The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is continuing to support the NSW Reconstruction Authority in the transition to recovery for Hunter and Mid North Coast communities affected by recent severe weather.
This transition marks a critical phase in helping residents rebuild, with efforts now centred on recovery coordination and community support.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM welcomed today’s appointment of Dave Owens as the Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator.
“We will continue to work with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and stand alongside the community to ensure this is a smooth and coordinated transition to recovery,” Commissioner Wassing said.
“Currently, ten areas, including Walcha, Muswellbrook, Armidale, Upper Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Newcastle, and Singleton, have already been formally handed over to the NSW Reconstruction Authority.”
Handing over to recovery and damage assessments remains the key focus today, with the NSW SES leading coordinated efforts alongside partner agencies to carry out the assessments and clean-up operations, including washouts.
Commissioner Wassing said that more than 11,400 damage assessments have been completed, with some areas seeing these assessments and washouts conducted simultaneously to speed up recovery efforts.
“To date, 19 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been impacted by this event,” Commissioner Wassing said.
The highest volumes of damage assessments have been recorded in Mid-Coast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Kempsey, and Dungog.
Currently, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has five Recovery Centres open in key locations, offering essential support services and information to residents as they begin the process of rebuilding.
For further recovery information and the full list of recovery centres, visit nsw.gov.au/FloodRecoveryUpdates
To support those affected, GIVIT has partnered with the NSW Government to manage donations of essential goods and services for people impacted by severe flooding in the NSW Mid North Coast and Hunter regions. The most effective way to help is by donating through GIVIT at: Donations Needed For NSW Flooding | Donate with GIVIT.
Communities are encouraged to use this method rather than delivering goods directly to NSW SES Units.
If you need assistance during storms and floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Media enquiries:
NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234