Recovering after an emergency

January 2025 storms and flooding

We've put together some useful information to help our community recover after the January 2025 storms and power outages.

Recovering from a disaster is a complex process that may take months, even years to overcome. After a major disaster, government authorities and service agencies coordinate recovery operations to help communities recover.

We support emergency services to manage and respond to local natural disasters and emergencies. Our role after an emergency is to lead clean-up efforts and coordinate repairs to public assets like roads, parks, drainage and trees.

A natural disaster declaration has been made for Port Stephens following severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall that impacted the regions between January 15 and January 17. This means practical support and financial assistance are available to help you get back on your feet.

There's a range of assistance options available for individuals, primary producers and small business, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations.

Find out what financial assistance you’re eligible for at Service NSW, disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 77 88.
Contact your insurance company for damage to personal property. For advice and guidance, contact the Insurance Council of Australia hotline on 1800 734 621.
You may also be eligible for an Ausgrid food spoilage claim of up to $250 due to power outages. Visit ausgrid.com.au/Contact-Us/Make-a-claim-Step-1.

There are some roads closed in Port Stephens. Please visit Live Traffic NSW to stay up to date with the latest information.
Our crews are working hard to fix potholes on all of our roads and regrade unsealed roads. Lodge a request online for maintenance, repairs, roads, waste and other services.

Our kerbside collection service is the best way to get rid of bulky items — book your collection online and be sure to only put your waste on the kerb once collection is confirmed.
Please beware services during emergencies may also be impacted and there may be lengthy wait times.
For disaster/emergency affected waste, please contact your insurer in the first instance.
Check our waste pages for more information about drop off days, waste disposal locations and more.
We're considering extra support we can offer for green waste, debris and spoiled food waste.

We offer support and information services that include Homelessness Services, advice on Crisis Accommodation, Transitional Accommodation (limited), Domestic Violence Support, Safe Houses & Legal Clinics, Parent’s & Carer’s Groups, Children’s and Young People’s Groups, Aboriginal Culture Groups, Early Childhood Programs including Playtime Groups, Child, Youth & Family Counselling and Casework, Drop-in Centre, Financial Assistance, Financial Counsellor, Home to School Mentoring, Youth Centre and more.

All our services are free and operating as usual.

To access support, please call 4987 1331 after 9:00 AM on weekdays to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be conducted either by phone or in person. Kindly note, due to limited phone lines, you may need to call several times to reach us. Assistance is provided through vouchers for food, fuel, and other essentials.

Young people in need of help can contact their workers directly or text 0498 118 335 or 0409 974 073 for support.

We regret to inform the community that the recent power outage resulted in the loss of food and meals typically available. We are unable to provide these services until fresh supplies arrive, which we anticipate by Monday.

The power outages, combined with heavy rain, have created wastewater overflows in many catchments.

Hunter Water advises people avoid swimming in local beaches and waterways (including ocean baths) for at least two days after all power is restored and the wastewater network returns to normal operating conditions.

All beaches in Port Stephens are closed. Beachfront driving in the Worimi Conservation Lands is temporarily closed and will be reviewed on Monday 20 January. The closure extends from the Gan Gan entry at Anna Bay to the Lavis Lane entry at Williamtown.

For issues with sewage and water, contact Hunter Water on 1300 657 657 or www.hunterwater.com.au

The Beachwatch Partnership Program monitors water quality for swimming in New South Wales. Find a monitored swim site here.

To assist customers hardest hit, members of Ausgrid's customer and community teams and the SES will be available at drop-in locations on Monday 19 January to offer advice, phone charging facilities, technical support, material for life support customers, and claim guidance. There'll be limited food available.

Raymond Terrace Community Church, 10 Richardson Road, Raymond Terrace
Monday 20 January 2025, 10am to 5pm

Landholders needing advice regarding livestock and agriculture animals impacted by disaster events can contact NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services on 1800 814 647.

NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) – 132 500 or ses.nsw.gov.au
Life-threatening emergency – 000
Bureau of Meteorology – bom.gov.au
National Relay Service: SSR – 1300 555 727 and then ask for 132 500, TTY – 13 36 77 and then ask for 132 500
AusGrid – 13 13 65 (general) or 13 13 88 (emergencies)
LiveTraffic – 132 701 or livetraffic.com
Disaster Welfare Services – 1800 018 444
Legal Aid NSW – 1800 801 529 or disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Mental Health Support – Lifeline, 13 11 14
Australian Red Cross – 1800 812 028
Department of Primary Industries – 1300 795 299
Housing NSW – 1800 422 322
Healthdirect – 1800 022 222

Charities and local support

Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services – 4987 1331
The Samaritans, Raymond Terrace – 1300 656 336
St Vincent De Paul, Tomaree – 4982 0192
Overflow Church- Medowie – 4982 9123
Hume Housing – 02 9722 4300
The Hope Centre, All Saints Church, Nelson Bay – 4981 1839
Salvation Army, Anna Bay – Envoys Sandra & Howard Koutnik 0434 624468 or 0409 033 258 available any day

Recovery from disasters takes time and mental health support will aid the long-term recovery of our impacted communities.

Phone the NSW Mental Health Line at any time on 1800 011 511.

Check on your neighbours, friends and family following a flood and see if there is anything you can do to assist.
Volunteer to help out in your local community — check with your local recovery committee to see what needs to be done.
Donations can assist disaster affected communities — make sure it's a legitimate charity before you donate money. If you intend to donate goods, ensure they are needed by the affected community.