Flood Relief Extended to 29 More Suburbs Across Hunter and Mid North Coast

newy.com.au – An additional 29 suburbs across the Hunter and Mid North Coast have been added to the list of areas eligible for Personal Hardship Assistance payments following the recent East Coast floods, the NSW Government announced on 11 July 2025.

The updated list includes 20 suburbs within the Kempsey Local Government Area, five in Port Stephens and four in Port Macquarie. The expansion follows further assessments conducted by the NSW Reconstruction Authority using data from local councils.

More than 45,000 people have already submitted applications for financial assistance through Service NSW. The program, which supports residents impacted by the floods, remains open for new applications until 11.59pm on Monday, 21 July 2025.

Recovery Centres and Recovery Assistance Points continue to operate across affected regions, offering in-person support. Since 27 May 2025, over 12,400 individuals have accessed these services.

Hunter and Mid North Coast Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens encouraged people in newly included areas to seek help if they need it. “Everyone’s recovery journey is different and can at times seem overwhelming, which is why the NSW Government has opened the Personal Hardship Grant for 29 new suburbs, so that people can access support now when they need it,” Mr Owens said.

“We also know there are people in impacted communities who haven’t come forward for assistance, but there is nothing shameful about asking for help,” he added. “I encourage everyone who has been impacted to either visit the Service NSW website, phone 13 77 88 or visit a Recovery Centre or RAP.”

Applications can be made online at www.service.nsw.gov.au, with additional information on support services and Recovery Centre locations available at nsw.gov.au.