- call Triple Zero (000) or
- go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Natural Disaster declared
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
Further information on disaster assistance and how to apply can be found at Disaster Assist.
Food Relief Services
Meals have been arranged for Maitland residents experiencing hardship during the recent emergency event.
The Department of Communities & Justice – Welfare Service have arranged for the Salvation Army food truck to offer hot meals in the carpark outside Noel Unicomb Community Centre, Kookaburra Parade, Woodberry at the following times:
- Monday 20 January - 5pm - 7pm
- Tuesday 21 January - 12pm - 2pm and 5pm - 7pm.
On Tuesday 21 January, SES, NSW Reconstruction Authority and Red Cross representatives will also be available from 12pm to 5pm to offer support.
For a full list of ongoing food assistance programs in the Maitland area, visit the Maitland Food Assistance Network.
You may be eligible for up to $250 to cover food spoilage due to power outages, please make a claim with Ausgrid.
Community Support and Financial Assistance
Below is a list of Maitland community organisations that can provide support and financial assistance:
- AskIzzy - a free, confidential website that connects people in need with essential services.
- Maitland Region Community Support (MRCS): 11 Arthur Street, Rutherford, 10am – 3pm. Contact: 4932 0950
- Metford Community Baptist Church - Grace Community Kitchen: 83-85 Chelmsford Drive, Metford, 10am – 3pm.
- Maitland Region Community Support (MRCS): 11 Arthur Street, Rutherford. Contact: 4932 0950
- Maitland Uniting Church - MUNCH Program: 347 Ken Tubman Drive, Maitland. Contact: 0418 299 438
- St Vincent de Paul: 437 High Street, Maitland. Contact: 4961 6885
- House of Grace Community Care - Maitland Food Co-op: 61 Victoria Street, East Maitland. Contact: 4972 2290
- Telarah Rutherford Anglican Church - Samaritans Emergency Relief: 92 Gillies Street, Rutherford. Contact: 4993 3400
- Saint Peter’s Church, Anglican Parish of East Maitland - St Peter’s Pantry: 0400 652 406
- REACH Homeless Service / Our Circle Maitland: 0403 588 302 or 0437 532 089
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.
Free Legal Advice
If you have been affected by the recent storms, contact the Disaster Response Legal Service for free legal help.