Growth Spurt for Lismore’s Community Gardens

By Ian Rogers

Lismore’s beloved Community Garden, a hub of hope and healing in the wake of the 2022 floods, has received a much-needed boost through Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Community Funding Program. The volunteer-led initiative, known for its lush produce and welcoming atmosphere, won the latest round of funding, aiding its mission to rejuvenate the gardens and nourish the community.

Rebuilding After the Floods

The floods devastated much of the garden’s infrastructure, including water tanks and solar panels. However, thanks to a dedicated group of 20 volunteers, the garden has slowly come back to life.

“Progress is slow, but our aim remains to nourish the community with food, socialising, and support,” said volunteer Rhonda. “The gardens also serve as a venue for community activities and gatherings.”

The volunteers also stock a ‘sharing table’ with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seedlings for locals to enjoy and grow in their own backyards.

A Community Effort

Greater Bank’s Regional Manager, Steph Smith, praised the volunteers for their dedication and highlighted the bank’s commitment to the region.

“Over the last three years, we’ve donated over $100,000 to groups in the Northern Rivers region, all working to improve our communities,” she said. “The volunteers at Lismore Community Garden are incredibly generous with their time and produce, and we’re thrilled to support their efforts.”

Rhonda also expressed her gratitude for the program’s impact.
“We rely on donations to keep the gardens sustainable, and we’re so grateful for this support,” she said. “It’s a wonderful program that lets our community have a say in where the funds go.”

Call for New Volunteers

With plenty of work still to do, the Community Garden welcomes new members to join their team of volunteers. The group tends to the garden on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, though the space is always open for the public to enjoy.

Next Funding Round

The November round of the #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program offers another $3,000 in funding, with entrants including Lismore Preschool Incorporated, CFD Foundation Henry James Fund, and Ballina Little Athletics Inc.

For more information or to support the Lismore Community Garden, stop by on a volunteer day or connect through the garden’s community events.

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Lismore South Public School Honoured at 2024 Resilient Australia Awards

By Ian Rogers

Lismore South Public School has achieved national recognition, winning the 2024 Resilient Australia National School Award for its implementation of the MacKillop Seasons’ Stormbirds program. The prestigious award, announced on Wednesday in Canberra, celebrates community-driven initiatives that enhance resilience to disasters and emergencies across Australia.

The Resilient Australia Awards, managed by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, highlight innovative programs that promote preparedness, recovery, and community cohesion in the face of adversity. This year, two initiatives by MacKillop Seasons, including the Stormbirds program, stood out for their impact on communities affected by natural disasters in New South Wales and Victoria.

Building Resilience in Lismore

Assistant Principal Gaye Titcume of Lismore South Public School emphasised the program’s transformative impact on students recovering from natural disasters.

“Students couldn’t wait for their turn to attend and wanted to be involved,” said Ms. Titcume. “When companions––those who deliver the program––came to the classroom door to gather their group, other children were asking when they could go. The discussions extended beyond the sessions, helping both students and staff process the events that affected them, their families, and our community.”

A Sustainable Model for Community Recovery

The Stormbirds program, part of MacKillop Seasons’ offerings, equips children and young people with the tools to navigate change and loss, fostering resilience in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Fiona McCallum, General Manager of MacKillop Seasons, praised the partnership with Lismore South Public School and celebrated the win.

“The beauty of Stormbirds and our other program, Seasons for Growth, lies in their ability to build lifelong resilience skills. These programs are community-driven, training local professionals to ensure sustainable delivery,” Ms. McCallum said.

With its success in Lismore, the program has drawn interest from other communities seeking to strengthen their capacity to support recovery and build resilience tailored to their unique challenges.

A Broader Impact Across Australia

The Stormbirds program’s success wasn’t limited to Lismore. Wendy Ronalds, Community Resilience Officer in East Gippsland, won the Victoria state-level award for Mental Health and Wellbeing for delivering MacKillop Seasons programs in her region.

The increasing demand for MacKillop Seasons initiatives reflects their effectiveness in supporting children and young people to manage change and loss in disaster-prone areas.

Looking Ahead

Principal Larissa Polak and Assistant Principal Gaye Titcume, along with representatives from MacKillop Seasons, proudly accepted the award in Canberra. This recognition underscores the critical role of community-driven programs in fostering resilience and recovery across Australia.

For more information on MacKillop Seasons’ Stormbirds and Seasons for Growth programs, visit MacKillop Seasons.

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Merry Christmas Lismore – Council unveils spectacular upcycled Christmas tree

By Robert Heyward

Lismore City Council has unveiled its iconic sustainable Christmas tree, signalling the start of a vibrant month-long series of festivities for the community and local businesses, and underscoring that Lismore is thriving and open for business.

Now in its ninth year, the upcycled Christmas tree stands proudly at the corner of Keen and Magellan Streets, continuing a tradition that began in 2015. This unique tree, made entirely from repurposed materials, is a meaningful gift from Council staff to the Lismore community.

Jon Gibbons, General Manager of Lismore City Council, highlighted the significance of the tree.

“Each year, our upcycled tree serves as a symbol of sustainability, inspiring people to think creatively about giving materials a second life through upcycling,” he said.

This year’s tree boasts a stunning rainbow theme, featuring hundreds of upcycled PET bottles ranging in size from 600ml to 2 litres. The bottles were sourced from the Recycling & Recovery Centre and generously donated by staff.

The project was led by Council’s Martin Soutar, who praised the collaborative efforts of staff from various departments.

“Our tree is more than a decoration; it’s a message of resilience and community spirit—a gift from us to the people and businesses of Lismore, created with dedication and teamwork,” Soutar said.

To explore the full calendar of Christmas events in Lismore, visit www.xmasinlismore.com.au.

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