There are a range of support options now available for people who have been affected by the recent floods across much of our catchment.

The NSW Rural Assistance Authority have announced Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Recovery Grants of $15,000 for primary producers and small businesses in the Local Government Areas of Griffith, Leeton, Lockhart, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Urana, Wagga Wagga and Young. Further information on these grants, and application forms, are now available [1].

Unfortunately, a number of other LGAs affected by the floods, including Tumut, Gundagai and Tumbarumba, have missed out on these grants. To help build the case for these areas to be included in the grant process, landholders are encouraged to submit damage reports, which will provide evidence to the government of the damage caused by the floods. Landholders can complete the Flood Damage Report available below, and submit to the NSW DPI at damage.report@dpi.nsw.gov.au [2]. Alternatively, you can contact the DPI on 1800 814 647.

The Australian Government is also offering payments of $1,000 per adult, and $400 per child, to people in affected LGAs who have not already received an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment for the disaster, and were affected by the floods such as: your home sustained major damage; you were stranded in your home, or unable to access your home, for at least 24 hours; or your home was without essential services for 48 hours. More information, including full elibibility requirements and details on how to apply for the payment, is availale here [3].

For people who have experienced personal loss and trauma, grief support organisation Skylight [4] have a range of resources [5]available for victims of recent and current flooding in Australia. Skylight offer support resources for business, property and homeowners, employers, families, teens and children dealing with loss and trauma, including natural disaster recovery.

BlazeAid [6] are a volunteer organisation who assist farmers in financial stress to rebuild fences following natural disasters.

Please see the attachments list below for a list of telephone numbers for Rural Financial Counsellors in NSW Southern Region.