Community support and trusted source of information in the Byron Shire - latest updates - Tuesday 01/03

Hey everyone,

Further to our update yesterday (which you can find here), please find hereafter our latest flood response update for the Byron Shire.

COMMUNICATIONS
As we move into the recovery phase of this disaster, we have decided in coordination with many individuals and organisations throughout the Byron Shire to:

• Use the BYRON SHIRE URGENT FLOOD ASSISTANCE Facebook group to facilitate peer-to-peer community support. If you need help (short-term accommodation, cleaning materials, food, handyman, volunteers etc.) or if you can give help please use this group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/489175689244002

• Use the Resilient Byron Facebook group to provide relevant, updated and trusted information, in ongoing coordination with local authorities, multiple organisations and community members. We invite you to check it regularly and share any relevant info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ResilientByron

• We also encourage you to regularly check the Byron Shire emergency dashboard managed by the Byron Shire Council.

• The SES current community advice.

• The Bureau of Meteorology current NSW warnings.

• Make sure to call 000 or 132 500 (SES) if you need urgent help.

HEALTH and MENTAL HEALTH
Urgent health and medical advice are available for people being affected by floods and road closures.
If you're needing to speak to a GP for medical advice and support, including accessing prescription medicines, the Healthy North Coast 24/7 GP Telehealth service can help. Call free 1800 931 158.
Please note, this is not an emergency service. In medical emergencies, call 000 (Triple Zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
Visit NSW Health's website for more information about managing your health during and after floods: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/emergency_preparedness/weather/Pages/storms-and-floods.aspx

VOLUNTEERING
If you wish to volunteer in the flood response, please note that there is a real risk of overwhelming existing responding institutions with your generosity.
While we are coordinating with the Byron Shire Council, disaster agencies, neighbourhood centres etc, we urge you to channel your energy into helping your neighbours, and those who live at the borders of the flood zones in our own neighbourhood for the time being.

DONATIONS
Your kindness and generosity are so wonderful, and part of what we love about our community, but please DO NOT DONATE at this time unless you are responding to a specific request.
Unless an evacuation centre specifically asks for donations please DO NOT go there to donate. They do not have the infrastructure to manage large amounts of donations.
The Resilient Byron team is working with Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre and Byron Shire Council, and others on a coordinated approach for accepting financial and non-financial donations. We will keep you updated on the best ways to donate.
In the meantime, if you want to donate your TIME to help people who are flood affected, please offer your assistance in the BYRON SHIRE URGENT FLOOD ASSISTANCE group, including any specific skills (electrician, cleaner, etc) or materials (cleaning products, food, etc) you may have.

INITIAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE FROM 2PM TODAY (further funding will also be announced in coming days/weeks)

• The Disaster Recovery Payment is $1000 per adult and $400 per child. For a family with two adults and two children, that's $2800 available now.

• The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is an ongoing payment for a maximum of 13 weeks. This is up to $677 per fortnight, depending on your personal circumstances.

• To claim the Disaster Recovery Payment or the Disaster Recovery Allowance, click this link: https://my.gov.au/. If you require support to claim, call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

• 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.

• The Australian Taxation Office has also announced support including extra time to pay tax or lodge tax returns, activity statements or other obligations, and are prioritising any refunds owed to you. For more information, click here: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Support-in-difficult-times/

• Funding has also been approved for local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets

CONNECT with your family and friends
This service registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones after an emergency.
Use Register to let people know you are safe. Use Find to look for people you know may be affected by an emergency. Reunite is a matching process that enables the Australian Red Cross, with permission, to share details to connect family, friends and loved ones.
To start, go to the event below and choose Register or Find. https://register.redcross.org.au/

ROAD REPORTS
See Live Traffic and MyRoadInfo but note that some of these reports aren't always up to date. It's worth checking on Facebook as locals often have extra and more current info, and reports of other nearby incidents, and photos.

WEATHER

• Weather reports and data: ABC Current weather warnings; Cape Byron Weather Station; BoM (Bureau of Meteorology) esp Cyclones; Flood levels; Weather Radar; or BoM radar.

• River levels: all river levels in Northern Rivers via BoM.

OUTAGES
Electricity / phone: Electricity;  Telstra; Optus. Emergency services working hard to re-establish power throughout the region.

OTHER UPDATES

• Waste pick up will start with contractors in the next day or two – as there are some issues with the M1 closure.

• Trucks are going to be held up for 2-3 days North and South of the region, due to the M1 closure.

• Woolworths in Byron and Mullumbimby are open, IGA in Mullumbimby is open, Coles in Ocean Shore is reported to open this Saturday - but given the above, manage your food stocks to last a few more days.

• A high level of water restrictions remains in place - please use tap water sparingly.

• No flights coming into Ballina airport at the moment.

Last but not least, the flood has affected us all gravely, yet here we are rising to the challenge and supporting each other in true community spirit. Let's keep it up! :)