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Disaster lawyers on the ground after Cyclone Alfred

1 April 2025

Over the past month, the Legal Aid NSW Disaster Response Legal Service has been providing free legal help to communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred at Recovery Assistance Points established by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in the Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley and NSW North Coast.

Working with the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre to reach as many affected people as possible, we provided legal help to hundreds of people about their housing, insurance, and entitlements to government disaster grants. We advised on how to navigate the insurance claims process, claiming for food and medicine spoilage due to power outage and entitlements to temporary accommodation. We helped tenants with urgent repairs and rent abatements; and assisted people who were sleeping rough with proving eligibility requirements for government grants.

Collaborative services gathering inside the Recovery Assistance Point in Lismore, featuring people in various uniforms. Collaborative services at the Recovery Assistance Point in Lismore.
Senior solicitor Liz sitting as a table in front of a blue DRLS banner, handing out 'Insurance claims after a disaster' booklets. Senior solicitor Liz hands out ‘Insurance claims after a disaster’ booklets.
Senior insurance solicitor Ma’ata with the 'In the heart sculpture' in Lismore CBD, featuring two large pink arms covered in green polka dots holding up a big red love heart that says "you are here". Senior insurance solicitor Ma’ata with the ‘In the heart’ sculpture in Lismore CBD
Collaborative services gathering on a ramp outside the Recovery Assistance Point in Maclean, with a large blue and red 'Recovery Centre' banner in front of them. Collaborative services outside the Recovery Assistance Point in Maclean.

Legal help

Do you have questions about insurance, tenancy, financial hardship or other everyday legal problems after the cyclones? We can help.

The Disaster Response Legal Service provides free legal help to anyone impacted by disasters in NSW.

Call 1800 801 529 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday to book a free appointment with a specialist disaster lawyer.

To access our factsheets about common legal issues after a disaster, see our Resources and factsheets page.