Thousands of New South Wales residents are still affected by flooding, especially in the state's Hunter region, as the state government ramps up its task force to assist in the clean-up.
Following days of severe weather and flash flooding, there is major flooding along the Wollombi Brook at Bulga, despite receding water levels, and waters are still high at Maitland.
About 40,000 people are impacted by 50 evacuation orders and 19 flood warnings remain in place.
So far, more than 2,000 properties have been assessed for flooding damage, with 239 found to be not habitable, and a further 973 needing repairs.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has made 36 flood rescues in the past 24 hours, mainly for medical assistance and animal rescues.
SES spokesman Adam Jones said many residents could start returning to their homes after around 100 "return with caution" orders were issued.
But he reminded people to take care as conditions were still dangerous.
"When you get to your home, if it was inundated by flood water there's a chance there'll be flood mud everywhere," he said.
"There could be structural damage to the home, the electrical systems might have issues. There could be animals inside it and obviously any of the debris or mud that's been left around is floodwater which isn't clean.
"It's just a reminder that even during these times where the water is starting to fall the risk is still there and its really important to be vigilant."
The Commissioner of Resilience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons, visited the Hunter Valley on Saturday and described it as an extraordinary time for the region.
He warned of the compounding emotional effect of the disasters for everyone across the state.
"Everywhere from Broke down through Maitland and of course out towards Raymond Terrace given the high levels of water that remain and the pressure on the levee banks in the last 24 hours," he said.
"For the Greater Sydney region it's like the fourth flood in less than two years and each flood has gone that little bit higher or that little bit further, and it's having a real toll."
State Emergency Services Minister Steph Cooke said financial support was now available for 37 Local Government Areas [LGA's] impacted by flooding.
"That will unlock additional support for individuals, for families, for primary producers, particularly up in that Central Coast, Hunter, [and] Mid North coast area.
"There are a lot of primary producers who have been deeply impacted by this event but they have also been prior events as well."
Recovery coordinators have been appointed to manage the clean-up across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast, with more than 1,000 personnel from a range of government agencies ready to assist, she said.
The Windsor Bridge has reopened north west of Sydney, six days after being inundated by floods.
It was submerged for the third time this year on Monday when the Hawkesbury River experienced its worst flood since 1978.
Structural engineers gave the bridge the all clear on Saturday morning.
The North Richmond bridge across the Hawkesbury is also open, but with a 15 tonne limit.
