We’re committed to supporting the Far West NSW community during this challenging time. This includes bringing together government agencies and industry to support immediate and longer-term needs.
These services may be helpful for you right now.
Funding support
Our NSW Government community support package will total $4 million, including a $1.5 million contribution by Transgrid. This includes:
- payments of $200 to each of the residential electricity account holders impacted by the outage
- payments of $400 to impacted small-to-medium businesses. These grants will also be available via Service NSW.
You will be able to apply for these grants soon through Service NSW.
Recovery Assistance Points
If you are experiencing hardship, need food relief or to replace pharmaceuticals you can visit the Recovery Assistance Points.
The support centres have been available from 26 October. The Broken Hills Recovery Assistance Point will be open from Tuesday 5 November to Thursday 7 November at the Broken Hill Aged Person Centre Walk-In Clinic, 254 Blende Street Broken Hill 2880.
You will also be able to access mental health services, community not-for-profits, and government representatives, including:
- Service NSW, including Business Concierge
- NSW Reconstruction Authority
- St Vincent De Paul (Vinnies)
- Red Cross
- Legal Aid
- Insurance Council of Australia.
The Recovery Assistance Points will be managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Staff will also be visiting communities in the following locations at the following times:
- Menindee: Tuesday 5 November, 1 pm to 6 pm at the Menindee Civic Hall, corner Yartla St and Perry St Menindee NSW 2879
- Wilcannia: Tuesday 5 November, 1 pm to 6 pm at the Wilcannia Community Hall, 78 Woore Street Wilcannia 2836
- White Cliffs: Wednesday 6 November, 10 am to 1:30 pm at the White Cliffs Sporting Club, Beth St White Cliffs NSW 2836
- Tibooburra: Wednesday 6 November, 11 am to 2 pm at Albert Hall Tibooburra, 34 Briscoe St Tibooburra NSW 2880.
Support for businesses
Businesses that can’t make it to the Recovery Assistance Point can arrange for a Service NSW Business Concierge staff member to visit them for support by calling 13 77 88.
Mental health support
We understand the current power situation facing communities in the Far West NSW may be causing you increased stress and uncertainty. If you find yourself struggling, looking for someone to talk to or have a cup of tea with, the following services are available.
In a life-threatening or emergency situation always call Triple Zero (000).
Other organisations available for support:
| Organisation and services | Contact details |
|---|---|
13YARN Crisis support for your Mob. Available 24 hours 7 days a week. | 13 92 76 |
Adult Community Mental Health Teams Assessment and treatment of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, psychosis and drug and alcohol dependence. | Broken Hill phone: Dareton/Buronga phone: |
Broken Hill Lifeline Connect Face-to-face counselling and support. | Phone: In-person: |
Connections Mental Health Innovations (Mission Australia) Non-clinical peer-led program to help reduce loneliness and social isolation. The service promotes social engagement through a range of activities. | In-person: 146 Chloride St, Broken Hill 2880 |
Lifeline Australia Suicide prevention service and personal crisis support. Available 24 hours 7 days a week. | Phone: 13 11 14 Text: 0477 13 11 14 |
NSW Mental Health Emergency Line Crisis mental health support, including after-hours. | Phone: 1800 011 511 |
Royal Flying Doctor Service Wellbeing Place A place of respite, to charge devices and have a chat. | Phone: 0439 515 247 Email: wellbeingplacebh@ In-person: 343 Blende St, Broken Hill 2880 (open Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm) |
Safe Haven (Mission Australia) A safe, non-clinical space for people in distress or when in need of someone to talk to, walk-ins welcome. | Phone: 0418 442 767 In-person to Old War Vets Rd |
Suicide Prevention Outreach Team (SPOT) Support for people during suicidal distress. The service visits you in your homes or other community locations on weeknights until 9 pm and Saturdays until 5 pm. | Phone: 1800 011 511 and ask for SPOT |