Taree's CBD suffering Mr Fawcett said more than 200 Taree businesses had applied for the grants and about 15 would not reopen, sparking fears for the future of the town's once-thriving CBD.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said 330 flood rescues were conducted in the past 24 hours. Helicopters have been used to rescue people stranded by floodwaters from rooftops and verandahs.

Millions of Australians have shivered through a wet and cold start to the weekend as a 3000km rain band closes in on the southeast and sends temperatures tumbling.

Officeworks have moved to reassure the Mid-North Coast community that it is working on reopening its flood-damaged Taree store with rumours swirling that it might be closed for good.

Officeworks have moved to reassure the Mid-North Coast community that it is working on reopening its flood-damaged Taree store with rumours swirling that it might be closed for good.

Officeworks have moved to reassure the Mid-North Coast community that it is working on reopening its flood-damaged Taree store with rumours swirling that it might be closed for good.

Officeworks have moved to reassure the Mid-North Coast community that it is working on reopening its flood-damaged Taree store with rumours swirling that it might be closed for good.

Officeworks have moved to reassure the Mid-North Coast community that it is working on reopening its flood-damaged Taree store with rumours swirling that it might be closed for good.

Officeworks have moved to reassure the Mid-North Coast community that it is working on reopening its flood-damaged Taree store with rumours swirling that it might be closed for good.