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New South Wales: Armidale, Ballina, Bayside, Bega valley, Bellingen, Blacktown, Blue mountains, Byron shire, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Parramatta, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Cumberland, Dungog, Eurobodalla, Fairfield, Georges river, Glen Innes Severn, Goulburn Mulwaree, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Inner West, Kempsey, Kiama, Ku-ring-gai, Kyogle, Lake Macquarie, Lismore, Lithgow, Liverpool, Maitland, Mid-coast, Mid-western, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Richmond Valley, Ryde, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Singleton, Snowy Monaro, Strathfield, Sutherland, Tenterfield, The Hills, Tweed, Upper Hunter, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Wollongong.

Queensland: Balonne, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Western Downs.

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Grants for people affected by the Qld and NSW 2022 floods

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New South Wales: Armidale, Ballina, Bayside, Bega valley, Bellingen, Blacktown, Blue mountains, Byron shire, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Parramatta, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Cumberland, Dungog, Eurobodalla, Fairfield, Georges river, Glen Innes Severn, Goulburn Mulwaree, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Inner West, Kempsey, Kiama, Ku-ring-gai, Kyogle, Lake Macquarie, Lismore, Lithgow, Liverpool, Maitland, Mid-coast, Mid-western, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Richmond Valley, Ryde, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Singleton, Snowy Monaro, Strathfield, Sutherland, Tenterfield, The Hills, Tweed, Upper Hunter, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Wollongong.

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OUR

SERVICES

CONSULTATIONS

RADIOGRAPHY

24 HOUR MONITORING

VETS - > DOWNLOAD OUR

IDEAL CARE REFERRAL FORM

ULTRASOUND

LABORATORY

ENDOSCOPY

PHARMACY

SURGERY

CONTACT

US

6pm Friday - 8am Monday

& all Public Holidays

OUR CONTACT DETAILS

OPENING HOURS

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Emergency Vets | Bangalow | Byron Bay | Ballina | NCEV

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For emergency pet care, bring your pet to North Coast Emergency Vets - our animal hospital provides Weekend and Public Holiday Veterinary services to Bangalow, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Ocean Shores, Ballina, Lismore and surrounding areas

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The Animal Welfare League NSW mobile vet service is an Australian-first, fully-fitted out B-Double trailer which has been purposefully designed to enable AWL NSW to travel to regional areas in NSW to provide desexing, vaccination and microchipping programs to communities doing it tough and help reduce the burden of unwanted litters and stop the source of pets that may find themselves at council impound facilities.

The mobile vet service features specially-designed areas to conduct minor animal surgeries (such as desexing) as well as an isolation room and over 35 recovery cages. It also features equipment to perform blood works, fridges, a veterinary scale, and extensive storage to hold veterinary supplies and more.

The AWL NSW veterinary team from our Kemps Creek clinic will travel to destinations in collaboration with AWL NSW volunteer branches across the state to ensure we are helping those that need us most.

AWL NSW would not be able to run these important community programs without the ongoing support of kind and generous donors. If you can, please consider supporting this cause, any donation no matter how small is appreciated. Donations can be made online, by calling AWL NSW on 02 8777 4461 or via PayPal here.

If you would like to know more about our community initiatives, please fill out the below enquiry form:

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Australian-first Fully Fitted Mobile Vet Truck | Animal Welfare League NSW

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The mobile vet service features specially-designed areas to conduct minor animal surgeries (such as desexing) as well as an isolation room and over 35 recovery cages. It also features equipment to perform blood works, fridges, a veterinary scale, and extensive storage to hold veterinary supplies and more.

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Since 2006 Need For Feed have been supporting communities and farmers across Victoria. ​ In December 2006, Founder Graham Cockerell, donated & delivered one truck load of hay which was distributed by Cowwar Toongabbie Lions Club to farmers burnt out in their area.The problem was that it was only 5 small bales of hay for each farmer.

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Flood affected areas in NSW to receive waste levy waivers

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Flood affected areas in NSW to receive waste levy waivers

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Residents facing the difficult task of cleaning up after extraordinary flooding across the state will be able to take flood-generated waste to the tip for free.

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If you're a parent, carer or guardian of school-enrolled children who supported home learning in 2021, your household may be eligible for $250 in vouchers

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Using your vouchers

The Parents NSW Vouchers are in addition to the 3 x $25 Dine NSW Vouchers, 3 x $25 Discover NSW Vouchers and 1 x $50 Stay NSW Voucher.

To use your vouchers, make sure they appear in your Service NSW mobile app under 'vouchers'.

Simply choose a participating discover business or stay business and to pay simply:

Log in to the Service NSW App on your mobile device.

Select 'vouchers'.

Select the valid voucher you wish to use.

Present the voucher QR code for the business to scan at payment.

Your device will show the voucher as being used.

If you do not have a mobile device, you can provide the business with a printed voucher or voucher code instead.

Both printed and digital options can be scanned by participating businesses.

Vouchers cannotbe:

redeemed for cash

used for alcohol, tobacco or gambling.

For seamless use, vouchers should be used in the Service NSW mobile app, so you will need to have a MyServiceNSW Account and to have the app downloaded to your smartphone.

Many NSW residents are already set up in the Service NSW mobile app and using it for QR code check ins, drivers licence and vaccination proof.

If you aren't yet set up with vouchers or the app, you may also need: 2 proof of identity documents such as an Australian driver licence, Medicare card or Australian passport. The names must match on your documents

If you do not have a smartphone or need additional support, call 13 77 88.

Apply for Dine & Discover NSW vouchers via Service NSW.

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The Parents NSW Vouchers are in addition to the 3 x $25 Dine NSW Vouchers, 3 x $25 Discover NSW Vouchers and 1 x $50 Stay NSW Voucher. To use your vouchers, make sure they appear in your Service NSW mobile app under 'vouchers'.

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Kindergarten to Year 6

The distance to school exceeds 1.6 km (straight line distance) or is at least 2.3 km walking distance, and

The distance to the nearest transport pick up point (where available) exceeds 1.6 km (straight line distance) or is at least 2.3 km walking distance.

Year 7 to Year 12

The distance to school exceeds 2 km (straight line distance) or 2.9 km walking distance, and

The distance to the nearest transport pick up point (where available) exceeds 2 km (straight line distance) or is at least 2.9 km walking distance.

TAFE students

The distance to the nearest transport pick up point (where available) exceeds 2 km (straight line distance) or is at least 2.9 km walking distance.
TAFE students must:

be under 18 years of age at 1 January of the year of application

be enrolled in a full-time TAFE course, such as a course with a duration of 12 weeks or more for a minimum of 16 hours per week

not be employed

be attending the TAFE nearest their home at which enrolment is available.

Boarding school students

If no public transport is available, boarding school students are eligible for subsidised travel between the family home and school at weekends and school holidays. Trips can be for various purposes during school time, including students attending a school event or sick students travelling home.

Students who board in town and attend a day school during term may also be eligible for subsidised travel between the family home and the place of boarding at weekends and school holidays.

Students that are weekly boarders are entitled up to 22 trips per semester

Students that are term boarders are entitled up to 9 trips per year

Journeying to school at the beginning of the week or term and journeying back home at the end of the week or term is counted as one overall trip for a boarding school student.

There is no subsidy cap on the distance travelled.

Distance education students attending mini-schools:

The NSW Department of Education runs a number of distance education centres (or mini-schools).

Students are eligible for the School Drive Subsidy if they are enrolled at a distance education centre (or mini-school) in accordance with section 2.2 of the Distance Education Enrolment Procedures set out by the NSW Department of Education.

There is no limit to the number of trips that can be claimed to attend mini-schools during term time (subject to school attendance records being checked).

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Kindergarten to Year 6 The distance to school exceeds 1.6 km (straight line distance) or is at least 2.3 km walking distance, and The distance to the nearest transport pick up point (where available) exceeds 1.6 km (straight line distance) or is at least 2.3 km walking distance.

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You can access your superannuation (super) early in limited circumstances.

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You must:

be eligible for Child Care Subsidy

have experienced temporary financial hardship due to an event that happened in the last 6 months, including COVID-19

have a substantially reduced ability to pay child care fees.

Temporary financial hardship events

Temporary financial hardship may occur if you or your partner have:

lost your job, other than if you resigned or retired

suffered a loss of income or a business failure due to circumstances outside of your control, such as serious illness

been adversely affected by a major disaster event

had your home destroyed or severely damaged.

You may also be experiencing temporary financial hardship from:

the death of a partner or child

loss of child support due to the death of a paying parent

having to leave your home and not being able to return because of an extreme circumstance such as from being affected by family and domestic violence

being affected by family and domestic violence, and the family member responsible leaves, or is removed from the home.

You can nominate more than 1 event if they have occurred within the last 6 months.

We don't consider any of the following events for this subsidy:

expenses such as routine home repairs or maintenance

non-essential expenses

increases in child care fees.

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The Temporary Financial Hardship subsidy

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You must: be eligible for Child Care Subsidy have experienced temporary financial hardship due to an event that happened in the last 6 months, including COVID-19 have a substantially reduced ability to pay child care fees.

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Disaster relief and support for primary producers

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Disaster relief and support for primary producers

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Disaster relief and support for primary producers

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NSW Government provides financial relief and support for eligible primary producers following a natural disaster. Some types of support require a disaster declaration for the affected location. Disaster declarations are determined and updated on a rolling basis.

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Disaster Relief Grants are available through Resilience NSW. This can cover emergency food, clothing and accommodation, repair or replacement of essential furniture and personal effects, and essential repairs to housing to a habitable condition.

👉 To apply for this, phone 13 77 88  and ask for the Disaster Relief Grant administered by Resilience NSW

Or for more info visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/disaster-recovery/disaster-relief-and-support

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<$50,000 is available to cover costs including repairing damaged fencing and equipment, replacing livestock, salvaging crops and restoring fields. This will be available through the Rural Assistance Authority, call 1800 678 593 to apply.

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- up to 50% of the cost on the carriage of

livestock and fodder to help primary producers. This will be available through the Rural Assistance Authority, call 1800 678 593 to apply.

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Providing essential items for parents of babies & young children

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About the voucher

Families with children aged 4 to 13 years that attend a primary school in NSW can receive a $500 voucher per child to reduce the out-of-pocket costs of before and after school care.

This includes children who are starting kindergarten in 2022.

The before and after school care voucher program is one of more than 70 NSW Government rebates and savings that help with your cost of living.

Key dates

You can apply for a voucher from 28 February to 30 September 2022.

Eligible before and after school care providers can register for the program from 9 February to 30 September 2022.

Vouchers can be redeemed with a before and after school care provider from 28 February to 31 December 2022. Voucher credit can be used for services until 30 June 2023.

More information

For more information or to provide feedback, you can:

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Families with children aged 4 to 13 years that attend a primary school in NSW can receive a $500 voucher per child to reduce the out-of-pocket costs of before and after school care. This includes children who are starting kindergarten in 2022.

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If you are isolated by flood waters or are located in a flood-impacted zone, you can request assistance with clean up and essential items (such as food, water and medication).

Clean-up support can be for a residential or business property.

You can complete the form for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

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Request flood clean-up and essential items

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If you are isolated by flood waters or are located in a flood-impacted zone, you can request assistance with clean up and essential items (such as food, water and medication). Clean-up support can be for a residential or business property. You can complete the form for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

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Source: NSW SES FB Page 3 March 2022 approx 10:50pm

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2022 Flood Crisis Assistance - Register to Assist/for Assistance

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FIND a Licenced Electrical Contractor Following Flooding

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FIND a Licenced Electrical Contractor Following Flooding

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Master Electricians Australia | Electrical Contractors, Electrician Melbourne, Brisbane Electrician, Sydney Electrician

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Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is assisting the Queensland Government and Queensland and New South Wales residents with getting the power back on, following the recent flooding.

For Home Owners/Consumers

MEA is coordinating the linking of consumers with registered electrical contractors. This provides home owners with peace of mind as these are electrical contractors licensed to undertake this work. Once you register your details, MEA will provide your contact information to a local electrical contractor who will make arrangements directly with you.

Below are the steps to assist you in accessing an electrical contractor:

1. Register your details and MEA will arrange for a qualified and insured electrical contractor to contact you.

2. This is a community service offered by MEA. The electrical contractor will discuss the costs with you before any work commences.

Residents in Queensland and New South Wales may be eligible for assistance to reconnect services.

A licensed electrical contractor will be able to test and confirm the property is safe for electricity reconnection. If you have an electrical contractor you currently use and would to check they are licenced, feel free to call MEA on 1300 889 198.

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2022 Flood Crisis Assistance - Register to Assist/for Assistance

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Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is assisting the Queensland Government and Queensland and New South Wales residents with getting the power back on, following the recent flooding. For Home Owners/Consumers MEA is coordinating the linking of consumers with registered electrical contractors. This provides home owners with peace of mind as these are electrical contractors licensed to undertake this work.

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Salvage and recovery of flood damaged collections

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Salvage and recovery of flood damaged collections

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Blue Shield is an international organisation, working to protect the world’s cultural heritage threatened by armed conflict and natural disasters.

Photos

Records

Film and magnetic tape

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Resources to support salvage and recovery of flood or water damaged collections.

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Get notified about floods temporary housing support package

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REGISTER for temporary housing support package

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REGISTER for temporary housing support package

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The Temporary Housing Support Package will help people who need accommodation support in the coming weeks and months.

The package will include:

temporary housing options for rural land owners

mobile motor homes

temporary accommodation in recreation clubs

access to the Red Cross housing brokerage service.

If you're currently staying with family or friends and need longer term support, fill in your details below. Service NSW will contact you when the package is available.
Emergency accommodation
Emergency accommodation is available to people who have had their homes affected by the February and March 2022 floods. Temporary emergency accommodation for those that have no other means is available by visiting an evacuation centre, or by calling 13 77 88.

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Get notified about floods temporary housing support package

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The Temporary Housing Support Package will help people who need accommodation support in the coming weeks and months. The package will include: temporary housing options for rural land owners mobile motor homes temporary accommodation in recreation clubs access to the Red Cross housing brokerage service.

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Communities across the Northern Rivers Region have had to step up. They've self-funded water, food, fuel, gurneys, generators, satellite internet receivers, helicopters, planes, medical supplies, clothes, toiletries, cleaning supplies and everything in between.

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Communities across the Northern Rivers Region have had to step up. They've self-funded water, food, fuel, gurneys, generators, satellite internet receivers, helicopters, planes, medical supplies, clothes, toiletries, cleaning supplies and everything in between.

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24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

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24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

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We are here to provide crisis support 24/7 to yarn with you without judgement and provide a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns. We will work with you to explore options for on-going support. You know you will be connected to another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who will understand where you are coming from and value knowing HOW to listen, without judgement or shame.

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13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

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Call 13YARN (13 92 76) We are here to provide crisis support 24/7 to yarn with you without judgement and provide a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns. We will work with you to explore options for on-going support.

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FLOOD DISPLACED LIVESTOCK - NORTHERN RIVERS FB Group

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FLOOD DISPLACED LIVESTOCK - NORTHERN RIVERS FB Group

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Operation Tiny Homes – NSW Floods project is now launched. We have raised enough funds to supply 5 Tiny Homes to those in need.

It's so important to be able to help those who homes were significantly damaged or destroyed in the NSW Floods.

There are an overwhelming amount of people and families who will not be able to return to their properties as they have no accommodation or shelter available to them after the loss or damage to their homes.

This program will supply them with a Tiny House on site, so that they can return to their properties and have somewhere safe to stay, out of the elements, while they contemplate their next move in the recovery process.

Once the recipients have been re-housed back into their existing homes the Tiny Houses will be retained by our organisation in order to use again to help more people.

TO APPLY: request an information pack:

apply@containerofdreams.org

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The flood recovery rental support payment helps NSW residents in highly impacted suburbs who are unable to live in their home due to the February and March 2022 storms and floods.

The one-off payment is to help pay for short-term accommodation bookings:

made on or after 22 February 2022

that are 14 nights or more.

The payment is based on the number of people who normally live in your home who need short-term accommodation:

1 person - $6,000

2 people - $7,200

3 people - $9,200

4 people - $12,400

5 people - $15,200

6 people - $18,000

If you have more than 6 people in your household, the payment will increase by $2,800 for each additional person. ​​​​​

Note:

This payment is for people directly impacted by the storms and floods in February and March 2022.

One person from each household can apply.

Applications close 24 June 2022.

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Apply for the flood recovery rental support payment

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The flood recovery rental support payment helps NSW residents in highly impacted suburbs who are unable to live in their home due to the February and March 2022 storms and floods. The one-off payment is to help pay for short-term accommodation bookings: made on or after 22 February 2022 that are 14 nights or more.

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Organisation providing essential items for the care of babies & young children

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We believe every baby deserves an equal start to life, a safe start to life.

We're always looking for people to join our village of supporters in sharing this belief. Here are ways you can get involved.

Fundraise

Fundraising is a fun way you can support Baby Give Back and help to provide essential baby items to vulnerable families in South-East Queensland.
Learn more
Donate

Donate money

We rely on donations from our generous supporters to be able to provide good quality, safe baby equipment for families in crisis in South-East Queensland.
Donate Money
Donate goods

We can accept a range of gently-used essential baby items such as a cot, pram or car seat. Please check your donations with the list of items we can accept.
Learn more
Volunteer

A variety of different volunteer roles are available in our warehouse including safety checking baby equipment, sorting clothes, making up toy and book packs and bundling toiletries.
Learn more
Lottery

Support Baby Give Back in Play For Purpose - a not-for-profit raffle. A minimum of $5 from every $10 ticket goes to Baby Give Back and you have the change to win fantastic prizes.
Buy tickets
Gift in Will

By including a gift to Baby Give Back in your Will, you can make a huge impact on the lives of children in need, now and into the future. Once you have provided for your loved ones, you may wish to include a percentage of the remainder of your estate to Baby Give Back. This gift will enable vulnerable child to have the essentials they deserve.

To obtain the official wording for your will please contact us on erin@babygiveback.org

"What we want for our children, is what we want for all children."
-Michelle Obama

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We believe every baby deserves an equal start to life, a safe start to life. We're always looking for people to join our village of supporters in sharing this belief. Here are ways you can get involved. Fundraising is a fun way you can support Baby Give Back and help to provide essential baby items to vulnerable families in South-East Queensland.

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Rural Assistance Authority Special Disaster Grants

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Rural Assistance Authority Special Disaster Grants

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The NSW and Australian Governments have announced additional assistance measures to support primary producers who have been impacted by the floods and severe weather that occurred from February 2022 onwards.

Assistance is now being provided to 57 local government areas in NSW through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Primary producers recovering from the devastating impacts of floods are receiving vital support, with Special Disaster Grants of up to $75,000 now available.

Flood affected primary producers are encouraged to apply for Special Disaster Grants to access financial assistance to get back operating as soon as possible.

Once approved, eligible primary producers can access $15,000 in assistance up-front, with a further $60,000 in financial assistance available thereafter upon submission of valid tax invoices.

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The NSW and Australian Governments have announced additional assistance measures to support primary producers who have been impacted by the floods and severe weather that occurred from February 2022 onwards.

Assistance is now being provided to 57 local government areas in NSW through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Primary producers recovering from the devastating impacts of floods are receiving vital support, with Special Disaster Grants of up to $75,000 now available.

Flood affected primary producers are encouraged to apply for Special Disaster Grants to access financial assistance to get back operating as soon as possible.

Once approved, eligible primary producers can access $15,000 in assistance up-front, with a further $60,000 in financial assistance available thereafter upon submission of valid tax invoices.

To find out if you are eligible view the LGAs affected and the Guidelines below:

Eligible Disaster

Declaration Date

Disaster recovery grants available in Local Government Areas

Closing Date for applications

Closing Date for claims

NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards

23 March 2022

Port Stephens

23 September 2022

23 March 2023

NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards

11 March 2022

Cessnock, Cumberland, Dungog, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Lithgow, Maitland, Mid-Western, Muswellbrook, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Singleton, Snowy Monaro and Upper Hunter.

11 September 2022

11 March 2023

NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards

5 March 2022

Bayside, Bega Valley, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury Bankstown, Central Coast, Eurobodalla, Fairfield City, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Inner West, Kiama, Ku-ring-gai, Liverpool, MidCoast, Newcastle, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Ryde, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Wingecarribee,
Wollondilly and Wollongong.

5 September 2022

5 March 2023

NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards

4 March 2022

Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Glen Innes Severn, Hornsby, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca, Port Macquarie/Hastings, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield, The Hills and Tweed.

4 September 2022

4 March 2023

We recommend that you use the Google Chrome browser

Need help filling in this form?

You can also give the RAA permission to work with your own private financial advisor or accountant to assist you, however you will be liable for any professional fees charged. Contact the Rural Assistance Authority team on 1800 678 593.

The application process

Primary Producers

The Special Disaster Grant - Severe Weather & Floods February 2022 is available to eligible primary producers, following the declaration of a Natural Disaster by the NSW Government and approval of the Australian Government. This assistance measure is only provided in event of Natural Disasters that have severely affected communities, regions or sectors.

Download the Special Disaster Grant Primary Producer Grant Guidelines.

Applicants must provide a complete application form and:

Local Land Services rates notice; and

Lease agreement if you are the lessee of the impacted property you are applying for; and

latest farm business tax returns and financial statements plus Personal Tax Return of all members of the business; and

you may include other evidence such as quotes, estimates, photos or tax invoices.

If you have previously submitted tax returns to the NSW RAA for the financial year 2019/2020 or more recently, you will not need to provide further information. If we do not have your previous financial information, we will seek your permission to contact your accountant directly if this is easiest for you.

The online application form has been designed to make the process as simple as possible. You will be required to upload digital copies of supporting documentation (please refer to the 'What you will need section') so please have these ready before commencing your application.

If you are unsure at any stage of the process as to how to complete the online application form, please use the Special Disaster Grant example application document for information and helpful tips on how to proceed.

Download the Special Disaster Grant Example Application here.

You will need:

BP reference number

ABN number

Case number from original application

Tax Invoices

Proof of payment

The RAA understands that you may have been impacted by a number of declared disaster events over the past 12 months and that allocating a claim (i.e. an invoice) to any one of these events may be difficult, or in some instances may not be possible. We ask that you use your best endeavours to ensure proper record keeping and can work with you to ensure the process of lodging your claim is as easy as possible.

If you are unsure at any stage of the process as to how to complete the online claim form, please use this Example Claims Request Form (PDF, 377.63 KB).

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Special Disaster Grants - NSW Severe Weather & Flooding February 2022 onwards

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The NSW and Australian Governments have announced additional assistance measures to support primary producers who have been impacted by the floods and severe weather that occurred from February 2022 onwards. Assistance is now being provided to 57 local government areas in NSW through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

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BlazeAid volunteers rebuild fences after fires, floods, drought and cyclones.

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BlazeAid volunteers to rebuild your fences 

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BlazeAid volunteers to rebuild your fences 

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Welcome to BlazeAid - a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, our volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.

Equally important, volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood event after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires. BlazeAid volunteers work in a disaster-affected area for many months, not only helping individuals and families, but also helping rebuild the local communities.

BlazeAid volunteers:
Not just rebuilding fences, but helping rebuild lives.
ed you to come help us rebuild our fences but you guys have done way more than that, you have helped us rebuild our broken community. For that we are forever grateful to you and all the amazing volunteers."
Maree Perkins, Monto, Qld, 2013 Floods Doing It For Drought Flyer VACCINATION MANDATORY FOR BLAZEAID VOLUNTEERS FROM 1ST JANUARY 2022
CLICK BELOW ON HOW TO HELP TONY RAISE MONEY FOR BLAZEAID
BlazeAid requires all volunteers, farmers and those who help within BlazeAid to be fully vaccinated with an Australian Government approved vaccine by the 1st of January 2022. Medical exemptions being the only exception to this regulation. BLAZEAID ANNOUNCES OPERATIONS MANAGER Click here for Full Details Life Membership
At the recent meeting the Blazeaid Board approved the following:

At the Annual General Meeting held on 16 October 2019 the BlazeAid Committee for 2018/2019 presented by Dennis Livingston, Treasurer of BlazeAid, presented Co-Founders Kevin and Rhonda Butler Life Membership of BlazeAid. This award was in recognition of forethought to not only establish BlazeAid but also in sincere appreciation of outstanding loyalty and dedication to the organisation since 2009.

This award recognises the commitment demonstrated towards the organisation, including its volunteers, programs, activities and ideals.

Congratulations Kevin and Rhonda

If you have been affected by a natural disaster, please visit our Fencing Help page for information about having BlazeAid volunteers working with you.

Please for information about How to Establish a BlazeAid basecamp in your area.
Please check this website regularly for updates. BlazeAid volunteers:
BlazeAid Patron
Ian "Macca" McNamara is the Patron of BlazeAid. We thank him for his wonderful support in helping BlazeAid find volunteers to help with our fence rebuilding. ABC radio and TV have been invaluable in their support of BlazeAid since its inception in 2009. Hundreds of our volunteers have heard about BlazeAid through the ABC, especially on Macca s Australia All Over. We look forward to a long ongoing relationship with the ABC, especially with Macca on Sunday mornings.

Not just rebuilding fences, but helping rebuild lives.

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BlazeAid volunteers rebuild fences after fires, floods, drought and cyclones.

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Welcome to BlazeAid - a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, our volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.

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NSW Government Temporary Accommodation Factsheet 

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NSW Government Temporary Accommodation Factsheet 

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People around NSW have been impacted by large scale events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters including bushfires. These events have resulted in people losing homes and unable to find suitable temporary accommodation.

We are making changes to provide a greater level of certainty and security to those experiencing hardship by making it easier to access temporary accommodation when it is needed.

The Local Government (Manufactured Homes Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021 has been updated to help people who need emergency accommodation because of natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic.

Extended stays in caravan parks or camping grounds

Managers of caravan parks and camping grounds can authorise people who have been displaced as a result of a natural disaster or the COVID-19 pandemic to stay in a moveable dwelling, such as a caravan, in a caravan park or camping ground for an extended period of up to two years.

Example: Michael, the manager of a caravan park, can decide to make some caravan spots available to people who have been displaced by a natural disaster or are facing housing insecurity due to the pandemic. If Michael is reasonably satisfied that a person is displaced because of a natural disaster or a pandemic, he can allow them to install their caravan in his caravan park and stay for up to two years.

Installation of a movable dwelling

People who have been displaced from their homes as a result of a natural disaster can install a moveable dwelling, such as a caravan, on land without council approval for up to two years.

A movable dwelling is defined under the Local Government Act and can include a tent, caravan or van used for human habitation. It can also include a manufactured home, which is a self-contained dwelling that is designed to be moved from one position to another.

If a person wishes to stay in the moveable dwelling beyond two years, council approval will be needed unless the council has extended the 2 year exemption period under their Local Approvals Policy.

Example: Peter and Sue are unable to live in their home after it was significantly damaged in a bushfire. Peter and Sue can install and stay in a moveable dwelling, such as a caravan, on their own or their neighbour's land (provided the neighbour has given consent) without council approval for up to two years while they rebuild their own home. If Peter and Sue wish to stay beyond two years, they will need to get council approval.

Extension of the two-year exemption period for moveable dwellings

Councils can extend the current two-year exemption period for the installation of a moveable dwelling. This could be to accommodate a person who has been displaced because of a natural disaster in their Local Government Area.

Councils can do this through their local approvals policies. This will help with temporary accommodation needs caused by natural disasters in their area.

Local approvals policies are made by councils under the Local Government Act. This sets out approval requirements, exemptions, and other considerations for certain activities specified under the Act.

Local Approval Policies to extend the two year exemption period would need to:

be publicly exhibited

submissions considered

approved by the Departmental Chief Executive

be adopted by the council.

Councils can modify conditions for camping grounds

Many councils have designated large public spaces - such as showgrounds - as primitive camping grounds for emergency evacuation centres during the ongoing bushfire emergency.

The amendments give councils the flexibility to modify conditions to which a primitive camping ground is subject, provided the council is satisfied it is necessary for accommodating people who have lost their homes in the bushfires. Such conditions relate to spacing, the maximum number of caravans, campervans and tents and length of stay.

Example: If a council designates a showground as a primitive camping ground for an emergency evacuation centre during the ongoing bushfire emergency, council has the flexibility to modify the normal conditions for a primitive camping ground - for example, they may allow caravans to be installed in the showground for a period longer than 50 days.

Further information

To understand what help is available to you following a disaster please phone Service NSW on 13 77 88.

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People around NSW have been impacted by large scale events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters including bushfires. These events have resulted in people losing homes and unable to find suitable temporary accommodation. We are making changes to provide a greater level of certainty and security to those experiencing hardship by making it easier to access temporary accommodation when it is needed.

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Use this group to SHARE and FIND accommodation for those impacted by the Lismore floods. This group is to help match people needing emergency accommodation with people who have space available. IF...

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Get notified about floods temporary housing support package

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REGISTER for temporary housing support package

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REGISTER for temporary housing support package

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The Temporary Housing Support Package will help people who need accommodation support in the coming weeks and months.

The package will include:

temporary housing options for rural land owners

mobile motor homes

temporary accommodation in recreation clubs

access to the Red Cross housing brokerage service.

If you're currently staying with family or friends and need longer term support, fill in your details below. Service NSW will contact you when the package is available.
Emergency accommodation
Emergency accommodation is available to people who have had their homes affected by the February and March 2022 floods. Temporary emergency accommodation for those that have no other means is available by visiting an evacuation centre, or by calling 13 77 88.

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Get notified about floods temporary housing support package

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The Temporary Housing Support Package will help people who need accommodation support in the coming weeks and months. The package will include: temporary housing options for rural land owners mobile motor homes temporary accommodation in recreation clubs access to the Red Cross housing brokerage service.

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Flexdome Instant living and working spaces

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Flexdome Instant living and working spaces

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The FlexDome system provides a quick and affordable way to create new spaces for work, leisure or revenue generation. Install your pop-up FlexDome or FlexCube within hours.

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Tenants, what are your rights in a flood?

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Tenants, what are your rights in a flood?

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Payment of rent

The tenant remains responsible for the payment of rent until either the agreement is terminated, or the tenant and landlord agree to a reduction in rent because the property was partially or totally uninhabitable.

Damage to belongings

Tenants are responsible for maintaining insurance on their belongings within the rented property. A landlord is not obliged to compensate the tenant for any damage to the tenant's furniture or personal belongings from a natural disaster.

Urgent repairs

Serious storm, fire or flood damage are all considered to be urgent repairs and should be handled quickly. See Urgent repairs for more information.

If the repairs are not urgent, the tenant and the landlord should agree to a timetable for repairs.

If the tenant moves out temporarily or continues living in the partially damaged property, the rent should be waived or reduced.

This is up to the landlord and tenant to negotiate. Any agreement in these situations should be put in writing.

Financial support for tenants and landlords

If you need medium term accommodation support, register your interest for the Temporary Housing Support Package. There are 2 support options for people in need of accommodation:

rent assistance for those whose properties are unable to be lived in

Return to Home payments for homeowners and tenants whose properties are liveable but require repairs or replacement of belongings.

Return to Home payment amounts are as follows:

Owner-occupiers will receive $10,000.

Tenants will receive $5000.

Investors will receive $5000. This relates to eligible owners who do not reside in the affected properties, including landlords and owners of properties that are usually uninhabited such as holiday homes.

The Rental Support scheme, announced 10 March 2022, is designed to assist people whose homes are uninhabitable as a result of the February-March 2022 storms and floods.

The scheme will provide up to 16 weeks' rental support to flood victims in temporary accommodation and is scalable on the number of people per household including children.

Rent assistance payment amounts are variable and based on the number of members in the applied household:

1 person: $1500

2 persons: $1800

3 persons: $2300

4 persons: $3100

5 persons: $3700

6 persons: $4400.

Register your interest at Service NSW or call 13 77 88 for assistance.

Disputes

In the first instance contact your landlord or managing agent. Any tenancy-related disputes following a natural disaster can be taken to the Tribunal.

Fair Trading is unable to intervene where a tenant has been issued with a Notice of Termination. NCAT are able to make an enforceable order regarding these issues.

In the event that you are not satisfied with the outcome provided by the agency you may have the option of lodging an application with the NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a determination on whether the agreement is considered 'frustrated' or if you are eligible for rent reduction.

The Tribunal provides an inexpensive and effective means of resolving consumer disputes and is capable of making enforceable orders.

Further details, including an application form and fee schedule, can be obtained from the Tribunal website.

Applications can be lodged at any NCAT Registry Office for urgent hearing, Service NSW Centre or online.

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The tenant remains responsible for the payment of rent until either the agreement is terminated, or the tenant and landlord agree to a reduction in rent because the property was partially or totally uninhabitable. Tenants are responsible for maintaining insurance on their belongings within the rented property.

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Landlords and floods, what are your rights? 

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Landlords and floods, what are your rights? 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Payment of rent

The tenant remains responsible for the payment of rent until either the agreement is terminated, or the tenant and landlord agree to a reduction in rent because the property was partially or totally uninhabitable.

Damage to belongings

Tenants are responsible for maintaining insurance on their belongings within the rented property. A landlord is not obliged to compensate the tenant for any damage to the tenant's furniture or personal belongings from a natural disaster.

Urgent repairs

Serious storm, fire or flood damage are all considered to be urgent repairs and should be handled quickly. See Urgent repairs for more information.

If the repairs are not urgent, the tenant and the landlord should agree to a timetable for repairs.

If the tenant moves out temporarily or continues living in the partially damaged property, the rent should be waived or reduced.

This is up to the landlord and tenant to negotiate. Any agreement in these situations should be put in writing.

Financial support for tenants and landlords

If you need medium term accommodation support, register your interest for the Temporary Housing Support Package. There are 2 support options for people in need of accommodation:

rent assistance for those whose properties are unable to be lived in

Return to Home payments for homeowners and tenants whose properties are liveable but require repairs or replacement of belongings.

Return to Home payment amounts are as follows:

Owner-occupiers will receive $10,000.

Tenants will receive $5000.

Investors will receive $5000. This relates to eligible owners who do not reside in the affected properties, including landlords and owners of properties that are usually uninhabited such as holiday homes.

The Rental Support scheme, announced 10 March 2022, is designed to assist people whose homes are uninhabitable as a result of the February-March 2022 storms and floods.

The scheme will provide up to 16 weeks' rental support to flood victims in temporary accommodation and is scalable on the number of people per household including children.

Rent assistance payment amounts are variable and based on the number of members in the applied household:

1 person: $1500

2 persons: $1800

3 persons: $2300

4 persons: $3100

5 persons: $3700

6 persons: $4400.

Register your interest at Service NSW or call 13 77 88 for assistance.

Disputes

In the first instance contact your landlord or managing agent. Any tenancy-related disputes following a natural disaster can be taken to the Tribunal.

Fair Trading is unable to intervene where a tenant has been issued with a Notice of Termination. NCAT are able to make an enforceable order regarding these issues.

In the event that you are not satisfied with the outcome provided by the agency you may have the option of lodging an application with the NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a determination on whether the agreement is considered 'frustrated' or if you are eligible for rent reduction.

The Tribunal provides an inexpensive and effective means of resolving consumer disputes and is capable of making enforceable orders.

Further details, including an application form and fee schedule, can be obtained from the Tribunal website.

Applications can be lodged at any NCAT Registry Office for urgent hearing, Service NSW Centre or online.

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The tenant remains responsible for the payment of rent until either the agreement is terminated, or the tenant and landlord agree to a reduction in rent because the property was partially or totally uninhabitable. Tenants are responsible for maintaining insurance on their belongings within the rented property.

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Tradies For Disaster Affected Communities

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Tradies For Disaster Affected Communities

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TFFAC was born as a place for tradies of all disciplines around the country, to put their hand up and donate their time and skills to those affected by these devastating bushfires. We're...

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Tradies For Disaster Affected Communities

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Tradies For Disaster Affected Communities

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TFFAC was born as a place for tradies of all disciplines around the country, to put their hand up and donate their time and skills to those affected by these devastating bushfires. We're...

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REGISTER HERE TO VOLUNTEER WITHIN BALLINA COUNCIL LGA

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REGISTER HERE TO VOLUNTEER WITHIN BALLINA COUNCIL LGA

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Together our beautiful Ballina Shire will get through this. Check in here for flood recovery assistance available.

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Vouch for Lismore - Lismore Network School Fundraiser

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Vouch for Lismore - Lismore Network School Fundraiser

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During the flooding crisis of 2022, Lismore has been devastated. The scale of damage across all aspects of our community has been unfathomable. The most significant part for the high school sector has been the complete inundation of the Richmond River Campus. The entire school has been covered by

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Vimeo video: https://vimeo.com/326489537

This toolkit contains resources to help and support adults and children before, during, and after a disaster or traumatic event. It will help you understand some of the impacts of disaster and how you can help lessen these impacts.

Emergencies and disasters are extremely stressful and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Children, even infants, can also be affected. They depend on the adults around them for safety and security, and will need reassurance, care, and opportunities to share their feelings. These resources provide a starting point for you to help children navigate the different stages of a disaster.

Print the toolkit overview here.
Winner of the 2019 Resilient Australia National Significance Award More information about the RAA Program here.

How to use this Toolkit

The information in this Toolkit is grouped into the six key audiences uniquely placed to support children and families in the event of a natural disaster or traumatic event: Parents and caregivers, General practitioners, Educators, Community leaders, First responders, and Health and social service workforces.

The resources can then be filtered by the natural disaster or traumatic event timelines: Preparedness; Immediate; Short-term recovery; Long-term recovery; and Ongoing.
To get started, choose your audience below.

Back to Top

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Community trauma toolkit - Emerging Minds

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Vimeo video: https://vimeo.com/326489537 This toolkit contains resources to help and support adults and children before, during, and after a disaster or traumatic event. It will help you understand some of the impacts of disaster and how you can help lessen these impacts. Emergencies and disasters are extremely stressful and it is normal to feel overwhelmed.

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Program summary

The Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund (Fund) provides grants of up to $3,000 per month per property to eligible small landlords who will or have experienced hardship as a result of providing rental relief to their tenant(s) under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2021 and Schedule 5 of the Conveyancing (General) Regulation 2018 (the Regulations).

Landlords that have claimed land tax relief between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021 are ineligible for payments under Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 (rent relief provided from 1 August 2021 to 13 January 2022) of the Fund.

The Government recently announced that the Regulations would be extended until 13 March 2022 with support from the Fund extended to that date. Landlords who have previously claimed 2021 land tax relief are now eligible for payments from the Fund for rent relief provided from 14 January 2022 to 13 March 2022.

The NSW Government introduced the Fund to provide support to smaller landlords whose main source of income is impacted by providing rental relief to retail or commercial tenants who have been financially impacted by the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown.

The Regulations provide for:

(a) a moratorium on lockouts and other prescribed actions for the non-payment of rent, outgoings or the non-compliance of business operating hours specified in the lease for businesses that have experienced a reduction in turnover due to COVID-19, and a freeze on rent increases during the moratorium (commencing 13 July 2021)

(b) government supported mediation to help tenants and landlords renegotiate lease agreements, including reductions in rent payable through waivers and deferrals.

Landlords of impacted tenants must renegotiate lease agreements with eligible tenants in good faith, having regard to the principles in the National Code of Conduct for commercial tenancies - leasing principles (Leasing Principles).

Under the Leasing Principles, landlords must reduce rent payable in proportion to the tenant's decline in turnover. This means if a tenant has experienced a 40% decline in turnover due to COVID-19, then the landlord must provide a 40% reduction in rent.

The Leasing Principles also require at least 50% of any reduction to be in the form of a rental waiver. The remaining portion may be a rental deferral. Rental deferrals must be amortised over the balance of the lease term and for a period of no less than 24 months, whichever is greater, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

The Fund will open for applications on 17 November 2021 and will conclude on 31 May 2022.

How the program works

Before applying to the Fund, landlords must complete the following process under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme:

Step 1 - Reach a rental abatement agreement to reduce rent payable, through either mediation or private negotiation, with impacted tenants, per the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2021 and Schedule 5 of the Conveyancing (General) Regulation 2018.

Step 2 -Obtain tenant's approval to disclose terms of the agreement for the purpose of applying for the Fund.

Step 3 - Retain evidence that the agreed reduction in rent has been applied to the month for which the Fund is being claimed.

Landlords may then apply for a payment of up to $3,000 per month (GST inclusive), per property affected by an impacted lease, subject to an attestation (for the term of the rental abatement agreement) from the applicant that:

the rental abatement agreement remains in force; and

all other scheme requirements have been met, in particular, ongoing financial hardship of both the tenant and landowner.

Grants will then be paid from the Fund, up to the value of any rental relief provided (to a maximum $3,000 per month, GST inclusive, per property affected by an impacted lease), and continue for the term of the rental abatement agreement, until the sooner of:

the end of the current rental abatement agreement; or

closure of the Fund as announced by the Government; or

lapsing of the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2021.

Service NSW will pay a lump sum amount equal to the total monthly value of the current rent waived from 1 August 2021 to 14 November 2021 (Tranche 1).

For any rental waivers provided from 15 November to 13 January 2022, a further lump sum payment will be made subject to a separate application in accordance with these guidelines (Tranche 2). Applications under Tranche 2 are now open.

For any rental waivers provided from 14 January 2022 to the end of the Regulations (13 March 2022), a further lump sum payment will be made subject to a separate application in accordance with these guidelines (Tranche 3). It is expected that applications under Tranche 3 will be available from the end of March 2022.

Note: Recent amendments to the Regulations restrict rent negotiation rights to impacted tenants with an annual turnover of less than $5 million from 1 December 2021 (previously less than $50 million).

As an example, where a landholder and tenant agree to a rental reduction of $2,500 per month for the last 3 months, the landlord would be eligible for a lump sum payment of $7,500 ($2,500 rental waiver for 3 months), with one application needed for that agreement, assuming all other scheme requirements have been met. A further lump sum payment would be available after applications open where the rental relief agreement continues, subject to a further application.

Applications for payments under all tranches will close on 31 May 2022.

1. Eligibility criteria

1.1 To be eligible for a grant under the Fund, applicants must:

(a) in relation to property situated in NSW that is affected by a current impacted lease, for each property:

i. be the landlord;

ii. have entered into an agreement to provide rental relief to tenant(s) from 13 July 2021 (noting that a minimum 30% reduction in rent is required per eligibility requirements of the 2021 COVID-19 micro-business grant, 2021 COVID-19 business grant and 2021 JobSaver payment);

iii. have or will not claim land tax relief between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021 for Tranches 1 and 2 only;

(b) exclude the value of any principal place of residence, have total land holdings the value of which is equal to or less than $5 million (as at 31 December 2020, under the Land Tax Management Act 1956);

(c) have gross rental income as their primary source of income (gross rental income being more than 50% of total gross income) for the 2019-20 or 2020-21 financial year;

(d) attest that providing rent relief to the tenant(s) may cause financial hardship within the meaning of clause 1.2.

1.2 For the purpose of these guidelines, employing business landlords may attest to experiencing financial hardship if they:

(a) are at imminent risk of closure; or

(b) are unable to pay for operating expenses such as rent or employee-related expenses; or

(c) may be forced to reduce employee headcount; and

(d) have not incurred excessive and non-essential business expenses; and

(e) have experienced a decline in revenue due to the impact of NSW public health orders, rather than the result of normal business operations; and

(f) cannot practically rearrange finances or draw upon non-essential assets to continue to operate.

1.3 For the purposes of these guidelines, non-employing business landlords may attest to experiencing financial hardship if they:

(a) are at imminent risk of closure; or

(b) are unable to pay for operating expenses; and

(c) have not incurred excessive and non-essential business expenses; and

(d) have experienced a decline in revenue due to the impact of NSW public health orders, rather than the result of normal business operations; and

(e) cannot practically rearrange finances or draw upon non-essential assets to continue to operate.

1.4 Subject to clause 1.5, for the purpose of these guidelines, landlords who are individuals or that hold property on trust may attest to experiencing financial hardship if they, or in the case of a trust, the beneficiaries:

(a) are unable to maintain for themselves or their immediate families their current standard of living; and

(b) have not incurred excessive and non-essential living expenses.

1.5 Where the beneficiary under clause 1.4:

(a) is an employing business, clauses 1.2 (a) to (f) apply with regards to the beneficiary; and

(b) is a non-employing business, clauses 1.3 (a) to (e) apply with regards to the beneficiary.

2. How to apply

2.1 Applicants must apply online via the Service NSW website. All questions in the application form must be answered to enable timely assessment and grant payment.

3. Application evidence required

3.1 Applicants must attach a copy of the following documents:

(a) A contract for sale of land, or a 2020-21 Rates Notice, or Revenue NSW Client ID and Correspondence ID to demonstrate the property, to which the application relates, is situated in NSW.

(b) 2019-20 or 2020-21 income tax return for the landlord gross rental income as their primary source of income (gross rental income being more than 50% of total gross income) for the 2019-20 or 2020-21 financial year.

(c) A copy of the current impacted lease agreement, or other documentation where the lease agreement is not available (for example, the most recent rental ledgers, bank statements or rent receipts).

3.2 Applicants must also provide:

(a) the total value of pre-COVID rent

(b) tenant(s) contact details

(c) tenant(s) Australian Business Number(s) or Australian Company Number (ACN).

3.3 Applicants must submit written details of the agreement between the landlord and tenant(s) to provide rental relief, including:

(a) start and end dates

(b) total value and per cent of rent waived, in the form of:

a. copies of tenancy agreements proving rental reduction;

b. rental ledgers;

c. a letter from your property manager.

Note: You must have your tenants' permission to share their information with Service NSW/Revenue NSW.

3.4 Applicants must submit at least 2 proof of identity documents. They may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Australian driver licence

(b) Medicare card

(c) Australian passport

(d) Australian birth certificate

(e) Australian travel visa

(f) Australian citizenship certificate

(g) Australian certificate of registration by descent

(h) Australian ImmiCard

(i) Australian marriage certificate

(j) Pensioner concession card.

3.5 You may appoint an authorised representative to apply for on your behalf for the Fund. The authorised representative will need to provide:

(a) details of (and proof you have) the authority to act on behalf of the landlord

(b) suitable identity documents per 3.4

(c) attestation that you will be subject to the guidelines of the Fund as if you were the landlord.

3.6 Applicants will be required to attest that:

(a) they meet the Fund eligibility criteria;

(b) the information provided in the application is true and correct;

(c) a current lease agreement is in force and is subject to the Regulation;

(d) they hold the written consent of the tenant to provide business and contact details;

(e) the rent reduction has, or will, result in financial hardship to the landlord; and

(f) they acknowledge and understand the NSW Government reserves the right to recover any grants paid if any application information is found to be false or misleading, or the grant is not used in accordance with the terms of funding set out in these guidelines.

4. Grant amount

4.1 The grant will be equal to the value of the rental relief provided to the tenant in each month from August 2021, to a maximum of $3,000 per month, per eligible property affected by an impacted lease.

5. Terms and use of funds

5.1 The Fund will be open for applications from November 2021 and close at a future date to be announced by the government.

5.2 Landlords that are individuals, incorporated entities, or that hold the property on trust are eligible to apply.

5.3 Grant funds must be used by the landlord to offset the rental relief to their tenant(s).

5.4 Grants funds will only be paid into Australian bank accounts.

5.5 Where a landlord owns multiple properties affected by an impacted lease:

(a) the landlord must lodge a separate application for each property they own. For example, landlord J Smith owns 5 properties that are eligible for a payment from the Fund, J Smith must apply separately for each property; and

(b) for a particular trust, the landlord must lodge one application for each property or properties held on trust for the particular trust. For example, ABC Pty Ltd owns 5 properties that are eligible for a payment from the Fund on trust for the ABC Trust, all 5 properties will require separate applications.

5.6 Landlords that hold residential property subject to a commercial lease agreement (subject to the lease being covered by the Regulations) are eligible to apply, provided the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme eligibility criteria are met.

5.7 Grants are awarded to landlords from the Fund at the sole discretion of the state.

6. Compliance and audit

6.1 Applicants will acknowledge and agree that information and evidence submitted as part of the application will be verified by government agencies such as Service NSW, Department of Customer Service, Revenue NSW and others.

6.2 Applicants may be subject to audit by the NSW Government or its representatives for a period of seven years after the grant has been approved. Under audit, applicants will be required to show evidence of hardship, such as income tax assessments.

6.3 The grant will be repayable on demand if any application information is found to be false or misleading, or the grant is not used in accordance with the terms of funding set out in these guidelines.

7. Other information

7.1 The NSW Treasury reserves the right to amend these guidelines and application terms at any time as it deems appropriate at its sole discretion.

7.2 Service NSW is committed to protecting individuals' personal and private information.

7.3 Service NSW will endeavour to process all applications and notify all applicants on the outcome of their submitted application as soon as possible.

7.4 Further information may be obtained at the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88.

7.5 Applicants can make a complaint or dispute regarding their application outcome by lodging a complaint form at the Service NSW website. Service NSW will endeavour to resolve disputes or complaints within 28 days.

8. Definitions

Authorised representative means a person authorised by a landlord to lodge an application on behalf of the landlord.

Impacted lease has the meaning given in the Regulations.

Landlord means the registered proprietor of a property affected by an impacted lease and the lessor of such lease.

Property means a single folio of the Register registered under the Real Property Act 1900.

Rent deferral means postponing a rent payment until a later date.

Rent waiver means forgoing the right to enforce a rent payment.

Rental relief means the provision of a rent waiver by a landlord in accordance with the Regulation. For the avoidance of doubt, rental relief does not include a rental deferral.

Total land holdings means all land owned by the landlord, as defined in the Land Tax Management Act 1956.

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Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund - Guidelines

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Program summary The Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund (Fund) provides grants of up to $3,000 per month per property to eligible small landlords who will or have experienced hardship as a result of providing rental relief to their tenant(s) under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2021 and Schedule 5 of the Conveyancing (General) Regulation 2018 (the Regulations).

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Connecting flood victims with furniture and whitegoods donations

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Northern Rivers Donations & Depots Network:Connecting flood victims with goods and storage.

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Volunteers are what drives Animal Rescue and what keeps the ARC machine going. The work of every single volunteer is valued by everyone in rescue. You cant do this without help.

The most common things that are need at ARC reflect the work that we are doing. Some of these are;

Transfer Hub team members. The hubs are where we receive and send out our donations and supplies. This is boxes of product, food and medical supplies that come in all week and go out all week.

Transporters. These are volunteers who can take stuff from a Transfer Hub to a rescue group, either in their own vehicle or in a van/truck depending on what we have to move

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Volunteers are what drives Animal Rescue and what keeps the ARC machine going. The work of every single volunteer is valued by everyone in rescue. You cant do this without help. The most common things that are need at ARC reflect the work that we are doing.

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Volunteer your services, skills or trade

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Volunteer your services, skills or trade

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DONATION DIRECTORY - NORTHERN NSW FLOODS

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If you need to fill a prescription, use the National Health Service Finder to find a pharmacy:
Please contact the pharmacy before attending to ensure they are open.

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Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

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healthdirect Service Finder is a free service that helps you locate the nearest health services in any part of Australia. You can search for health services such as general practitioners, hospitals, dentists, psychologists, hospitals, mental health, optical, pathology, pharmacies and a wide range of others.

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Orange Sky Australia | Positively Connecting Communities

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Orange Sky Australia | Positively Connecting Communities

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Orange Sky Australia is helping to positively connect people experiencing homelessness through free laundry, showers and conversation.

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An emergency hotline - 1800 814 647 has been activated for people to request assistance with livestock assessment and veterinary assistance, emergency fodder where access allows, and euthanasia and burial if required.

Members of the community should also call the emergency hotline number if they come across stranded, lost, injured or dead livestock, so that AASFA can arrange to attend to these animals.

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NSW Floods, February 2022 - Disaster Recovery Allowance

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Is a short term payment to help you if a disaster directly affects your income.

You can get it for a maximum of 13 weeks. We’ll pay this from the date you started losing income as a direct result of the NSW floods starting in February 2022.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get the maximum equivalent rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on your personal circumstances.

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You have until 3 September 2022 to make a claim for the following Local Government Areas:

Armidale

Ballina

Bayside

Bega Valley

Bellingen

Blacktown

Blue Mountains

Byron

Camden

Campbelltown

Canterbury Bankstown

Central Coast

Clarence Valley

Coffs Harbour

Eurobodalla

Fairfield

Georges River

Glen Innes Severn

Hawkesbury

Hornsby

Inner West

Kempsey

Kiama

Kuring-Gai

Kyogle

Lismore

Liverpool

Mid North Coast

Nambucca

Newcastle

Northern Beaches

Parramatta

Penrith

Port Macquarie/Hastings

Richmond Valley

Ryde

Shellharbour

Shoalhaven

Sutherland

Tenterfield

The Hills

Tweed

Wingecarribee

Wollondilly

Wollongong.

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NSW Floods, February 2022 - Disaster Recovery Allowance

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You have until 3 September 2022 to make a claim for the following Local Government Areas: Armidale Ballina Bayside Bega Valley Bellingen Blacktown Blue Mountains Byron Camden Campbelltown Canterbury Bankstown Central Coast Clarence Valley Coffs Harbour Eurobodalla Fairfield Georges River Glen Innes Severn Hawkesbury Hornsby Inner West Kempsey Kiama Kuring-Gai Kyogle Lismore Liverpool Mid North Coast Nambucca Newcastle Northern Beaches Parramatta Penrith Port Macquarie/Hastings Richmond Valley Ryde Shellharbour Shoalhaven Sutherland Tenterfield The Hills Tweed Wingecarribee Wollondilly Wollongong.

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National Indigenous Australian Agency Disaster Recovery Assistance Summary

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National Indigenous Australian Agency Disaster Recovery Assistance Summary

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Financial Rights Legal Centre - Advice and advocacy for consumers in financial stress.

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Advice and advocacy for consumers in financial stress.

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Insurance Law Service. Advice and advocacy for consumers in financial stress.

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Making an insurance claim for flood damage? Here's what you need to know

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Whether you have started the clean-up or are preparing for flooding, here is what you need to know if you have to make an insurance claim.

What do I do first?

Document everything. While you are cleaning up, you should take photos or videos of damaged items.

It will be used as evidence for when you make your claim. If you can, also keep a sample of materials or fabrics (such as carpet) to show the insurance assessor.

You should also:

make a list of damaged or destroyed items and any information about the date of purchase, model and make

photograph and/or list floorings or other furnishings which will have to be discarded

collect receipts, warranties and/or credit card/bank statements showing your purchases

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says if anything can be salvaged, put it to one side in a dry place until the insurance assessor arrives.

Rotten food, damaged furnishings and furniture should be thrown out.

LIVE COVERAGE: Follow flood developments as they happen on the ABC's blog

Once your property is secured, take plenty of photos of the damage.(ABC News: Tara Cassidy )

What next?

Lodge your claim. Several insurance companies are encouraging people to save time by lodging claims online.

While you wait for assessors to arrive, be wary of people offering immediate repairs or inspections.

The RACQ says it has received reports of people preying on those who have been affected by the floods.

Consumer advocacy group CHOICE says people need to be patient, with insurers having already received tens of thousands of claims.

"Definitely keep in touch and check in, even if it's [via] the website and they put up a notice saying how long it takes to get back to you, that's enough," CHOICE's Jodi Bird says.

What if I'm renting?

The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) says communication between tenants and property managers is key.

The RTA's Sam Galer says tenants have an obligation to contact their real estate agent as soon as possible.

He says if tenants feel their rental is unliveable, they have the option of ending their tenancy.

"It's important to know that the tenancy doesn't automatically end, notice has to be given," Mr Galer says.

"If the tenant has to leave the property, rent is still payable up until the notice to end the agreement.

"But we would always encourage parties to negotiate."

Anyone seeking further advice can contact the RTA on 1300 366 311.

What do I do if I'm uninsured or not sure if I'm covered for floods?

The ICA says after the 2011 Brisbane floods, insurance policies now have a standard flood definition.

"If a policyholder has opted out of flood [coverage], they are most likely still covered for storm damage, and if they are unsure they should speak with their insurer," CEO Andrew Hall says.

Andrew Hall is urging people to speak to their insurers if they are uncertain about their coverage.(ABC News: David Maguire )

If you do not have insurance, you can seek assistance from the government.

In Queensland, several grants, including the Essential Household Contents Grant and Structural Assistance Grant are available, but are subject to an income test.

To apply, visit the Community Recovery Portal or call 1800 173 349.

What happens if there's a dispute with my insurer?

Mr Bird from CHOICE says if you are unhappy with a decision, you can raise an internal dispute with your insurer.

"If they don't give you a satisfactory resolution there, you can raise an external dispute with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority," he says.

"It's worth challenging, even if it's clear cut."

He says he hopes insurers will choose to waive any exclusions during a time when the community needs their help.

"Insurers are a lot more savvy about how they're perceived among the community than perhaps they were back in the 2011 flood event in Brisbane."

Jodi Bird says it is worth challenging a decision if you are in a dispute with your insurer.(ABC News: Billy Cooper )

My claim has been approved, what next?

When your claim has been approved, one problem you could find is that you are underinsured.

COVID-19 has already increased the costs of getting supplies and hiring builders, with the recent floods likely to exacerbate the situation.

"All of that contributes to making your sum insured higher than what you may otherwise expect in normal circumstances," Mr Bird says.

He recommends people work with their insurers.

"Some people might be tempted to take a cash settlement and try to rebuild on their own, but insurers often have the power to negotiate lower costs," he said.

"If you can work that out with the insurer to cover as much of the rebuild as possible, that might be the best way to go."

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Making an insurance claim for flood damage? Here's what you need to know

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Whether you have started the clean-up or are preparing for flooding, here is what you need to know if you have to make an insurance claim. Document everything. While you are cleaning up, you should take photos or videos of damaged items. It will be used as evidence for when you make your claim.

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Aboriginal Artist Pauline Coxon used to be a Tenant Advocate, and in 2016 she created this brilliant painting about consumer and financial rights issues. The Financial Rights Legal Centre commissioned her to paint the story of our services. We're so happy with the painting and the powerful messages it contains! Thanks Pauline. If you would like to learn more about Pauline, please visit her website: paulinecoxon.com.
Ngakkan Nyaagy (NGNY) is a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated Digital Agency. NGNY digitally designed all the artwork on this webpage based on Pauline's painting at the top. Find out more about this amazing company at ngny.com.au
The use of Meeting Circles, natural Earth Ochre colours and message sticks/clap sticks are an important theme for the message of the Financial Rights Legal Centre. The FRLC connects with the Aboriginal Community, with a visual presentation that tells the story. The inner circle is the logo Financial Rights $ Legal Centre designed in yellow ochre and red ochre dot art. A clear simple design that is easy to read. A design of six meeting circle's orbits the inner logo. Each circle represents the diversity in the people/clients accessing the FRLC service. From single mum and child, to a same sex couple, an average family, a single person, a small family and people with a disability. Each meeting circle is connected to the inner circle. This represents communication and connection to FRLC. The flow of the circles goes in and flow out. The message sticks surrounding the meeting circles also represent communication. The design of the waves represents sound waves, communication waves. The message and information of the FRLC reaching out to the Aboriginal Community. Another 6 meeting circles continue out, going clockwise the 1st image is

1. Contract: This is an important image as most people in financial difficulty are bound with a contract. Understanding a contract is very important and often in Aboriginal communities where English is not the 1st language Contracts are not understood.

2. Computer/technology: This image represents our society today even in remote Aboriginal Communities. We have in some capacity access to digital Technology. A good online information system is crucial for cultural understanding. The FRLC can reach everyone in the community with information, and can be utilised as one form of getting the message out.

3. Hand: The symbol of the hand to Aboriginal people goes back to our ancestors leaving their hand prints in Ochre on our cave walls. This was our signature of who we are. The symbol of the hand is many things. The FRLC also lends a hand to people in need of assistance.

4. Phone/Calculator: This image represents a mobile phone and can also be interpreted as a calculator. Today we can use APPS on our mobile phones to access information. The use of the calculator is an important tool as Aboriginal people become familiar with using these tools to manage our money. Like learning a new language, the language of money is still a new skill that a lot of Aboriginal people need to know. Financial knowledge is not part of our oral or spiritual history. This is a new path for us all to learn. The FRLC can assist in information about your financial rights.

5. Key: The FRLC is the key to unlocking your financial questions.

6. Feet: The FRLC will help you get your feet back on the ground. Sound financial legal advice will keep you grounded.

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Aboriginal Artist Pauline Coxon used to be a Tenant Advocate, and in 2016 she created this brilliant painting about consumer and financial rights issues. The Financial Rights Legal Centre commissioned her to paint the story of our services. We're so happy with the painting and the powerful messages it contains!

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From time to time there may be planned maintenance or unforeseen incidents that may cause an outage and affect your service.

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Ask Izzy is powered by Infoxchange, a not-for-profit social enterprise that has been delivering technology for social justice for over 30 years.

Infoxchange acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and pays respect to Elders both past and present.

Ask Izzy is owned and operated by Infoxchange. © 2023 Infoxchange

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Ask Izzy: Find the help you need, now and nearby

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Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, health and wellbeing services, family violence support, counselling and much more.

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Ask Izzy is powered by Infoxchange, a not-for-profit social enterprise that has been delivering technology for social justice for over 30 years.

Infoxchange acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and pays respect to Elders both past and present.

Ask Izzy is owned and operated by Infoxchange. © 2023 Infoxchange

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Ask Izzy: Find the help you need, now and nearby

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Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, health and wellbeing services, family violence support, counselling and much more.

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Servicing Grafton to Tweed

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Ask Izzy is powered by Infoxchange, a not-for-profit social enterprise that has been delivering technology for social justice for over 30 years.

Infoxchange acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and pays respect to Elders both past and present.

Ask Izzy is owned and operated by Infoxchange. © 2023 Infoxchange

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Ask Izzy: Find the help you need, now and nearby

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Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, health and wellbeing services, family violence support, counselling and much more.

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Register for the Red Cross to provide assistance and support to you for the period after the immediate emergency.

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Your privacy

Information collected by this service is used by Red Cross, Federal, State or Territory Polices Forces, welfare support agencies and emergency services including airline(s) and airport(s) engaged in the emergency.

The purpose for the collection of your personal information is to:

reunite you with family, friends and loved ones (with your consent)

manage the emergency

account for evacuated people

provide assistance and support to you for the period after the immediate emergency.

Information collected by Red Cross, in partnership with commissioning agencies, is used to help people during and after an emergency. Your information will not be used for any other purpose without your consent.

Once the purpose for the collection of your personal information no longer exists; Red Cross will de-identify that information.

For more information download our Privacy Collection Notice PDF

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Information collected by this service is used by Red Cross, Federal, State or Territory Polices Forces, welfare support agencies and emergency services including airline(s) and airport(s) engaged in the emergency.

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GP after hours telehealth - Healthy North Coast

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Free GP telehealth service Supporting North Coast health care services and communities when they need it most Read More Healthy North Coast GP Telehealth* can provide: After-hours GP appointments and advice Information, diagnosis and treatment Prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy Medical certificates Specialist referral (where eligible) Care summaries provided to patients, regular GP andRead more.

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Ask Izzy is powered by Infoxchange, a not-for-profit social enterprise that has been delivering technology for social justice for over 30 years.

Infoxchange acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and pays respect to Elders both past and present.

Ask Izzy is owned and operated by Infoxchange. © 2023 Infoxchange

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Ask Izzy: Find the help you need, now and nearby

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Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, health and wellbeing services, family violence support, counselling and much more.

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ARC - Supporting animals in rescue across Australia.

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ARC - Supporting animals in rescue across Australia.

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Food, medical & support redistribution, direct rescue at the scale needed.

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Help Australians in times of need. Sign up as an informal volunteer. Join the emergency volunteer register

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We can help you if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Link2home

Link2home is the statewide homelessness information and referral telephone service. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

For information, assessment or referral to homelessness services and support in NSW, call Link2home.

From 9am to 10pm daily, Link2home provides callers with information, assessments and referrals to homelessness support and accommodation services across NSW.

Between the hours of 10 at night and 9 in the morning, Link2home provides information and assessment only and will refer people to emergency services if required. Referral to accommodation and support services is not possible during these hours.

Callers to Link2home will receive one or more of the following:

information about local services

an assessment to determine what kind of help is needed (see how DCJ uses your personal information)

referral to appropriate specialist homelessness services (SHS), support services, temporary accommodation and/or other services.

Link2home also provides information about homelessness services across NSW to SHS providers and homelessness advocates acting on behalf of clients.

Together Home

The Together Home program aims to transition people onto a trajectory away from homelessness and into long-term stable housing, while improving overall personal wellbeing. Find out more about Together Home

Ask Izzy

Ask Izzy is a search tool to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find shelter, food, health and other critical support services.

If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or you need to find services on behalf of someone else, use Ask Izzy to start searching today.

You can find out more about Ask Izzy and add or update service provider details via Infoxchange.

Contact your local housing provider

You can also contact your nearest social housing provider for housing advice and assistance.

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We can help you if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

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Is the charity you're donating to legit?

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Is the charity you're donating to legit?

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Information to help charities meet their obligations.

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The Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre

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The Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre, staff and management acknowledges the people of the Bundjalung Nation. We pay respect to their cultures, and acknowledge the strong and continuing connection to their land, sea and waterways.

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Community legal centres provide free legal help to people in need. As the peak-body, we advocate for progressive law reform and support our members, with the aim of building a fair and inclusive NSW.

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Disaster relief and support for small businesses

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Disaster relief and support for small businesses

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NSW Government provides financial relief and support for eligible small businesses following a natural disaster.

Some types of support require a disaster declaration for the affected location. Disaster declarations are determined and updated on a rolling basis.

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Disaster relief and support for small businesses

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NSW Government provides financial relief and support for eligible small businesses following a natural disaster. Some types of support require a disaster declaration for the affected location. Disaster declarations are determined and updated on a rolling basis.

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Disaster relief and support for sport and recreation clubs

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Disaster relief and support for sport and recreation clubs

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Disaster relief financial assistance

A grant or loan may be provided to sport and recreation clubs and associations as a contribution towards clean up, removal of debris and/or restoring essential facilities, equipment or other assets that have been damaged or destroyed by a disaster.

The maximum assistance provided to a single applicant is a grant of up to $2000 and/or a loan of up to $10,000.

Who is eligible?

sport and recreation clubs and associations who have incurred costs as a result of the disaster, which are not recoverable through insurance, and who do not have the financial capacity to pay the costs from their own funds or reserves

assistance is not provided to clubs that have sizeable commercial operations or gaming areas - such clubs may include golf clubs or bowling clubs.

Find out more

For grant assistance, Contact NSW Treasury via natural_disasters@treasury.nsw.gov.au.

For loan assistance visit Rural Assistance Authority for more information.

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Disaster relief and support for sport and recreation clubs

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NSW Government provides financial relief and support services for eligible sport and recreation clubs following a natural disaster. Some types of support require a disaster declaration for the affected location. Disaster declarations are determined and updated on a rolling basis.

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Disaster relief and support for not-for-profit organisations and churches

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Disaster relief and support for not-for-profit organisations and churches

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Disaster Relief loan

Loans may be provided to not-for-profit organisations for the restoration of essential facilities, equipment or other assets damaged or destroyed as a direct result of a declared disaster. These funds may also be directed towards temporary storage or leasing of alternate premises.

A maximum of $25,000 may be provided to an eligible not-for-profit organisation.

Who is eligible?

Eligible not-for-profit organisations (NPO) must:

provide evidence of registration or incorporation as an NPO

have suffered damage to facilities or equipment or other assets arising directly from a declared disaster event

satisfy the Administering Agency that it has the financial capacity to repay the loan

not have the financial capacity to pay the costs from its own funds or reserves

not perform a sizeable commercial function or represent a commercial or industrial

not provide any financial gain for its members.

Organisations receiving other grants or loans for the same declared disaster may not be eligible for this assistance measure.

Find out more

Visit Rural Assistance Authority for more information.

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Disaster relief and support for not-for-profit organisations and churches

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NSW Government provides financial relief and support services for eligible not-for-profit organisations and churches following a natural disaster. Some types of support require a disaster declaration for the affected location. Disaster declarations are determined and updated on a rolling basis.

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Information about business activity statements and instalment notices for people affected by floods.

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Connecting flood victims with furniture and whitegoods donations

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Northern Rivers Donations & Depots Network:Connecting flood victims with goods and storage.

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Servicing Grafton to Tweed

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Tips when donating (great to share with older friends & relatives)

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Tips when donating (great to share with older friends & relatives)

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With so many charities calling and asking for money these days, weighing up whether or not to donate can be a stressful and emotionally draining experience.

Even if you took the time to do the research, it's not easy to know whether the charity in question is worthy of your donation. The sector has long suffered from a lack of transparency.

And charities are not shy about getting in touch. The findings of a CHOICE research project released in September 2016 showed that a quarter of Australians receive calls from charities at least once a week, and 90% of the recipients find them pretty annoying. Older Australians are a particular target.

Overall, 89% of Australians receive at least one charity call in a given six month period.

One question that may spring to mind on such occasions is whether you can trust the person on the other end of the phone or, for that matter, out on the street.

You want to give, but you don't want people taking advantage of your good nature.

It doesn't help that charity callers are exempt from do-not-call registers, or that charities operating in Australia now number in the tens of thousands.

On this page:

How do I choose a good charity?

It really comes down to which causes matter to you most, and which organisations you think will be the most effective.

Charity checklist:

For domestic charities and commercial fundraisers, ask if they're a member of Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) and are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), and verify that they are.

Check that the charity is licensed by its state or territory regulator. Each state has different exemptions. In some states, religious organisations don't need to be registered, for example.

Do your own calculations by looking for the annual reports of charities online. You'll need to flick to the end of annual reports for the figures. Compare fundraising revenue with fundraising costs and read the notes to financial statements to see how ratios are calculated. But bear in mind that high overhead costs doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad charity.

If you're making a donation to an overseas aid organisation, check that it's a member of ACFID and, more importantly, a signatory to its Code of Conduct.

How to avoid getting scammed

Be aware that scammers often pose as legitimate, well-established charities.

Scammers also come up with their own charity names, and pretend to be victims of natural disasters.

Scammers will cold-call and direct-message people and create fake websites and pages on social media to fool donors.

Avoid fundraising pages on platforms that fail to verify the legitimacy of the fundraiser or that fail to guarantee your money will be returned if the page is determined to be part of a scam.

Crowdfunding requests can also come from scammers. Check the terms and conditions of funding platforms and ensure you are dealing with official organisations. If you are unsure, make your donation to an established charity instead.

If you think you have paid money to a scammer, contact your bank immediately and ask for a chargeback on your payment card.

Who's making money from your donation?

Worst of all, it's rarely the actual nonprofit charity that's doing the calling, but rather a for-profit charity marketing firm whose revenue depends on getting people to donate.

One of the biggest such firms operating in Australia, Appco Group, became the subject of a class action lawsuit in 2016 made up of about 8000 former workers who claimed to have been severely underpaid, overworked and subject to degrading workplace rituals if they didn't meet their weekly fundraising targets.

It's these for-profit firms, and these allegedly exploited workers, who are usually the ones calling to ask for money, not the charity itself

Another firm that raised money for Amnesty International and Wesley Mission, Australian Sales and Promotions, copped a substantial fine in 2016 for paying workers below minimum wage.

It's these for-profit firms, and these allegedly exploited workers, who are usually the ones calling to ask for money, not the charity itself.

It makes deciding whether or not to give that much harder.

ACNC - the national regulator on the scene

In a positive development for the sector, a national regulator - the National Charities and Not-For Profits Commission (ACNC) - was launched in 2014.

Previously, charities were regulated by a mishmash of state and territory agencies, and to some extent they still are.

The ACNC's mission is to provide a central, Australia-wide repository of information on charitable organisations. At last count, there were 57,514 charities registered with the regulator.

Charities that take part in the scheme must keep records, comply with certain governance standards and provide a report to the ACNC every year.

How does the ACNC help consumers?

While the ACNC doesn't pry open the doors of charities to let you see exactly where each dollar you donate is going, it does let you verify that a charity is a legitimate organisation with obligations to a national regulatory body - something that was previously lacking.

Thousands of charities that failed to meet the ACNC's annual reporting obligations were kicked off the register

Thousands of charities that failed to meet the ACNC's annual reporting obligations after it launched were kicked off the register, thereby losing their access to federal tax concessions that let donors claim a credit for donations.

If you have questions or concerns about a charity, we recommend that you check to see if it's registered with the ACNC as well as with the relevant state and local agencies. Since December 2016, charities registered with the ACNC have carried an ACNC tick of approval.

If it's not on the ACNC register, it's probably a good idea to find a charity that is more demonstrably worthy of your donation.

How much of your money is going to the needy?

One of the most vexed questions for consumers around charitable giving is how much the charitable organisation gets versus how much the downstream recipients get.

Administration costs and other overheads - including the salaries of the people who work for the charity - can eat up large portions of the money you donate.

Is it a better charity if a bigger cut goes to the needy?

Not necessarily, and it's really not feasible to compare administrative versus service costs between charities, because each measures such expenditures in different ways. Uniform standards have long been lacking in this area.

As the ACNC says:

"The main problem with using administrative costs to inform decisions about which charities to support is that the information is an unreliable indicator of the extent to which actual donations make a difference in the community."

"Some charities make a real difference in the community and have relatively high administration costs, and some charities may be less effective but have low administration costs."

Some urban-based charities may pay higher rent for their headquarters, for instance, and some may spend more money than others on measuring the impact of their work, leading to better outcomes for recipients.

More transparency needed

Still, the numbers can be jarring. Earlier CHOICE research revealed that some charities receive as little as 10% of the money raised at fundraising events after total costs are taken into account.

On the flip side, we've found examples where close to 100% of the money donated made its way to the cause (often because the charity's fundraising costs are being subsidised by another part of its operations or business).

While considerations of administrative versus service costs (if you can find such information) shouldn't unduly influence your choice of a charity, consumers are understandably interested in such matters.

In an earlier CHOICE survey, 81% of respondents didn't know how much of their donation reached a charity's beneficiaries

In an earlier CHOICE survey, 81% of respondents didn't know how much of their donation reached a charity's beneficiaries after fundraising costs and overheads were subtracted. But over 90% of respondents said they wanted to know.

Our research has found major inconsistencies in the cost breakdowns given to charity donors - if they're communicated at all. Sometimes the stats simply aren't available, and there are no regulations in place (in Australia, at least) to make sure charities use a standard reporting method.

It seems fair to say that donors have a right to know how much of their money reaches beneficiaries, and to be able to compare charities. But unless and until standardised reporting is introduced, you'll need to do your own research.

One straightforward way to do this is to access a charity's annual report online, scroll to the back, and have a look at the financial figures. The report may also discuss overhead versus service costs.

Because of the lack of uniform reporting standards, there are unlikely to be moments of blinding clarity. But you can get a pretty good sense of a charity's commitment to transparency compared to other charities from these documents.

Claiming tax deductions

Charity donations can be claimed on your tax return if your charity is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). This doesn't affect the amount of money the charity actually receives, just what you're entitled to deduct at tax time.

There are conditions about what you can claim. Donations must be at least $2 and you'll need a receipt. Some gifts to DGRs - such as tickets to a charity dinner or ball - are generally not eligible.

You can check if an organisation is a DGR via the ABN lookup website. There's also information about the deductibility of donations at the ATO.

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How to donate to charity effectively | CHOICE

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With so many charities calling and asking for money these days, weighing up whether or not to donate can be a stressful and emotionally draining experience. Even if you took the time to do the research, it's not easy to know whether the charity in question is worthy of your donation.

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As a tenant you have rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and Residential Tenancies Regulation 2019. This factsheet is about damage to rented premises that is neither the fault of the landlord nor the tenant – the result of a storm, fire or flood, or other causes of such damage (e.g. a ca…

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Register.Find.Reunite is a service that lets family, friends and emergency services know that you are safe in the event of an emergency.   Red Cross manages the service on behalf of government agencies and it only operates during emergencies, including bushfires and floods.

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Register to let people know you are safe.

Find people you know may be affected by an emergency.

Reunite  is a matching process that enables us, with permission, to share details to connect family, friends and loved ones.

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Register to let people know you are safe. Find people you know may be affected by an emergency.  Reunite  is a matching process that enables us, with permission, to share details to connect family, friends and loved ones.

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We can help you if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Link2home

Link2home is the statewide homelessness information and referral telephone service. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

For information, assessment or referral to homelessness services and support in NSW, call Link2home.

From 9am to 10pm daily, Link2home provides callers with information, assessments and referrals to homelessness support and accommodation services across NSW.

Between the hours of 10 at night and 9 in the morning, Link2home provides information and assessment only and will refer people to emergency services if required. Referral to accommodation and support services is not possible during these hours.

Callers to Link2home will receive one or more of the following:

information about local services

an assessment to determine what kind of help is needed (see how DCJ uses your personal information)

referral to appropriate specialist homelessness services (SHS), support services, temporary accommodation and/or other services.

Link2home also provides information about homelessness services across NSW to SHS providers and homelessness advocates acting on behalf of clients.

Together Home

The Together Home program aims to transition people onto a trajectory away from homelessness and into long-term stable housing, while improving overall personal wellbeing. Find out more about Together Home

Ask Izzy

Ask Izzy is a search tool to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find shelter, food, health and other critical support services.

If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or you need to find services on behalf of someone else, use Ask Izzy to start searching today.

You can find out more about Ask Izzy and add or update service provider details via Infoxchange.

Contact your local housing provider

You can also contact your nearest social housing provider for housing advice and assistance.

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We can help you if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

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If it's an emergency

eheadspace is not an emergency service so if you're in an emergency situation or need immediate assistance, contact mental health services, go to your local emergency department or call emergency services on 000. If you need to speak to someone urgently, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.

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eheadspace is not an emergency service so if you're in an emergency situation or need immediate assistance, contact mental health services, go to your local emergency department or call emergency services on 000. If you need to speak to someone urgently, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.

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05/03/2022 10:40 AM

Community members affected by the current severe weather and have been asked to evacuate are encouraged to seek assistance from friends and family in the first instance, but if that is not possible, the current evacuation centres available can be found in the list below:
Current Evacuation Centres:
Updated 10:40am 05.03.22

We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls, and ask you to be patient as we respond as quickly as we can.

If you need any general updates about the current severe weather, please call 1800 227 228.

If you need assistance in floods and storms, please call 132 500. If the situation is life-threatening please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

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05/03/2022 10:40 AM Community members affected by the current severe weather and have been asked to evacuate are encouraged to seek assistance from friends and family in the first instance, but if that is not possible, the current evacuation centres available can be found in the list below: Current Evacuation Centres: Updated 10:40am 05.03.22 We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls, and ask you to be patient as we respond as quickly as we can.

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If you'd like your bank to help, you should call or email them and let them know your current circumstances and that you would like to be given some hardship assistance.
When you call your bank, ask to speak to the "financial hardship team".

Remember: It's important to be open and honest about your personal circumstances and financial situation so your bank can determine if, and how, it can help you. Make sure you only offer to pay what you can afford after you've considered your overall living expenses.

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If you'd like your bank to help, you should call or email them and let them know your current circumstances and that you would like to be given some hardship assistance. When you call your bank, ask to speak to the "financial hardship team".

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Volunteers are what drives Animal Rescue and what keeps the ARC machine going. The work of every single volunteer is valued by everyone in rescue. You cant do this without help.

The most common things that are need at ARC reflect the work that we are doing. Some of these are;

Transfer Hub team members. The hubs are where we receive and send out our donations and supplies. This is boxes of product, food and medical supplies that come in all week and go out all week.

Transporters. These are volunteers who can take stuff from a Transfer Hub to a rescue group, either in their own vehicle or in a van/truck depending on what we have to move

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Volunteers are what drives Animal Rescue and what keeps the ARC machine going. The work of every single volunteer is valued by everyone in rescue. You cant do this without help. The most common things that are need at ARC reflect the work that we are doing.

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FOLLOW POST INSTRUCTIONS
Please message if you are from a flood effected Bundjalung Indigenous community so you can be apart of the recovery relief fund by Koori Mail. DO NOT CALL

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NAB extends $1,000 grants to customers impacted by northern NSW floods - NAB News

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If you’re a NAB customer affected by the recent floods, we can provide financial relief and support measures, including a $1,000 grant to help cover costs such as temporary accommodation, food and clothing (eligibility criteria applies). Business and agriculture customers who have suffered damage or losses because of the floods are also eligible.

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NAB donation to support flood response and recovery efforts

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NAB extends $1,000 grants to customers impacted by northern NSW floods - NAB News

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NAB will provide grants and additional financial relief to customers and colleagues affected by floods in the Northern Rivers region in NSW.