Immediate hardship assistance
Anyone in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac Regional Council areas affected by Cyclone Debbie, can access immediate hardship assistance, available until 23 April 2017. You may be eligible if you:
- live or are stranded in the targeted activation zone;
- are unable to meet immediate essential needs;
- are unable to seek support from family or friends; and
- demonstrate direct impact such as loss or damage to home, loss of essential personal items and/or isolation from home for more than 48 hours.
Applicants who satisfy the above criteria, may receive $180 per person up to $900 for a family of five or more.
Who to contact
People who are experiencing personal hardship should contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349. For further information go to the Community Recovery website.
Disaster Recovery Payment for New Zealanders
The Department of Human Services has announced that a Disaster Recovery Payment is available for New Zealand non-protected Special Category visa-holders severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March 2017.
Who to contact
Call the Department of Human Services on 180 22 66 or download the Cyclone Debbie Disaster Recovery Payment for New Zealanders claim form.
