Residents in the Central West of New South Wales are being urged to take action as the $40 million Resilient Homes Program enters its final application phase. With a deadline set for March 31, 2026, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is organizing a series of local Expos aimed at connecting flood-affected homeowners and local builders with funding and work opportunities.
Eligible homeowners in regions such as Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes, and Euabalong can access grants of up to $100,000 for home raising or relocation initiatives. Additionally, a grant of up to $50,000 is available for retrofitting homes with flood-resilient materials. The initiative not only supports homeowners but also aims to bolster the local economy by providing construction professionals with information about upcoming work opportunities funded through these grants.
Connecting Homeowners and Builders
The Resilient Homes Expos are designed as a “one-stop shop” for residents to engage directly with NSW Reconstruction Authority staff, local council representatives, SafeWork NSW, the Building Commission NSW, and industry experts. These events will also feature sessions for local builders, engineers, and tradespeople to learn about available projects funded by the Resilient Homes Program.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is actively seeking local trades, including builders, certifiers, and designers, to participate in delivering grant-funded works. Informal sessions will be held across various locations in the Central West, with no registration required.
Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, emphasized the importance of these Expos, stating, “These Expos are about giving people practical tools to rebuild safer as well as local builders an opportunity to bring these projects to life.” She further encouraged eligible households to take advantage of the $40 million funding pool before the impending deadline.
Member for Orange, Phil Donato, highlighted the significance of the Resilient Homes Program in the aftermath of the 2022 Central West floods. “As the program moves into its final phase, many households are now beginning to see the benefits, with resilience upgrades being delivered to affected properties,” he noted. He urged homeowners who have not yet applied for assistance to act promptly, as this represents their final chance to access support from the program.
Personalized Guidance for Affected Residents
Ken Harrison, Director of the NSW Reconstruction Authority for Central West Orana and Far West, expressed the intention behind the Expos. “These Expos allow us to meet people face to face, answer questions and provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances,” he said.
As the deadline approaches, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is committed to ensuring that all eligible households have the opportunity to utilize the resources available to them for recovery and resilience. Flood-impacted residents are encouraged to participate in the Expos and secure their financial support before March 31, 2026.
