Community support services

A state of Natural Disaster has been declared that includes the Maitland LGA. The declaration will provide additional support to the community, including relief payments, welfare support and support for local businesses.

• Support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils and other agencies to help with the costs of cleaning up, keeping the community safe and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder

The NSW Reconstruction Authority and partner agencies - Red Cross, Samaritans, Legal Aid, Service NSW, Services Australia, Department of Communities and Justice, Hume Housing, St Vincent de Paul, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program - will begin opening Recovery Centres in key locations.

Residents can visit the Maitland Recovery Centre at 263 High Street, Maitland for practical recovery advice and support at the following times:

• Monday 2 June, 10am to 6pm
• Tuesday 3 June, 10am to 6pm
• Wednesday 4 June, 10am to 6pm
• Thursday 5 June, 10am to 6pm
• Friday 6 June, 10am to 4pm

Services available

Recovery Centres can assist through:

• Financial counselling services
• Legal advice for renters and regarding insurance
• Grant registration help
• Disaster recovery payments and disaster recovery allowance for businesses
• Temporary accommodation and housing support
• Mental health advice
• Providing facilities to print paperwork, such as ID documents

The NSW Government has waived the waste levy for flood and storm generated waste until Monday 18 August. 

The waiver applies to waste going to landfill (damaged carpet, furniture, building materials); items like green waste, tyres and mattresses and other recyclables are exempt from the waiver.

Maitland residents can drop flood and storm waste at Maitland Resource Recovery Facility to receive the $170.10/tonne levy discount; reduced gate fees still apply. 

Residents without means of transporting waste to our waste facility can redeem kerbside bulky waste collection; usual collection conditions apply (no building materials, recyclables or general household waste).

Mental health support

Living through a natural disaster can impact your mental health and wellbeing. Support is available for you and those around you.

If you are in a crisis or in need of immediate support, contact Triple Zero (000).

Taking care of yourself & the community is vital. Access to 24/7 telephone counselling and support services are available.