Flood Recovery
In March 2021 and 2022 the Kempsey Shire experienced two major flood events.
Kempsey Shire Council and a range of government agencies and charities are here to help our community recover.
For up to date information on projects that are being offered to support the community, head to Council's Readiness and Recovery page.
Emotional Support
Emotional support is available.
Although time has passed since the flood, this is still a difficult time for many. If the impact of the flood is getting to you, Lifeline is here to listen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 (midday to midnight).
Donations
Our community is incredibly generous in times of need. If you are seeking to help through giving, please ensure you are donating responsibly.
Together with the NSW Government, we're asking people not to donate unwanted goods to communities affected by the floods. Sorting and storing these items takes up valuable volunteer resources that could otherwise be used to help people more directly. If you would like to contribute, please do so through the not-for-profit organisation, GIVIT.
Find out what donations are needed.
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Flood recovery grants
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After a flood event it can be daunting knowing what financial assistance is available and where and how to access it.
To make it easier for residents, Kempsey Shire Council has compiled a list of the relevant funding available to residents impacted by the March 2022 floods.
Flood Recovery Grants and Information
- NSW Government media release 'New Back Home Grants for flood-damaged properties'
Read more here
- A list of the disaster payments, grants and financial assistance available for people living in areas affected by severe storms and floods in NSW. Read more here
- Disaster recovery assistance is available to businesses in eligible NSW local government areas that have been impacted by storms and floods. Read more here
- Grants for people affected by the NSW 2022 floods via the Redcross. Read more here
- NSW Government media release 'New Back Home Grants for flood-damaged properties'
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Recovery Hub closes its doors
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After a successful year helping residents impacted by bushfires and flooding, the Macleay Valley Recovery Hub will close its doors on Friday 4 June.
Council will still provide updates at ksc.pub/recovery and through the Recovery e-newsletter.
Our Customer Service team are available to refer residents to the relevant service providers and can be contacted on 6566 3200.
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From the Mayor's Desk: A hugely successful Recovery Hub
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It feels like only yesterday, but Council’s Recovery Hub is about to mark a year of operation, which will coincide with closing the doors.
The Recovery Hub, located on Elbow Street in West Kempsey, was always intended as a short-term operation to bring all of the relevant agencies and Council staff together under one roof to offer a one-stop-shop for community members recovering from the bushfires and then the floods
Read Kempsey Shire Council Mayor Liz Campbell's full statement.
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Famers provided much-needed assistance
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Rapid Relief Team's Farmers Community Connect event at Kempsey Showground on Friday 21st May offered fodder and service providers to local farmers impacted by the recent flood event.
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Macleay moves to the next stage of flood recovery
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As the flood recovery effort continues across the Macleay, the region has moved on to a new phase in the recovery process.
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NSW SES community forums to discuss March flood event
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Following the March flood event across the region, NSW SES will be hosting several community flood forums in 12 locations over the next 3 months.
Find out where the community flood forums will be taking place
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Assistance available for disposal of silage plastic
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Kempsey Shire Council has partnered with the NSW State Government to support our community to manage the waste impact of the floods.
Primary producers are advised to take advantage of the current offer to drop their silage plastic off for free at the Kempsey Waste Management Centre. This service will be available at no cost until 4pm Tuesday 4 May.
Producers who are having difficulty transporting waste to the Kempsey Waste Management Centre are invited to call Customer Service at 02 6566 3200 to express interest in organising a one-time-only pick up directly from their farm.
These one-time-only pick ups will occur the week commencing 10 May 2021. It is expected for producers to be present at the time of pick up.
The window for expressions of interest will close at 4.30pm Friday 7 May.
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Free financial services available to flood-impacted communities
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Were you affected by the 2021 NSW Floods?
Financial Rights provides free and independent legal advice and financial counselling to consumers about insurance, credit and debt issues.
Learn more here -
Tips for filing flood and storm insurance claims
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A few tips have been provided by the Financial Rights Legal Centre to guide you through the process of filing flood and storm insurance claims.
Find the full list here
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New dates for flood recovery community meetings
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Did the flood impact you? Need help with recovery?
Kempsey Shire Council’s Recovery team are hosting community meetings across our shire, so that you can meet with us to talk about how the floods impacted you and your community.
These meetings are part of our Recovery Outreach program designed to provide additional support to those who are unable to attend our Recovery Hub in person.
We will provide updates on the recovery process and answer your questions about waste, support and recovery.
You can also speak directly with relevant government agencies and charities about what flood recovery assistance is available to you.
Recovery Outreach community meetings
Monday, 3 May
10.00am – 11.30am: Belmore River Hall
1.30pm – 3.00pm: Crescent Head Hall
Tuesday, 4 May
10.00am – 11.30am: Stuarts Point Hall
1.30pm – 3.00pm: Kundabung Hall
Wednesday, 5 May
10.00am – 11.30am: Bellbrook Hall
1.30pm – 3.00pm: Willawarrin Hall
Friday, 7 May
10.00am – 11.30am: Wittitrin Fire Shed
1.30pm – 2.30pm: Dondingalong Fire Shed
Videos
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The whole Macleay say thanks to the Recovery Taskforce, ADF, Rural Fire Service, SES, Fire and Rescue NSW and Kempsey Shire Council, who have achieved so much in the immediate aftermath of the floods.