LAST week's cyclonic storm may have passed, but the clean-up is in full swing and everyone is pulling together to get the region back on its feet.
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The community spirit has been on full display, with many people contacting the Lakes Mail about random acts of kindness.
Toronto resident Angela Barry was cleaning up the debris the storm had left in her front yard, when three people on their morning walk spotted her.
"Without hesitation Belinda, Emma and Jack offered to help me, and pounced into action, clearing all the debris," Ms Barry said.
Then her new next-door neighbour, Richard, and his girlfriend Amber arrived with a blower vac to polish up the job.
"I still can't get over the dignified generosity and the great job that they did," Ms Barry said.
"I have heard how communities spring into action in times of natural disasters, helping out total strangers. Now I've witnessed it, and been on the receiving end."
Ausgrid workers have been working around the clock to respond to the 11,000 reports of wires down.
Ausgrid spokeswoman Philippa Wheeler said the storm caused more damage to the electricity infrastructure across the Hunter than any other weather event, including the 2007 Pasha Bulker storm.
"We absolutely understand the frustration in not having electricity for a day, let alone for six days," Ms Wheeler said.
"No one wants to be in that situation and that is why we have called in extra crews."
Both Lake Macquarie City Council and Wyong Shire Council are providing free green waste drop-offs for residents.
Wyong Shire residents can drop off green waste at Buttonderry Waste Management Facility for free until Tuesday, May 19, and Lake Macquarie residents can do the same at Teralba Worm Farm until Sunday, May 10.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Jodie Harrison said the community spirit that had been on show was inspiring and demonstrated the resilience of the community and the dedication of the volunteers.
"During the recovery process, it's important that we all continue to demonstrate this community spirit and look out for each other," she said.
Cr Harrison said a free kerbside green waste collection service was available for all residents this week.
Wyong Shire residents can also book a free kerbside collection for bulk household and green waste through council's contractor Remondis.