News

It is estimated that around 15 members may be in the Local Government Areas that have been impacted by the severe weather on the NSW East Coast since 18 May 2025. We are consolidating helpful links for members into a one-stop-shop. There are links from the NSW Government and the Office of Liquor and Gaming.

Extension of the Liquor License Fee Waiver application

The Office of Liquor and Gaming have announced an extension of the Liquor License Fee waiver application. If your venue is experiencing financial hardship or special circumstances, such as a natural disaster or recovery, you may apply for a full or partial waiver of the annual liquor licence fee. We have extended the deadline for submitting this application for venues within the 16 affected LGAs to 29 May 2025.

Where special circumstances exist, such as hardship caused by a natural disaster, supporting documents must be provided as evidence of this (e.g. insurance claims, photos of damage caused to venue).

Submit the Fee Waiver application

NSW Government Support

The NSW Government has provided the following information about Grant and Financial relief and support for those impacted by the NSW East Coast Sever Weather:

Individuals

Disaster Recovery Allowance

Individuals who live or work in communities directly affected by the NSW East Coast severe weather  may be eligible for up to 13 weeks of income support.

This applies to individuals in the following 19 Local Government Areas: 

Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter, Walcha.

Check eligibility on the Services Australia website and claim online through myGov or call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

Applications open Monday 26 May, 2pm local time. 

Other financial assistance and support available for individuals after a disaster

Other support for individuals includes:

• immediate financial assistance (including small cash payments and direct material aid to cover food, clothing, personal items and emergency accommodation)
• grants for low income, uninsured households to replace essential household items
• grants for low income, uninsured households for essential structural repairs to homes

To be eligible for this payment individuals must reside in one of the declared affected Local Government Areas (AGRN 1212).

Grant applicants’ income and assets are tested to ensure they meet additional eligibility criteria (broadly equivalent to the Age Pension test).

Access more information about other financial relief and support services available for individuals, families and households following a disaster, including:

• Disaster Relief Grants

Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Business and primary producers

Small business and primary producers may be eligible for concessional loans up to $130,000. Primary producers may also be eligible for transport subsidies of up to $15,000. View more information about financial support for business and primary producers to aid recovery after a disaster, including:

• Natural Disaster Relief loans for business and primary producers
• Natural Disaster Transport Subsidy

Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. 

Non-profits and community organisations

Non-profits may be eligible for concessional loans of up to $25,000 and sporting and recreational clubs can apply for concessional loans of up to $10,000. View more information about financial support available for not-for-profits and community organisations to aid recovery after a disaster, including:

• Natural Disaster Relief Loans for non-profits and community organisations

Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Eligibility

To be eligible for some special assistance measures, business, primary producers, non-profits and community organisations must be in a Local Government Area (LGA) that is covered by the NSW East Coast severe weather natural disaster declaration (AGRN 1212).