Disaster Recovery

Disaster Recovery in the Cessnock LGA

Recovering from a disaster takes time. Support is available to help you, your family, your business, or your property get back on track.

Whether you’ve been affected by flooding, storms, bushfires, heatwaves, infrastructure failure, or other emergencies, Cessnock City Council works alongside NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service, and other agencies to connect the community with essential services, financial support, and wellbeing resources.

Find support fast

To quickly find out what help is available to you:

Call Service NSW Disaster Customer Care on 13 77 88 or visit your nearest Recovery Centre.

Support for individuals and households

Accommodation Support
If your home is uninhabitable due to a disaster, emergency accommodation may be available. Contact Service NSW to discuss your situation.

Use the online NSW Disaster Assistance Finder to check your eligibility for support programs.

Visit Services Australia to check Disaster Support payment eligibility.

Support for businesses and primary producers

Storm and Flood Recovery Grants
Grants and concessional loans may be available to eligible small businesses, primary producers, and not-for-profit organisations that have suffered direct damage or loss of income.

Visit NSW Small Business Commissioner or call 1300 795 534.

Agricultural and animal welfare support

Call the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647, for assistance with:

  • Emergency fodder and water
  • Livestock veterinary care and euthanasia
  • Animal transport and evacuation support
  • Pasture recovery and farm infrastructure advice
  • Assistance with damage assessments and reporting

Contact your local district vet on 1300 795 299 for livestock health advice

Visit Department of Primary Industries or Local Land Services for pasture and erosion recovery resources.

Mental health and wellbeing support

Disasters can affect emotional wellbeing long after the event. Early mental health support can make a big difference.

Call the 24/7 NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511

Speak with your GP or local health service.

Visit Council’s Community Directory to search for local mental health providers.

Legal support

For help with legal issues such as insurance, tenancy, financial hardship or Centrelink:

Visit Disaster Response Legal Service NSW or call 1800 801 529 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).

Insurance advice

If your property is insured and affected by a disaster:

  • Contact your insurer as soon as possible
  • Take photos of the damage before cleaning up
  • For guidance, call the Insurance Council of Australia hotline on 1800 734 621

Note: Claims cannot be made through this hotline

Replacing lost documents

If you’ve lost essential identity documents like birth or change of name certificates:

Fees for replacements may be waived for affected residents

Cleaning up after a disaster

  • Only enter damaged buildings when cleared safe to do so
  • Photograph damage before removing items
  • Wear protective clothing and gloves when cleaning
  • Be alert for mould, debris, wildlife, and contaminated floodwater

For health and hygiene guidance, visit NSW Health Flood Resources.

Mosquitoes and mould

Flooding can lead to mosquito outbreaks and indoor mould. Take steps to:

  • Avoid mosquito bites with repellent and long sleeves
  • Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed
  • Dry out buildings and remove mould-affected materials safely

Access fact sheets on mould from NSW Health.

Wastewater systems and septic tank

If your AWTS or septic system has been flooded:

  • Do not use the system until it has been pumped out and inspected
  • Contact your service provider and arrange for a clean-up and emergency service
  • Do not allow untreated effluent to enter waterways or drinking water supplies

For urgent wastewater system concerns, contact Cessnock City Council’s Environmental Services team.

Need more help?

If you’re unsure what support you’re eligible for, the best starting point is to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit a Recovery Centre.

Stay informed by following:

Back to top