With Tropical Cyclone Alfred expected to make landfall early tomorrow morning and people already feeling its impacts, our thoughts are with the many communities in Northern NSW, the Mid North Coast and all those in its path.

7 March 2025

This message has been sent to all NSW Health employees

Dear colleagues,

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred expected to make landfall early tomorrow morning and people already feeling its impacts, our thoughts are with the many communities in Northern NSW, the Mid North Coast and all those in its path.

These communities have come together to look after one another during an incredibly uncertain and difficult time, which is even more challenging as it follows the significant trauma experienced during the devastating flood events of 2022.

Our dedicated healthcare workers in the impacted areas are to the fore in these efforts, supported by their colleagues right throughout the NSW Health system. 

We activated our emergency management plans at a state and local health district level this week, and a huge number of people have been working very hard in recent days to ensure the safety of our staff, patients and the broader community in the affected areas.

The wide range of emergency preparedness activities undertaken are too many to mention, but include everything from arranging temporary accommodation, generators and other important resources, to mobilising disaster mental health recovery teams. 

NSW Ambulance has pre-deployed additional resources to the area, including special operations paramedics, Aeromedical operations and a dedicated flood rescue capability team. HealthShare NSW has brought forward linen, medication and food deliveries to reduce the impact on supply levels. 

Despite all the preparations, it is already a difficult situation on the ground, and we know it is going to get more difficult in the days ahead. 

From the staff in our hospitals to those now supporting people in evacuation centres and our NSW Ambulance colleagues responding to emergency calls – a heartfelt thank you for your dedication to keeping people safe and cared for. 

To all our people living and working in the impacted areas, your NSW Health family has you all in our thoughts and we will continue to support you and your communities in every way we can.

Kind regards,

Susan Pearce AM

Secretary, NSW Health