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 foods 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 food-damaged homes across the Northern Rivers to reach out for help. “It’s been more than two years since the 2022 foods, 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 food-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, mobilizes professional tradespeople and trained volunteers to restore food-affected homes using foodresilient 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 foors

• 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 fnancial counselling.

One local resident, Carlie Daley from East Lismore, was among those who benefted from the program. With no insurance and ineligible for grants or the home buyback program, Carlie 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 organization welcomes donations of fridges, washing machines, new or nearnew bedding and towels, and monetary funds.

“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a signifcant impact. By coming together, we can help our neighbour’s and strengthen our communities,” Bird emphasized. Their Stories 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 realize you’ve got your kids to think about, you fnd that Resilient Lismore makes it really easy. They’re one of the best sources of help

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 foods. As a single parent with two children, she had experienced foods before but didn’t anticipate her home being affected given its location. “I bought the house based on where the 1974 food lines were, and even my dad, who has been through a few foods, thought I’d be fne,” 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 foating in the house—it was not good,” Carlie recalled. “I managed to fag 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, returned to fnd 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

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 food. When he heard about the impending food in Woodburn, he packed a bag and left with his dog.

After spending 11 days in emergency accommodation, Duran 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 ftted 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 foods caused signifcant 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 food-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 organization that was formed following the 2017 foods in Lismore, NSW. Powered by volunteers, the organization supports Northern Rivers residents in rebuilding their lives by connecting them with qualifed tradespeople, volunteer help, and essential recovery services.