Flood-affected Bellingen Shire residents can now access vital financial aid,
as state and federal governments roll out recovery support.
Bellingen Shire residents, businesses, and primary producers impacted by the May 2025 flood event are now eligible for a range of support measures following the official natural disaster declaration.
Support is being delivered through both State and Federal Government programs, including grants to help individuals, households, small businesses, and non-profit organisations recover from the event.
Federal Government Funding Available:
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment or Allowance
Delivered through Services Australia.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment can cover you, if the disaster caused major damage to your home or a major asset or assets that you own at your home or you were seriously injured or you’re the immediate family member of an Australian citizen or resident who died or is missing as a result of the emergency event.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance is a short-term payment to help you if New South Wales east coast severe weather and flooding in May 2025 directly affects your income.
You can get support for a maximum of 13 weeks. And can be paid from the date you started losing income as a direct result of this disaster.
Claims under this grant funding must be made within six months. To learn more, head to the Services Australia website servicesaustralia.gov.au/new-south-wales-east-coast-severe-weather-and-flooding-may-2025
NSW State Funding Available:
Personal Hardship Assistance Grant
Delivered by Service NSW
This one-off payment provides $180 per eligible adult and $180 per dependent (up to a maximum of $900 per application).
Applications are closing soon: 26 June 2025
To learn more, head to the Service NSW website service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/individual-flood-grant-agrn-1212
Small Business and Non-Profit Organisation Grant
Delivered by Service NSW
Eligible businesses and non-profits impacted by the NSW East Coast Severe Weather event or Tropical Cyclone Alfred can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to cover clean-up, repairs, and reopening costs.
Applications close on 11 December 2025
To learn more, head to the Service NSW website: service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/small-business-recovery-grant-agrn-1198-1212
To assist residents in navigating available support, a Bellingen Shire-specific factsheet produced by the NSW Reconstruction Authority is now available. It includes key contact information and recovery resources and can be picked up at any local Shire Library or Neighbourhood Care Centre.
If you need further assistance, contact Revenue NSW on 1300 069 550, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.
For the latest information visit nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/flood-recovery-updates