Where to go to get help
It has been a very tough time for lots of people on the Mid North Coast. We’ve had fires, then COVID and now floods. During this time, it may be confusing where to go to get help.
We’ve tried to make this easier by summarising all the government and other assistance, eligibility and how to access it, that we could find.
It’s possible we may have missed something, if so, let us know and we’ll be sure to add it. We have made every effort to make sure the information is accurate, but please double check with the organisations and check things have not changed. We provide this information as a courtesy and usual disclaimers apply – please don not rely on this information and make decisions based on it. This information is intended as a resource to aid your enquiries.
The Port Macquarie Hastings Council also provided a list of resources in April 2021, which you can find in our
If anyone would like help in completing any of the applications, please call us at the office and we’ll do what we can to help.
The OBB Team
For Individuals
Disaster Recovery Payment
A lump sum payment to those who have been significantly affected by the disaster.
- $1,000 per adult
- $400 for each child younger than 16
| Eligibility: | Who can get it |
| Link to claim: | How to claim |
Disaster Recovery Allowance
A short term payment to assist if the disaster has directly affected your income.
- * Maximum of 13 weeks
- * Paid at the JobSeeker rate
| Eligibility: | Who can get it |
| Link to claim: | How to Claim |
Bank Assistance
Commonwealth bank
- payment arrangements for loans
- waived fees and charges
- temporary overdrafts
- website link
ANZ
- three month pausing for loan payments
- temporary interest rate reductions
- waived fees and charges
- website link
Westpac
- Deferred loan payments for up to three months
- Personal loans at discounted interest rates
- $3,000 emergency grants for households
- Website link – disaster relief
- Website link – Media Release
NAB:
- $2,000 grant for loss of home
- Loan relief
- Waiving of fees and charges
- Providing access to counselling
- Website link – disister relief
- Website link – natural disaster and crisis support
For Businesses
Grants
The Australian and NSW governments have announced a recovery grant of up to $50,000 for small businesses and up to $75,000 for primary producers where direct damage has occurred following the recent storm and flood event. More information here. Eligibility criteria are spelt out here.
Loans
Primary Producers and Small Business
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- Amount: Up to $130,000
- Term: Up to 10 years loan.
- First two years interest and repayment free
- Interest Rate: 0.45%
- Further info and eligibility.
Bank Assistance
Westpac
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- $5,000 re-open grants
- Media release
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NAB
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- $2,000 business grant
- Media release – Natural Disaster and Crisis Support
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