Financial Support For Businesses Affected By Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Written by: Fresh Clinics
We know the past few weeks have been incredibly challenging for our Fresh Clinics community in Northern NSW and Queensland as you navigate the aftermath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Many of you have faced business disruptions, clinic closures, and financial strain due to this disaster. As always, Fresh Clinics is committed to keeping you informed, ensuring you have access to the financial resources and support available to help you move forward.
The Australian Government has announced disaster relief for individuals, workers, and businesses impacted by Cyclone Alfred. Below, we've outlined the key support measures you may be eligible for.
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)
The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders who have lost income due to Cyclone Alfred. This is designed to help cover financial shortfalls as you recover and rebuild.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the DRA, you must:
✔️ Live or work in a declared disaster area
✔️ Have lost some or all of your income due to the cyclone
✔️ Have an income that has fallen below the Australian weekly average as a result of the disaster
Declared Disaster Areas
The DRA is available for individuals and businesses in the following regions:
Queensland – 14 Local Government Areas:
- Brisbane
- Fraser Coast
- Gold Coast
- Gympie
- Ipswich
- Lockyer Valley
- Logan
- Moreton Bay
- Noosa
- Redland
- Scenic Rim
- Somerset
- Southern Downs
- Sunshine Coast
New South Wales – 17 Local Government Areas:
- Armidale
- Ballina
- Bellingen
- Byron
- Clarence Valley
- Coffs Harbour
- Dungog
- Glen Innes Severn
- Kempsey
- Kyogle
- Lismore
- Mid-Coast
- Nambucca
- Port Macquarie-Hastings
- Richmond
- Tenterfield
- Tweed
- Lord Howe Island (including nearby islands within a 3-nautical-mile radius)
How to Apply
📅 Applications open Thursday, 13 March 2025, at 2:00 PM local time
- Check your eligibility: Before applying, visit the Services Australia website to confirm your eligibility.
- Submit your claim: The easiest way to apply is online through myGov.
- Need help? Call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line at 180 22 66 for assistance.
Additional Support for Queensland and NSW Residents
Beyond federal assistance, both Queensland and NSW governments have announced additional support measures for affected individuals, businesses, and communities.
Queensland: Financial aid is available for those directly impacted by Cyclone Alfred.
👉 Learn more: Queensland Government Support
New South Wales: A Natural Disaster Declaration has been made, allowing residents, businesses, and primary producers to access financial relief.
👉 Learn more: NSW Government Support
Fresh Clinics is Here for You
At Fresh Clinics, we know the resilience of our community is unmatched, but we also understand the emotional and financial toll a disaster like this can take. If you've been affected, we encourage you to explore these financial relief options and reach out if you need support.
If you or someone you know has been impacted, please share this information to ensure our community gets the assistance it needs. Fresh Clinics is here to support you so please reach out to your Account Manager should you need it