Resilient Lismore Urges Flood-Affected Residents to Access Repair to Return Project

By Robert Heyward

Resilient Lismore is proud to announce the ongoing success of the Repair to Return Project, a vital initiative aimed at supporting homeowners devastated by the 2022 Northern Rivers floods and landslides. This project, supported by the NSW Government, the Diocese of Lismore, the Winsome Soup Kitchen, and the Rotary Club of Goonellabah, has already restored over 600 homes to safe, secure, and liveable conditions—all at no cost to the homeowners. Now, Resilient Lismore is calling on more members of the Northern Rivers community to seek assistance through this program.

Elly Bird, Executive Director of Resilient Lismore, is urging residents still living in flood-damaged homes across the Northern Rivers to reach out for help. “It’s been more than two years since the 2022 floods, and many people are still living in affected homes while trying to carry on with their daily lives. We are deeply committed to partnering with homeowners to understand their individual needs and assist them on their recovery journeys,” Bird said.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every flood-affected home in the region is safe and liveable. That’s why I’m encouraging anyone in need to get in touch with us. We’re dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient Northern Rivers,” she added.

The Repair to Return Project, formerly known as the Two Rooms Project, mobilises professional tradespeople and trained volunteers to restore flood-affected homes using flood-resilient materials.

The comprehensive range of services offered includes:

• Reinstating bathrooms and kitchens
• Electrical support
• Re-sheeting walls
• Installing or repairing stairs for safe access
• Repairing or replacing floors
• Providing lockable windows and doors

In addition to these core services, Resilient Lismore also offers tools and equipment, assistance in sourcing furniture and whitegoods, and referrals to community services such as mental health support, legal assistance, and financial counselling.

One local resident, Carlie Daley from East Lismore, was among those who benefited from the program. With no insurance and ineligible for grants or the home buyback program, Carlie faced an uncertain future until she connected with Resilient Lismore. The organization helped her restore parts of her kitchen, install a new bathroom, and replace damaged glass. “I had no money, so Resilient Lismore really came to my rescue. I’m so thankful because I wanted to live in my house with my kids—they go to school locally, and this is their home,” Carlie said.

“It’s been a challenge to ask for help, but once you realise you’ve got your kids to think about, you find that Resilient Lismore makes it really easy. They’re one of the best sources of help out there, and they’re coming from a place of genuine community support,” she added.

Resilient Lismore is also encouraging local businesses to contribute to the recovery efforts. The organisation welcomes donations of fridges, washing machines, new or near-new bedding and towels, and monetary funds.

“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. By coming together, we can help our neighbour’s and strengthen our communities,” Bird emphasised.

Their Stories

Carlie Daley, East Lismore
Carlie Daley, whose family has lived in the region for six generations, bought a house in East Lismore a year before the floods. As a single parent with two children, she had experienced floods before but didn’t anticipate her home being affected given its location. “I bought the house based on where the 1974 flood lines were, and even my dad, who has been through a few floods, thought I’d be fine,” Carlie explained.

On the morning of 28 February 2022, at approximately 6 am, Carlie heard loud banging outside her house. When she opened her front door to investigate, water came streaming into her living room. The water rose to waist height rapidly, and Carlie and her children decided to evacuate. “Everything was floating in the house—it was not good,” Carlie recalled. “I managed to flag down a guy in a boat, and he took us out to Wyrallah Road one by one.”

After spending several months with family, Carlie returned to her home. With no insurance or access to the home buyback program, Carlie sought help from Resilient Lismore, who restored parts of her kitchen, replaced broken glass, and installed a new bathroom. “I had no money, so Resilient Lismore really came to the rescue. I’m so thankful because I wanted to live in my house with the kids—this is their home,” Carlie said.

Duran, Woodburn
Before 2022, Duran had never experienced a flood. When he heard about the impending flood in Woodburn, he packed a bag and left with his dog. After spending 11 days in emergency accommodation, Duran returned to find his home extensively damaged. “The scene was horrendous; it smelled like a pig farm. There was nothing you could do; you couldn’t blame anyone,” Duran said.

Many of Duran’s belongings were unsalvageable, doors and windows were broken, there was no electricity, and a large tree had crashed through his house. “I ended up putting together a makeshift kitchen and had access to a shower and toilet underneath the house. I was quoted over $25,000 to rewire the electricals, so that put me off doing anything for a while,” Duran explained.

Introduced to Resilient Lismore, Duran experienced an almost immediate transformation. After an initial visit, Resilient Lismore returned a week later with supplies, and a local construction business fitted his house with a brand-new kitchen and bathroom. “What Resilient Lismore did was amazing; there is no way in a million years I would have been able to do what they did. It has also allowed my son to come and live with me, which has been wonderful,” Duran said.

Susan, Lismore
Susan lived alone in her idyllic riverfront home, which provided everything she needed—until the 2022 floods caused significant damage to her property. With COVID-19 rampant, Susan moved between emergency accommodations and stayed with friends. When she tried to return to her home, the emotional toll proved overwhelming. “I went back a few times, but every time I tried, I burst into tears,” Susan said.

She began receiving counselling and eventually stayed with her son in Queensland for a period. When Susan returned to Lismore several months later, she connected with Social Futures, who informed her about Resilient Lismore. Initially hesitant to accept help, Susan was moved by the support she received. “I was brought up not to ask for help, so when Resilient Lismore immediately came around with tradespeople, I had nothing but tears of gratitude,” she said.

Within a few months, Resilient Lismore, with the help of tradespeople, built a new deck and stairs, added state-of-the-art dekkoplus wall cladding, and installed a new kitchen and bathroom. Susan hopes others living in flood-affected homes will reach out to Resilient Lismore. “The staff from Resilient Lismore were respectful and kind. I was scared and overwhelmed, but getting in touch with Resilient Lismore motivated and inspired me to move forward with my recovery,” she said.

About Resilient Lismore
Resilient Lismore is a registered charity and community-based organisation that was formed following the 2017 floods in Lismore, NSW. Powered by volunteers, the organisation supports Northern Rivers residents in rebuilding their lives by connecting them with qualified tradespeople, volunteer help, and essential recovery services.

For more local Lismore news, click here.

$928,350 GRANT AWARDED TO CLEAN REMAINING FLOOD WASTE

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin has announced that the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has awarded Lismore City Council a grant of $928,350. This is to support the ongoing 2022 flood clean-up and recovery work.

“Natural disaster clean-up and recovery is a long-term process. Those with experience of disaster recovery will know that bulky and contaminated waste often remains for some time after the initial clean-up.

“Often this waste isn’t revealed until way down the recovery track so this money is very timely.

“The council has been awarded the grant under Round 2 of the EPA’s Illegal Dumping and Flood Waste Recovery Program, which is designed to help public authorities resolve flood waste issues remaining after the initial clean-up phase, including illegally dumped flood waste and bulky flood waste.

“Lismore City Council will use the grant money to safely remove and dispose of residual fragments of flood waste containing asbestos. The clean-up works will be project managed by the council using specially trained local contractors and are expected to be completed in 2025.

“Significant amounts of hazardous debris were generated by severe flooding events that inundated the Northern Rivers in the early months of 2022.

“The EPA has led several clean-up and recovery programs in the region to ensure waste left behind following the floods is removed safely and efficiently.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said:

“I would like to thank the EPA and State Government for this grant.

“As everyone knows the 2022 natural disaster did a great deal of damage to the natural environment as well as the built environment.

“The grant is specifically intended to cover the removal of flood generated waste containing asbestos that has been found on public land in the Lismore LGA which will make a safer place to live, work and raise a family.

For more 2022 floods news, click here.

Door Knock Survey in Flood Zone – Your story is important

Resilient Lismore Launches Community Survey with Red Cross, Social Futures, Uniting, and The Lismore Chaplaincy Network

Resilient Lismore, in collaboration with Red Cross, Social Futures, Uniting, and The Lismore Chaplaincy Network, is conducting a community survey to gather data on how residents are coping after the 2022 floods. Teams will be knocking on doors in Lismore this week, encouraging those affected to participate.

Why Participate?

If your property was affected by the 2022 floods, your input is invaluable. The data collected will help us understand the community’s progress, inform recovery programs, and enhance flood risk management. We also aim to ensure residents are aware of ongoing recovery support services.

How to Complete the Survey

You can participate in several ways:

• In Person: Complete the survey when our team visits your home.
• By Phone: Call the Resilient Lismore Hub at 0455 218 692 to complete the survey over the phone.
• At the Hub: Visit us at 215 Keen St to fill out the survey in person.
• Online: Fill out the survey on your phone, tablet, or computer using this link.
• Ensure you select your address from the options provided when entering it. The online survey is open until midnight, 12th August 2024.

Thank you for adding your voice! The collected information from the flood zone survey will be shared with the government and other stakeholders to reflect the community’s needs accurately.

For more local Lismore news, click here.