Support options now available for flood impacted businesses

As the community recovers from the recent storms and flooding, Wollongong City Council and the NSW Government are providing a range of assistance options for affected businesses and organisations.

Following the flooding event of Saturday 6 April, the City of Wollongong was declared a natural disaster area identified as Category B, which is for serious but localised natural disaster events. This has opened up access to a range of special assistance measures for the community and local businesses.

Support and assistance for businesses and organisations

Local businesses and organisations located in the Wollongong LGA can access a range of special assistance measures.

These include various grants, loans or financial assistance opportunities for small businesses, sporting and recreation clubs and not-for-profit organisations who were directly affected by the storm and flooding event on Saturday 6 April.

To find out more about the different financial support options available, business owners can visit the Service NSW website or the Disaster Assistance Finder to find benefits and services tailored specifically to their situation.

Face-to-face consultation

The NSW Government has announced they are establishing two Recovery Assistance Centres in the City of Wollongong from Thursday 11 April. This is where those impacted by storms and flooding should go for support and face-to-face assistance.

Services at these interagency centres will include assistance with:

• assessing what financial support is available, and applying
• temporary accommodation
• legal advice
• replacement of damaged or lost ID and other government documents
• mental health.

These in-person assistance centres will be located at Thirroul Community Centre and Warrawong Community Centre and include access to a Business Concierge who can provide personalised support for business owners and organisations.

Both locations will be open at the following times:

• Thursday 11 April from 12pm to 7pm
• Friday 12 April from 10am to 4pm
• Saturday 13 April from 9am to 1pm.

As community needs change, the Service NSW website will be updated with information on additional options to find face-to-face support.

Alternatively, business owners can get in touch with a Service NSW Business Concierge over the phone by calling 13 77 88, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm or register for a call back.

What to do with damaged structures, property and waste

If you have damaged structures or property at your business and are insured, check with your landlord (if appropriate) and insurance provider about support for clean-up. We recommend taking photos of any visible damage if it’s safe to do so as this will help you apply for financial assistance down the track.

Financial support is available to eligible businesses to dispose of commercial waste. The best place to start is by contacting Service NSW or visit one of the Recovery Assistance Centres to find out if your business is eligible for financial support towards clean-up and removal of debris or discuss options with your insurer.

Businesses can dispose of commercial waste at the Wollongong Waste and Recycling Centre (Whytes Gully). Hours have been extended to 6pm daily, until Friday 12 April. While the fees have been temporarily lifted for flood-impacted residents at our Whytes Gully facility, a portion of the weighbridge (gate) fee still applies for businesses impacted by flooding due to the other dedicated financial support options such as State government grants and loans. To minimise costs, we recommend businesses to check their eligibility for financial assistance or insurance cover first.

Mental health support

Natural disasters often cause trauma and distress. There are a range of mental health support services available at the Recovery Assistance Centres in Thirroul and Warrawong, including The Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, NSW Health, the Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Rural Financial Counselling Service.

Stay up to date

Stay up to date with the latest information for our local community by following the City of Wollongong Facebook page or visit wollongong.nsw.gov/recovery.