Ballina Shire Council understands that for local flood-affected residents and businesses the road to flood recovery will take time and requires a range of support.
There is a variety of services and facilities still available to help our community get back on their feet.
Ballina Recovery Centre – for advisory services
If you've been impacted by the floods, there is a raft of agencies standing by to help you at the Recovery Centre. Located at the Ballina Surf Club, Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina, the Recovery Centre is open.
Service providers will help you navigate the range of financial assistance available, provide accommodation advice, assist with insurance and legal issues, link you with clean-up support, and access mental health services.
Agencies include Services Australia (Centrelink), Service NSW, Red Cross, Salvation Army
Australian Defence Force, Legal Aid, Insurers, Department of Communities and Justice – Housing, and Ballina Shire Council.
The Recovery Centre will close from Friday 15 April to Monday 18 April for the Easter long weekend.
Flood Recovery Distribution Hub – for free items and vouchers
Ballina Shire Council has established a Distribution Hub to distribute items and vouchers in one convenient location. The Distribution Hub supports any resident affected in the Northern Rivers.
Free items (subject to availability) include non-perishable foods, clothing, shoes, cleaning products, bedding, mattresses, hygiene products, toys, small household goods and vouchers.
The Hub is located on Gallans Road, Ballina and is open seven days a week, 10am to 2pm.
The Flood Recovery Distribution Hub will close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
It will be open on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday between 10am and 2pm.
A return shuttle bus service operates to the Recovery Centre and Distribution Hub (when open). Download the bus timetable at ballina.nsw.gov.au/bus-timetables
Recovery Assistance Point soon to open at Wardell Memorial Hall
Ballina Shire Council together with Resilience NSW are opening a new Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) at the Wardell Memorial Hall.
Service providers will be available to help flood affected people navigate the range of financial assistance available, accommodation advice, support for businesses, insurance and legal support, link you with flood clean-up support, and access mental health and wellbeing services.
The RAP will be open from Tuesday 19 April from 10am to 4pm each weekday.
How to help
The community spirit of Ballina Shire has been inspiring over the past few months, and Ballina Shire Council continues to receive offers to help flood-affected residents. If you want to donate items or funds please visit givit.org.au to find out what affected residents require as they rebuild their lives.
GIVIT is an easy, quick and efficient way of donating directly to people in need without overwhelming charities on the ground.
Mental Health Support
Connect To Wellbeing North Coast on 1300 160 339. Call Connect to Wellbeing and be directed to the right information or service that best suits your needs, including referral to telehealth services (up to 10 free telepsychology sessions). Service hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.
For more information on flood related matters, please visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/floodrecovery
