Great achievements in 2023 for Resilient Lismore

Volunteers have provided $4 million worth of work which includes 14,000 volunteer deployments and 85,000 hours, according to Resilient Lismore’s annual report for 2023.

Projects have included the ‘Repair to Return’ and ‘Two Rooms’ programs that covered Lismore, Coraki, Woodburn, Wardell, Broadwater and Bungawalbin and also supported residents in Casino, Kyogle and Ballina, thanks to a $5 million governmentfunded grant.

A tool library has been developed providing around 2,500 tool loans, helping residents rebuild their homes.

The community organisation has also completed more than 4,000 jobs ranging from clean up to fixing stairs and windows and even rebuilding bathrooms.

“Resilient Lismore has its genesis in selfless, community-based, mutual aid,” said incoming chair, Anne Meagher.

“That is what defines us, and we are committed to never losing sight of it.

“We are a place-based organisation, and it is this place and this community that guides us and determines who we are and what we do. Our community has worked together, to save ourselves and to restore and retain our community identity as we walk the long road of recovery.”

With that priority in mind, the report also highlights that the Community Hub has seen more than 20,000 walk-ins since it opened in October 2022, and Resilient Lismore outreach programs have door-knocked 2,500 homes twice.

The organisation has made around 700 general referrals to other services, and distributed around 900 vouchers, Givit applications or other brokerage.

“Resilient Lismore is agile. Being both connected to, and part of, the community, the organisation is able to quickly deliver what its community needs,” said Ms Meagher.

“The Northern Rivers faces a long and difficult journey to recovery. Resilient Lismore will be there every step of the way, helping to repair and rebuild, and drive the resilience of our beloved community.

“The Board is very proud of the efforts of all the staff and volunteers who have delivered such an impact since the disaster in 2022, and we are committed to continuing to support our community in meaningful ways.”

Resilient Lismore has facilitated training for more than 100 volunteers and community members and hosted local community events with more than 400 people across South Lismore, North Lismore, East Lismore and Central Lismore attending.

It has also hosted regular community services interagency network meetings and enabled coordination and collaboration within the disaster recovery sector.

Looking to the future, Executive Director, Elly Bird said Resilient Lismore will be working to scale up its rebuild and repair program.

“We are acutely aware of the significant need that still exists across the region and are doing everything we can to respond,” she said.

“We would not have been able to achieve the things we have without the help and support of our generous partners, including the Diocese of Lismore, The Winsome, Joel Jensen Constructions, The Reece Foundation, and so many more.

“This is an ‘allshoulders to the wheel’ recovery. Many hands make light work, and there are many ways that local people and businesses can contribute to our community recovery. We encourage local businesses to get involved in any way they can and would welcome conversations as to what that looks like. We are also very keen to continue to partner with external organisations and networks.”