
Phone: 1300 888 529

Disaster Response Legal Service
Phone: 1800 801 529 

 

Organisational Support 

Essential Energy

Essential Energy may be able to provide financial support for reconnecting power to properties affected by flooding.

For more information, visit their website at Essential Energy or call 13 20 80.

Insurance Support

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

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

Additional insurance support and resources are available through the Insurance Law Service.

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, visit the Australian Red Cross: Returning Home and Coping After a Crisis.

Disaster Relief - Banks

Banking Assistance

The Australian Banking Association provides information on disaster relief and financial hardship assistance that may be available through banks.

To learn more, visit the Australian Banking Association website.

Telstra

Residents living in disaster areas could be eligible for a Telstra disaster relief package.

If you’re a Telstra customer in a disaster-affected area, Telstra will send you an SMS with a link to request disaster assistance. If you don’t receive the SMS, you can activate the package by calling Telstra’s dedicated disaster assistance line on 1800 888 888. You can also contact Telstra online.

For more information, visit the Telstra Disaster Assistance page.

Optus

Financial hardship assistance may be available for Optus customers.

Customers can call 1300 308 839 for support.

For more information, visit the Optus Financial Hardship page.

 

Emotional Support

Lifeline

Phone (24/7): 13 11 14

Visit the website for crisis support and suicide prevention:
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – Crisis Support

Suicide Call Back Service

Suicide Call Back Service

Free 24/7 telephone counselling support if you are at risk of or affected by suicide.

Phone: 1300 659 467

For more information, visit the Suicide Call Back Service website.

13 Yarn

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are going through a tough time and feel like having a yarn.

Phone: 13 92 76

For more information, visit the 13YARN website.

Open Arms - Veteran & Families Counselling

Phone (24/7): 1800 011 046

For more information, visit the Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling website.

Mental Health

NSW Health Mental Health Services

Phone: 1800 011 511

For more information, visit the Mental Health Line – NSW Health website.

Kids Helpline

Mental health helpline for kids, teens, young adults, parents, and schools.

Phone: 1800 55 1800

Chat online 24/7: Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service

1800 Respect

Support if you, or someone you know, is experiencing sexual assault or domestic or family violence.

Phone: 1800 737 732

For more information, visit the 1800RESPECT website.

MensLine Australia

Free help, referrals, and counselling for men.

Phone: 1300 78 99 78

Chat online: MensLine Australia

 

Agency Support - Disaster 

St Vincent De Paul Society

St Vincent de Paul Society members and services provide a range of support for people experiencing disadvantage. Our members provide food, clothing, everyday essentials, assistance with bills, an ear to listen, and more. At the same time, our services offer crisis support, no interest loans, assistance with domestic and family violence, residential homelessness services, disability services, drug and alcohol services, and a range of other programs.

Contact: 13 18 12
Email: vinnies@vinnies.org.au

 

Agency Support - Drought

Primary producers and landholders in the region can access various support channels following a disaster. Being informed about the available assistance and grants is essential during these challenging times.

For current financial support, please visit:

Local Land Services

Local Land Services (LLS) plays a crucial role in managing emergencies that affect the community, environment, and economy. LLS supports the community by:

  • Providing advice to landholders during emergencies about emergency property planning and preparedness.
  • Assisting landholders in recovering from biosecurity events.

For more information on drought support initiatives offered by LLS, visit the Drought - Local Land Services.

LLS supports landholders across the region during drought conditions. Staff can provide advice on:

  • Pasture management and recovery.
  • Animal health and nutrition, including feeding rations.
  • A range of general advisory services.

Feed tests are highly recommended to improve producers’ knowledge of the nutritional content of feed, allowing for informed decisions and adequate feeding regimes to maintain or improve livestock condition. ‘Feed test bags’ are available for collection from your nearest Local Land Services office, and assistance can be provided in interpreting results.

Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR) access is a highly sought supplement to on-farm feeding regimes. All access must be authorised through the issue of a permit. TSRs are regularly monitored for feed availability, nutritional quality, and water access.

Targeted events focusing on managing through drought continue to be held across the Local Land Services region. These events are promoted locally and listed on their Facebook page and website.

Contact:

75 Fox Street, Walgett
Phone: 6828 6400
Visit: North West Local Land Services

Department of Primary Industries

Are you looking for the most up-to-date information on drought support? Visit DroughtHub for information on subsidies and support packages available to drought-affected farmers.

Local DPI staff provide a range of information and run various workshops and events throughout the year.

The DPI Rural Recovery Support Service is available to “Listen, learn and link to create opportunities for farming communities.” They can help connect you with support services, assist in skill development, advocate for community needs, and support recovery from adverse events. They are heavily involved with mental health services and can provide links to support services in this area.

For more information, visit the Rural Recovery Support Services page.

Rural Aid

<p>Rural Aid offers free, confidential counselling to Rural Aid registered farmers and their families. Rural Aid counsellors catch up with their farmers where they’re most comfortable.</p>
<p><strong>Services include:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Counselling and Wellbeing</li>
<li>Financial Assistance</li>
<li>Fodder for Livestock</li>
<li>Domestic Water and Water Tanks</li>
<li>Workers Support</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Counselling Intake Line:</strong> 1300 175 594<br>
<strong>Phone:</strong> 1300 327 624</p>
<p>For more details, visit the <a href="https://www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/" target="_blank">Services Provided - Rural Aid</a> website.</p>

Drought Angels

Drought Angels is a registered charity offering personalised, heartfelt, and discreet assistance to farming families—“a thank you, not a handout.” They provide support by:

  • Supplying stock feed
  • Offering financial support via pre-paid visas and local produce vouchers sourced from within communities
  • Providing moral support through personal face-to-face or phone contact
  • Referring families to other support networks as needed

For more information or to apply for assistance, visit the Drought Angels website.

Or contact:
Phone: 07 4662 7371
Email: admin@droughtangels.org.au

GIVIT

The NSW Government has partnered with GIVIT to enable the effective delivery of charity and aid to farmers and rural communities impacted by the drought.

GIVIT supports charities by providing a virtual warehouse where people and businesses can pledge their support—whether monetary donations, goods, services, or volunteer time—and be matched with communities or charities that require that type of support.

100% of donations go directly to those in need, with a strong focus on supporting small towns through local buying. After all, it’s about supporting our small businesses during this drought too.

Please spread the word and direct all charitable drought efforts to GIVIT.

For more information, visit the GIVIT website.

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