Hardship & Financial Help
21 May
Support for Coastline Bank customers and communities affected by Mid North Coast floods
The recent floods have left a deep mark on our community. From Kempsey to Port Macquarie, Taree and beyond, we’ve seen streets submerged, homes damaged, and lives disrupted. At Coastline Bank, we want you to know that we’re here for you - not just as your bank, but as your neighbours, your friends, and your community.
If you or someone you care about has been affected by the floods, we’ve pulled together all the key support services available - from financial relief and insurance help to government grants and mental health support. Whether you need to pause loan repayments or just need a hand knowing where to start, you’re not alone.
How Coastline Bank can support you
If you’re a Coastline Bank customer and you’ve been impacted by the floods, please reach out. We’re committed to helping you in whatever way we can, with tailored support based on your circumstances.
Here’s how we can assist:
- Financial hardship support
We offer flexible options for home and personal loan customers, including repayment pauses, fee waivers, and customised solutions. - Fast access to funds
If you need emergency access to savings or help covering essentials, we’ll work quickly to support you. - One-on-one care
Our team will take the time to understand what you’re going through and explore options that suit your situation.
📞 Call us: 1300 361 066
📧 Email: mail@coastline.com.au
🏢 Visit: Your local branch – Find use best way we can assist.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can talk through your situation and the options available to you.
Insurance support
If your home or belongings have been damaged and you’re a CGU Insurance customer (our trusted insurance partner), there are people ready to help - both online and in person.
We know that making a claim after a disaster can be overwhelming, so CGU has made it as straightforward as possible to get support quickly.
How to lodge a claim with CGU:
- 📞 Call 13 24 80
- 🌐 Lodge online at cgu.com.au/claims
- 🧑 Visit a Recovery Centre or CGU support hub (locations below)
Insurance Support Hubs
You don’t have to navigate your claim alone - help is available face to face.
CGU and the Insurance Council of Australia are on the ground offering in-person support:
- ICA Insurance Hub (for all insurers)
📍 Taree Leagues Sports Club
🕘 Open daily 10am–5pm - CGU Help Response Vehicles
📍 Bunnings Taree & Bunnings Kempsey
🕘 Open daily 9am–4pm
(CGU reps are also available at all Recovery Centres)
Clean-up tips for insurance claims
If you’ve been given the all-clear to return to your property, there are a few important things you can do to help your claim go smoothly:
- Take photos or videos of all damage
- Make a list of items being thrown away (include make, model, serial number if you can)
- Keep samples of damaged flooring or materials
- Hold on to all receipts for essential purchases like furniture or appliances
Taking a few extra moments to document your damage can make a big difference when your claim is assessed.
Mental health & wellbeing support
Recovering from a disaster is not just about homes and roads - it’s about people. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, you're not alone. Free, confidential counselling is available to CGU/IAG customers, employees and partners through Sonder:
📱 Download the Sonder App on Apple Store or Google Play
📞 Call 1800 234 560
🔐 Use access code: IAG4CUST
Government financial assistance
If you or someone you care about has been affected by the floods, there are government programs ready to help ease the financial burden. You’re not alone in this - support is available.
Disaster Relief Grants (NSW Government)
If you’ve lost essential household items or your home has been damaged - and you’re unable to claim insurance - you may be eligible for help from the NSW Government.
These grants can assist with:
- Replacing essential household goods (up to $18,000)
- Support for people who were sleeping rough or camping, including a $1,200 gear replacement package
- Structural repairs and rebuilding assistance (amounts vary based on need)
📞 Speak with Revenue NSW on 1300 069 550
🌐Apply online
Natural Disaster Relief Loans (NSW Government)
Natural Disaster Relief Loans (NSW Government)
These low-interest loans are designed to help small businesses, farmers, clubs, and not-for-profits recover and rebuild.
Available for:
- Primary producers & small businesses - up to $130,000
- Sporting or recreational clubs - up to $10,000
- Not-for-profit organisations - up to $25,000
- Transport subsidies - to help with the cost of essential deliveries like fodder or water
📋 Apply via raa.nsw.gov.au
Waste Levy Fee Exemption
To help you clean up without added costs, the NSW Environment Protection Authority is waiving landfill waste fees for flood-affected materials for the next 3 months.
It’s one less thing to worry about while you get things back in order.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
If the floods have interrupted your income and you’re not already receiving federal support (like JobSeeker or the Age Pension), you may be eligible for this short-term payment.
- Paid every two weeks for up to 13 weeks
- Same rate as JobSeeker or Youth Allowance
- Designed to help bridge the gap while you get back on your feet
🗓 Opens 2pm, Monday 26 May
📋 Apply via MyGov or call 180 22 66 for support
Recovery centres – face-to-face support in your area
Sometimes, a real conversation makes all the difference. Recovery Centres are now open across the region, offering in-person help with housing, grants, emotional support, clean-up assistance and more.
These centres are open to everyone affected by the floods - you don’t need to have made a claim or applied for help to stop in and chat.
Taree Recovery Centre
📍 Manning Uniting Church, 29–35 Albert Street
🕘 27–29 May: 10am–6pm | 30 May: 10am–4pm
Kempsey Recovery Centre
📍 Kempsey Showground, 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey
🕘 28–29 May: 10am–6pm | 30 May: 10am–4pm
Port Macquarie Recovery Centre
📍 PCYC, 12 Owen Street
🕘 28–29 May: 10am–6pm | 30 May: 10am–4pm
More centres are opening soon in Macksville and Maitland.
🔗 For updates: NSW Flood Recovery Updates
We’re here for our community
We’ve seen incredible strength and kindness in our communities through these floods - from neighbours checking in, to strangers lending a hand. At Coastline Bank, we’re proud to be part of this region, and we’re standing beside you every step of the way.
Whether you’re ready to rebuild or still figuring out your next move, we’re here when you need us. Just give us a call, drop into a branch, or send us an email - we’re ready to listen and help however we can.
📞 Call us: Customer Support Centre 1300 361 066
📧 Email: mail@coastline.com.au
🏢 Visit your local branch: Find us
