Share on Twitter While last December saw hundreds of Australians fleeing their homes from bushfire, last week saw evacuation orders for flooding issued along the northern New South Wales coast. Thousands of residents across several regions faced evacuation their homes, many who would usually seek accommodation in evacuation centres set up in large community spaces such as schools, clubs and town halls. But this year, emergency agencies have also had to contend with the dual crisis of the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced changes to how evacuation centres and other support services are able to operate. In the NSW Tweed Shire, which saw evacuation warnings issued near Tumbulgum, the local council urged residents to treat seeking shelter in evacuation centres - which are open for the minimum time required - as a last resort.