Harden District Bowling Club Manager Rose Hamilton with Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, inspecting the damage to the Bowling Club on Tuesday morning.
The Albanese and Minns Governments are activating disaster recovery support for communities in the Hilltops Local Government Area (LGA) following a severe storm on 10 February 2025.
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) include:
▪ Support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation.
▪ Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain a basic standard of living.
▪ Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
▪ Support for affected local councils and other agencies to help with the costs of cleaning up, keeping the community safe and restoring damaged essential public assets.
▪ Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
▪ Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the funding will help the community clean up sooner and recover faster. “Right now communities right across Australia are preparing for, or cleaning up from, the impacts of wild weather, and we are there supporting them,” Minister McAllister said.
“In NSW, we are working with the Minns Government to ensure communities across Hilltops get the support they need to clean up and recover.”
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the hail storm left significant damage and the SES have been on the ground assisting the community with the cleanup.
“The NSW SES and emergency services have been helping the people of Harden get back to their daily lives as soon as possible. Emergency services have been assisting the community to make their homes and businesses safe, ensuring they can access groceries and essential supplies, and supporting Council in the cleanup and restoration of essential public assets,” Minister Dib said.
“As a result of this storm there has been a high number of calls to the NSW SES and emergency responders for help, and I would like to thank our volunteers and emergency workers who provided critical support to the community during this time.”
“I am also pleased that NSW Reconstruction Authority staff are on the ground, providing information, advice and referrals to local services so that people get the support they need.”
Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the Natural Disaster Declaration for the Hilltops Local Government Area following the devastating hailstorm that struck Harden and surrounding areas on Monday, February 10.
Ms Cooke said the declaration unlocks critical funding and support for eligible residents, businesses, and primary producers affected by the severe weather event.
“This declaration means that assistance is now available for those whose homes or essential household items have been damaged or destroyed, as well as for business owners and primary producers who have suffered direct losses,” Ms Cooke said.
“I strongly encourage anyone impacted by this event to apply for the financial support now on offer to assist with recovery.”
Ms Cooke also praised the swift response from emergency services, local volunteers, and government agencies in supporting the Harden community.
“The SES and the NSW Reconstruction Authority have provided tremendous support to residents, and I sincerely thank them for their efforts. I also want to acknowledge the many local volunteers who have worked tirelessly in the clean-up and recovery—our communities are stronger because of your dedication.”
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