Lismore News
Photo essay on Lismore’s flood survivors is Sydney bound
Photo essay on Lismore’s flood survivors is Sydney bound
LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has arranged for some of award-winning photojournalist Jacklyn Wagner’s stunning portraits of the city’s flood survivors to be displayed at NSW Parliament House next month.
The exhibition, ‘Through the heart … a flood of fears and tears’, which could be described as Wagner’s love letter to Lismore and its resilient spirit, will be opened by Ms Saffin in Sydney on 8 November and runs until 24 November.
Ms Saffin said she is thrilled that 25 portraits from a much larger body of work – 100 images taken in local homes during the mud army’s post-flood clean-up – will be showcased in the halls of Parliament.
“This exhibition will keep the issue of flood recovery in the spotlight because there is still so much to do in ‘building back better’ and it documents a tragic event in our history with great empathy and sensitivity,” Ms Saffin said.
Ms Saffin thanked NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin MLC for taking a personal interest in the community-led project and supporting the exhibition.
Jacklyn Wagner, a former chief photographer at The Northern Star and photographer for the Our Kids calendar (now in its 21st year), described her photo essay as an organic project which grew out of the adrenalin-filled weeks following the February 28 flood.
“I carried just one camera, one lens, a notepad and pen, and I thank all the people who welcomed me into their homes, 90 per cent of which had never flooded, and who shared their personal stories,” Wagner said.
“It’s been a labour of love for me and local writer Jennie Dell, who is helping me with editing the captions for the photographs and penning an introduction for the exhibition itself.
“I’m grateful to Janelle Saffin; she really is a pocket rocket when you want to get something done, and to the Premier for responding so genuinely to the photographs; I could tell by reading his letter to me that he’d really looked at them.
“It is hoped that sometime next year we will be able to exhibit all 100 images at Parliament House.”
Local businesses assisting Wagner mount the upcoming exhibition include Jon Paterson owner of The New Camera House (printing); Rhonda Armistead of Armistead’s Quality Framing (framing); Soren Hjorth of Grafiti Design Studio (graphic design); and Chas Glover (art installer). All were slammed by the floods but are rebuilding their businesses.
Below are captions for three photographs to accompany this media release and a backgrounder, About the collection by Jacklyn Wagner:
FROM THE HEART: Lismore MP Janelle Saffin introduced photojournalist Jacklyn Wagner to Premier Dominic Perrottet in State Parliament this week as Jacklyn prepares for the upcoming exhibition.
JILL Witham has lived in her South Lismore home for six years.
“I was rescued from my neighbours’ roof from where I watched my own home go under”. Photo: Jacklyn Wagner
SIMON Robinson lives in South Lismore. A collector of fine art and vintage wares specialising in fine paper, books and fabric, Simon lost ninety percent of his collection.
“I thought we were doomed, and I rang a friend to say goodbye. I dropped my phone in the water after my last goodbye phone call”.
Simon remembered a gable at the front of the house and from there hours later was rescue by two civilians in a boat.
About the collection by Jacklyn Wagner
I was not at home when disaster struck Lismore on February 28, 2022.
My daughter was expecting a baby. We were needed on the Gold Coast and had left town a few days before. We watched the catastrophic rain event in horror from afar. Our beautiful grandson Tommy was born days after the flood came up. Then we went home.
We listened to the stories of close relatives and friends, who had themselves been impacted by the dangerous, dirty waters now surrounding our town. Some told us of how they had joined the “mud army” – civilian rescuers, in any watercraft they could use, saving hundreds of townsfolk who had been at risk of their lives.
Walking and driving around the streets, I soon had a feel for what was unfolding. There was an adrenalin-like energy; hundreds of people were helping each other in countless ways.
In the back of my mind were the first stirrings of what I might do photographically. I decided I would just let it come to me. A fortnight later, I woke up one morning and knew exactly what I needed to do.
I would document the actuality of residents in their ruined surroundings, if they would let me, exactly as I found them.
I would simply ask them – people who had lost everything or saved something; people who now needed to start reclaiming their homes and lives – if I may take a picture of them. No lights, no paraphernalia – just a picture.
I knew it was important to document these moments in time, but had no thought or even concern about what might become of my work.
I didn’t know how I would be received, but many years’ professional experience as a photojournalist in this town has given me confidence. Armed with my camera and notepad, I felt fearless.
I drove to South Lismore and stopped at the first house where there was a car parked outside.
There was a woman at home. I introduced myself and told her what I was doing. I explained I had no idea what would become of this work, but that I felt it was important and would end up somewhere significant.
She welcomed me into her unliveable, flood-devastated home. She thanked me for my interest and foresight.
(That first person I photographed for the project was Suzanne Johnson, who features in the collection. Her family had lost everything, including their dogs).
From that day I drove most days to the flood-affected areas in Lismore and knocked on doors. Only once was I rejected. Between three and sixteen weeks post-flood, I covered just shy of 100 homes.
The time I spent with people was around twenty minutes. They were photographed in their home and I took notes as they talked about whatever was in their heart that day.
The words I will use to accompany the images in the exhibition will be simple, succinct and often something said by the subject of the image; a heartfelt quote.
I photographed people as I found them. Many cried, most were hurting deeply – and six months later, most still are.
I stopped photographing, 16 weeks post-flood, for two reasons: to limit the proposed exhibition to 100 images, and to capture it in a distinct bubble of time.
Those initial post-flood months now have passed. Though little has improved in our landscape, it has changed. New days are dawning, bringing new waves of hope and hopelessness.
Six weeks after the disaster I was once again having a screw removed from my tyre. I had been so often in the flood-affected areas, parking near piles of debris where there was an abundance of screws and nails from the clean-up. Along with others I became a regular at the tyre shop.
While waiting there, I received a catch-up call from my friend, Dr Chris Ingall. I told him of my project.
Dr Ingall just happened to be hosting newly elected Lismore mayor Steve Krieg and his family at his home. Mayor Krieg had lost his family home and two businesses to the flood.
It was suggested I put some images together and give them to the Mayor, who was travelling to meet with the NSW Premier, and with the Prime Minister, to discuss the disaster.
Unable to have anything printed, or copies made, in Lismore and surrounds, because so many businesses had been destroyed, I went to Sydney.
Officeworks in Mittagong promptly printed a collection of some of the images I had done. I had three copies made: one for the Premier, one for the Prime Minister, and one for me.
I hurriedly brought them back, met with the Mayor and gave him the two copies to deliver….which he did.
The first was presented to the NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet. Some days later I received a letter from him. I knew by the wording he had really looked at the images and I could feel he was moved. He understood their importance.
I am so grateful for that letter; it gave me the determination to push ahead.
Later I also had a copy of a selection of images made for our State MP for Lismore, Janelle Saffin. We spoke at length, which helped with my vision to take the collection of images forward.
This 100-image body of work is just one aspect of the disaster that has confronted our community. I believe it is highly significant now and into the future.
It comprises a comprehensive representation of the Lismore community – long-term residents, even some third and fourth generations, homeowners, newcomers, renters, young families, artists, people with disabilities. One thing they share is their deep love of community. The decisions that lay ahead are difficult for them, on many fronts.
I have made a group email of all the people I photographed and as promised kept everyone up to date with anything related to the images. I have full records of individual subjects with their addresses and contact details.
This data will become vital and fascinating information that will allow for future follow-ups, to see what has become of those one hundred individuals, their homes, streets and communities.
The project was gentle, the participants have shown such courage and for that I really thank them.
I hope this can be an exhibition that makes them realise that through my images they will never be forgotten.
CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY: MARCUS DUMESNY IS $10,000 RICHER AFTER LIL’ AUSSIE OPEN WIN
By Dennis Newlyn
Marcus Dumesny’s 410 Sprintcar victory in the $10,000-to-win Lil’ Aussie Open at Castrol Lismore Speedway, Wednesday January 8, carried greater significance than just getting to the chequered flag first.
It was a personal triumph over back injuries that stalled his career with a stint on the sidelines which also put his seasonal campaigns on hold for sometime – in fact his last victory was the New South Wales Sprintcar Championship on April 1, 2023 at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Speedway.
Back in Victory Lane for the first time in close to two years, an elated Marcus Dumesny summed it best with just a few words: “It’s been a long road back.”
Dumesny showed all his familiar speed , typified when he put down the fastest lap of the Lil’ Aussie Open at mid-distance with a time of 11.309 seconds for a speed of 127.332 km/h around the tight confines of the Lismore Showground bull ring.
Harry Stewart filled the runner-up position on the podium, while the drive of the night came from Luke Oldfield who started from the back and charged from position 17 into third position!
Late afternoon – early evening rain delayed the start of the meeting, watched by a big crowd including City of Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg.
Several attempts were made to get the first lap of the main event completed in incidents that took out one of the pre-race favourites Alex Attard.
Lil’ Aussie Open winner Marcus Dumesny (centre) pictured with runner-up Harry Stewart (left) and third-placed Luke Oldfield. Photo: Tony Powell.
When the 25-lap feature settled down, Dumesny commanded the role of pacemaker, chased hard by Stewart, while Mitch Randell was right with Stewart.
Further into the race, Brodie Davis gained ground on Randall. Randall became one of the hard luck stories of the race when he rode a wheel and crashed into the fence with 18 laps remaining.
Oldfield was a man on the move as he threaded his way through the field. American Andy Pake ran in fifth as Oldfield loomed into contention. Oldfield passed Pake, then Mitch Gowland in a superb drive into the top three.
It was not an easy night for Oldfield who had an incident in an earlier heat and finished in the fence. Without a heat result it meant he started at the back in the feature race and what followed from Oldfield was one of the highlights of the night.
The top ten finishing order was Marcus Dumesny, Harry Stewart, Luke Oldfield, Mitch Gowland, Andy Pake, Callum Walker, Nash Morris, Tony Bridge, Daniel Bridge and Bradi Owen.
Heat wins went to Dumesny and Stewart.
The main focus of the pre-meeting publicity and mainstream media coverage was the appearance of Americans Pake and Chase Randall. However Randall was an unfortunate late withdrawal from the fixture.
Other feature race winners on what was a very successful and entertaining night of racing were Jacob Jolley (LS 360 Sprintcars), Matt O’Neill (Compact Speedcars), Lindsay Clapham (Production Sedans) and Mitchell Haynes (Wingless Sprints).
For more local news, click here.
Safety Upgrade for Rous Road Roundabout Begins, Temporary Detours in Place
By Jeff Gibbs
Lismore City Council has announced the start of a $1.1 million safety upgrade for the Rous Road and Oliver Avenue roundabout, aiming to improve motorist safety in the area. Funded by Transport for NSW under the Australian Government’s Black Spot program, the project is expected to take eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Addressing a History of Accidents
Over the past five years, six accidents have occurred on or near the roundabout, highlighting the need for action. “Something clearly needed to be done,” said Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community, and this upgrade will deliver that.”
What the Upgrade Involves
The project will be completed in two phases:
- Initial works: Upgrading existing drainage infrastructure and widening the road pavement to the north of the roundabout.
- Construction phase: Building a new, larger concrete and asphalt roundabout with a 6m-wide travel lane, improving access from Jubilee Avenue and the Caroona Marima Care Facility.
Temporary Traffic Changes
Starting Monday, 13 January, Jubilee Avenue will be closed to through traffic at the roundabout for the remainder of the works. A detour will redirect traffic via Phillip Street, McDermott Avenue, and Oliver Avenue. Stop/go signs and reduced speed limits will also be in place.
“We all have a role to play in road safety, and I want to thank the community for their cooperation and patience,” Mayor Krieg said.
Safety Upgrade for Rous Road Roundabout
Key Safety Features
The upgrade includes:
- Improved sightlines by removing three trees on the northern side of Rous Road, which will be replaced nearby.
- Modifications to the Caroona Care Facility driveways, changing the current entry/exit to an Exit Only and creating a new Entry Only point off Rous Road, approximately 40m west of the roundabout.
- Enhanced safety for vehicles turning at Jubilee Avenue and Rous Road, addressing confusion caused by their close proximity.
Background on the Black Spot Designation
The roundabout’s inclusion in the Black Spot program was based on:
- Limited sight distance due to large trees and low lighting.
- The crest of the intersection reducing stopping time for motorists exiting Jubilee Avenue.
- Historical accident data, with six recorded incidents between 2018 and 2023.
Future Plans
The Council has confirmed the development of another roundabout at Reserve Street as part of the broader Rous Road design, with timing yet to be finalised.
For residents and motorists, the temporary disruptions during construction will lead to long-term improvements in safety and traffic flow. The Council urges all road users to follow the temporary detours and traffic controls during this period.
For more local news, click here.
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