NSW North Coast Flood Relief

Communities across the NSW North Coast have been devastated by severe rainfall, resulting in severe flooding, mass evacuation orders and, tragically, loss of life. 

For many of these communities, the floods are the latest in a series of punishing natural disasters over recent years. In hard times like these, organisations like Vinnies play a vital role in ensuring people have the support to recover and rebuild.  

Vinnies will be offering immediate support in recovery centres and mobile outreach, along with longer-term assistance to help people recover in the weeks and months to come. 

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Our Impact

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW was the first organisation set up to provide financial assistance to impacted communities. Our members and volunteers have been working with the NSW Reconstruction Authority to support people in Recovery Access Points in Taree, Kempsey, Maitland, Tilligerry, Dungog, Dunghutti, Purfleet Kinchela Boys Mob Hub and Biripi Aboriginal Community.

As of 12 June, 2,300 people have been supported at Recovery Access Points with approximately $450,000 distributed in immediate financial aid.

We’re hugely appreciative of the corporate support we’ve received including:

• $100,000 from IGA to support people with food and assistance  
• $50,000 from the Woolworths Group in gift cards for the people we assist
• $25,000 from the Lyone Foundation and $20,000 from the Profield Foundation to support our fundraising efforts

We thank our other supporters including Delany Foundation, Sisters of Charity, Pip & Dick Smith, Optiver, Major Donor O'Dea and APS Foundation.

Over $185,000 has been raised through individual donations the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal and Vinnies Shops.

Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal 

You can donate to the Vinnies NSW Disaster Appeal by going to the website www.vinnies.org.au/floodappealnsw or calling 13 18 12.   

The most effective way to support communities impacted by flooding across the NSW North Coast is through financial donations. While we appreciate the goodwill of people wanting to offer physical donations, the logistics of transporting goods in severe weather conditions is complicated and time consuming. Cash donations enable us to respond immediately and give affected people choice to address their individual needs.  

As flood waters recede, Vinnies is now present in recovery centres distributing immediate assistance with grocery vouchers and financial relief.  

Our members will also be conducting outreach through our Vinnies Vans to affected communities that are unable to reach recovery centres in-person. This aid will include water, sleeping bags, sanitary and hygiene packs, along with emotional support. 

The funds raised through the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal will enable our members and services to offer support beyond the immediate aftermath of the floods, including financial assistance, referrals to specialist services and other wrap-around supports. 

Vinnies has responded to major crises previously and understands that disaster recovery requires a long-term approach. Through the funds raised, our members will provide immediate assistance as well as medium and long-term support, we will work in partnership with impacted individuals and communities to best respond to their needs.  

The St Vincent de Paul Society provides on the ground and long-term support to communities across NSW impacted by natural disasters such as the drought, bushfires and floods. We are continuing to distribute funds to communities in the Northern Rivers impacted by Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred; all funds raised from previous disaster appeals have been distributed. 

About us 

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a member and volunteer based organisation that has been assisting people experiencing disadvantage and hardship in NSW for over 140 years. The Society NSW currently has more than 12,000 members and volunteers across the state, giving tirelessly of their time. In total, we have close to 400 local member networks, referred to as conferences, present in communities across NSW. 

This reporting relates to the response of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW to communities impacted by flooding across the NSW North Coast, and the use of funds raised through the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal launched in May 2025.