Recovering after an emergency

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.

Extra green waste drop-off days

Extra free green waste drop off services are available for Port Stephens residents to dispose of storm debris safely and conveniently. Visit our 'waste and recycling' page for more information.

Special storm affected green waste kerbside collection booking

If you have green waste due to the recent storm, that you're unable to take to a free green waste drop-off, book a special green waste collection. This is a one off special green waste collection, with 1 collection available per property. Use the online booking link, or call 4988 0255.

Book your special green waste kerbside collection

FAQs

Can I book two Special Green Waste Collection for my property?

No Council is only providing this for a limited time with one booking per property available.

Will this special service be available after future storm events?

The availability of special services following future storm events will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Decision will be influenced by the level of the emergency and the Natural Disaster category deemed by the NSW Government.

What if I have already booked an On Call Kerbside Collection through Council waste service’s contractor Veolia?

If residents have already booked an On Call Kerbside Collection residents can still apply for the special green waste collection and keep their kerbside.

If the On Call Kerbside Collection was for specific storm affected green waste residents can call Council on 4988 0255 or 1300 734 470 to cancel their booking.

Spoiled food

Soiled food can be disposed of in your regular red bins and picked up in your regular scheduled collection. It can also be disposed of at Salamander Bay, with an EPA exemption on the waste levy for storm affected areas, gate fees still apply.

Other household debris on verge

This can also be disposed of at Salamander Bay and Newline Road with an EPA exemption on the waste levy for storm affected areas, gate fees still apply.

All  beaches and waterways in Port Stephens are now OPEN.

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

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.

Food and crisis relief

We’ve worked with our partners to pull together all of the opportunities for emergency assistance across the week – from food, to vouchers to rental support.

• Food and crisis relief calendar

1. Check your power - First, ensure that your power has been restored
2. Visually inspect the nbn equipment - If it's safe to do so, visually check for any obvious signs of damage such as damaged cables coming into your premises or antennas on your roof. Check lights on nbn equipment - it may have been damaged during the event.
3. If you find equipment issues or still have no nbn connection - please contact your provider who can test your service, address any problems within their control, and arrange for an nbn approved technician to assist if necessary

• 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
• Kids Helpline – 1800 511 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au
• 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
• Link 2 Home – 1800 152 152
• Hume Housing – 1800 004 300
• Home in Place  – 1300 333 733

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.