Cyclone Alfred community updates from across the Northern Rivers Update #4

Written By CCR Coordinator

(A child processing the floods through play)

Last updated at: 12 March 2025, 4:16 PM

Update #4

These reports come from both official sources and CCR (Community Carers and Responders), Plan C’s network of volunteers who provide on-the-ground updates during emergencies across the Northern Rivers.

As we transition from ex-cyclone Alfred emergency response, to long-term recovery, we encourage you to regularly check this new centralised website focusing on providing information on all things recovery: https://www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery. That site contain a good deal of information about recovery and services that you can access, information that is available to assist you and your community.

This post compiles the most relevant updates and resources following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, aiming to help you navigate immediate and longer-term challenges. It highlights practical advice—such as mould prevention, sandbag disposal, and connections to essential services—alongside information about current warning levels, available grants, and support hotlines. The shared details come from government sources, councils, and community groups collaborating to make recovery more manageable for everyone affected.

Above all, we recognise the emotional toll that follows such a disaster, and encourage kindness and patience towards oneself and others. People are often more prone to accidents and incidents following such an intense period and thus encourage to slow down, rest and recover as best as you can.

Recovery coordinator announced

Recovery services have begun setting up in Northern NSW ahead of community outreach as the NSW Government appoints a Recovery Coordinator in the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. As the water recedes, the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is getting ready to support communities and begin recovery operations as quickly as possible. To boost recovery efforts for impacted communities, the NSW Government has appointed NSW Police Superintendent Scott Tanner as Recovery Coordinator for the region following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Current warnings & Key recovery dates

  • Emergency Warnings: All emergency warnings have been downgraded, but some Watch and Act warnings remain in place. Keep an eye on HazardWatch.gov.au for real-time updates.

  • Recovery Assistance Points (RAPs): From Thursday 13 to Friday 14 March (10 am–6 pm), drop in for practical recovery advice at:

    • Lismore: Southern Cross University, Room V1.19, Military Rd, East Lismore

    • Tweed Heads South: Tweed South Community Hall, corner Heffron St & Minjungbal Dr

    • Ballina: Ballina Surf Club, 65 Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina

    Additional RAPs and Mobile Outreach sessions will also run:

    • 13 March:

      • Dorrigo Community Hall (11 am–1 pm)

      • Ocean Shores Community Centre (11 am–1 pm)

      • Kyogle KMI (2 pm–6 pm)

      • Mullumbimby Civic Hall (4 pm–6 pm)

      • Bellingen Memorial Hall (4 pm–6 pm)

    • 14 March:

      • Coraki – Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre (11 am–1 pm)

      • Nana Glen Community Hall (11 am–1 pm)

      • Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium (1 am–1 pm)

      • Woodburn – Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre (4 pm–6 pm)

      • Byron Bay – Marvell Hall (4 pm–6 pm)

    • 15 March:

      • Wardell Recreation Ground (11 am–2 pm)

For details on all recovery assistance locations, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery.

Financial Assistance & Grants

  • Personal Hardship Assistance:

    • Emergency grants are now available to eligible residents in multiple council areas (including Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield, Tweed, and more).

    • The grant provides $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to help with essentials such as food, clothing, medicines, and emergency accommodation.

    • You must show evidence of hardship caused by the disaster and meet any additional eligibility requirements (e.g., evacuation orders, prolonged power outages).

    • To apply, visit the Service NSW website or speak to a Recovery Assistance Point team.

  • Disaster Recovery Allowance for 17 Local Government Areas:

    • Individuals who live or work in communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred may be eligible for up to 13 weeks of income support in the following 17 Local Government Areas - Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Mid-Coast, Nambucca, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond, Tenterfield and Tweed as well as the locality of Lord Howe Island, including any islands within a 3 Nautical Mile radius.

    • Check eligibility on the Services Australia website and claim online through myGov or call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66. Applications will open at 2pm local time, Tuesday 11 March. View the media release here. 

  • Other Supports:

    • Personal Hardship Assistance Grants have also been announced by the National Emergency Management Agency. Check if your Local Government Area is covered, and apply via your MyService Account on the Service NSW website or mobile app.

    • If you need emergency accommodation, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Practical Recovery Tips

Mould Prevention & Cleanup

Damp conditions can quickly lead to mould growth in your home. To prevent and remove mould:

  1. Ventilation: Let in fresh air and sunlight when possible. If humidity remains high, use dehumidifiers or run air conditioning on a dry cycle.

  2. Reduce moisture: Keep indoor plants outdoors temporarily, ensure furniture isn’t pushed against walls, and consider moisture-absorbing beads in wardrobes.

  3. Safe cleaning:

    • Avoid brushing mould off with a broom—this can spread spores.

    • Use a solution of 3 parts vinegar to 2 parts water or a diluted bleach solution for more stubborn mould.

    • Wear gloves, ensure good ventilation, and dispose of used cloths to prevent further contamination.

    • Adding clove oil to the mix may help but can discolour some surfaces and trigger allergies.

  4. Insurance & bigger Issues: If mould results from flooding or leaks, address the root cause (e.g., poor ventilation, damaged roofs or pipes). Some insurance policies may cover mould if it’s a secondary effect of a covered event like a cyclone or flood.

For more detailed mould cleanup advice, see the ABC’s guide: ab.co/HowTo-MouldCleanup.

Sandbag disposal

As floodwaters recede, the SES recommends to:

  1. Dispose of contaminated bags: Sandbags that came into contact with floodwater should be thrown away (wet sandbags may contain chemicals, waste, or pathogens). Do not return them to your local SES unit, and do not empty them on the beach as they may contaminate the natural environment.

  2. Safety first: Wear sturdy gloves when handling used sandbags as they contain all sorts of contaminants.

  3. Waste bin: In most cases, you can place wet or damaged sandbags in your general waste bin. Check with your local council if unsure.

  4. Clean & dry: If a sandbag remained clean and dry, store it in a dry place for future use.

Essential services & council updates

Rubbish collection & council support

Local councils are providing information on waste collection schedules and drop-off points. Visit your council’s website or social media pages for details, including how to safely dispose of flood-damaged household items.

Protect yourself against mosquitoes

Stagnant water from floods can become mosquito breeding sites. Mosquitoes can spread a number of viruses that cause disease in humans. It is important to take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Find out how to reduce the number of mosquitoes surrounding your property and how to prevent mosquito bites from NSW Health. 

Floodwater can make you sick

Avoid contact with floodwater as much as possible to reduce the risk of injury, sickness and infection. Floodwater can contain raw sewage, chemicals and other contaminants which can make you sick. Wear safety equipment including boots, gloves and eye protection for any clean-up activities and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Find advice from NSW Health on how to stay safe around floodwater.

Additional Resources

Do you have an update or correction to make?

Please send it through on our Plan C - Our Plan is the Community Facebook group so we can keep the community informed!

Useful links to check on a regular basis:

NSW SES Warnings & Emergency Updates:

BOM NSW Warnings Summary: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings

Install the Hazards Near Me App: www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

Local Council Emergency Dashboards:

Live Traffic NSW (road closures & conditions): www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701

NSW Power Outage Tracker: www.energynetworks.com.au/power-outages

Cyclone Alfred recovery: https://www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery

Emergency broadcaster (ABC Radio) on FM94.5 or AM720

River heights

Resilient Lismore Hub: www.resilientlismore.org.au

Legal Aid can provide free legal help for those affected by a disaster, including insurance claims and disputes, housing and tenancy, financial hardship, and government disaster grants: 1800 801 529 and https://disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Help in a crisis

If you require immediate 24/7 help, call 000. You can also contact:

  • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters 13YARN (13 9276)

  • Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

  • Lifeline 13 11 14

  • MensLine 1300 78 99 78

  • Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14

  • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

  • In an emergency, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Call North Coast Health Connect on 1800 198 888 for free, 24/7 access to registered nurses who can answer your questions.

They can also connect you to a bulk-billed GP (virtual or in-person) or a pharmacist if needed.

https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/

  • Call or web chat

  • Available 24/7

  • Confidential

  • Connect with a GP or pharmacist if needed

We understand that some healthcare services may currently be unavailable. If you're a NSW North Coast community member and need to speak with someone, please reach out to this service.

If somebody is having a mental health crisis the first step is to provide immediate telephone support through Mental Health Hotline https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/Pages/mental-health-line.aspx 

Please stay informed and safe. And take a few moments to pause and ground yourself. 

CCR Coordinator
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Cyclone Alfred community updates from across the Northern Rivers Update #3