Published on 07 February 2024
The Flood Recovery Centre at Carrington Street will officially close its doors tomorrow, marking a significant milestone in Lismore’s recovery after almost two years of providing a collaborative model for community assistance following the devastating flooding natural disaster of February 2022. As the Recovery Centre stands down, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will stand up and be on hand to provide flood-related assistance from the same location at 14 Carrington Street. Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said over the life of the Recovery Centre operation, it assisted flood-affected residents and businesses across the Lismore LGA to get back on their feet, adding that the closure was a positive sign that the community was on the road to recovery. “The Lismore Flood Recovery Centre supported our community in the aftermath of the floods, with the closure marking a new chapter for Lismore,” he said. “The level of assistance the centre has achieved cannot be underestimated, especially during the weeks and months right after the natural disaster. It was indeed a crucial element in helping our community recover.” The Mayor also thanked everyone involved in the day-to-day operations. “A heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the Recovery Centre's operations, from staff and volunteers to the community members who supported and uplifted each other during challenging times,” he said. The centre offered several critical services for residents and businesses, including grant support, recovery support, emergency accommodation and mental health and well-being services. In recent months, the centre has seen a decline in visitation rates, confirming that it has achieved its goal of supporting residents and businesses in the Lismore LGA. The Lismore Recovery Centre was initially located at V Block at Southern Cross University and relocated three times before moving to 14 Carrington Street within the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s offices in November 2023. Lismore City Council General Manager Jon Gibbons, a staunch advocate for the Centre’s prolonged operation, said the collaborative effort with other agencies was a fundamental factor in its success. “Collaborating with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and the unwavering support from our staff and volunteers have been pivotal,” he said. “The centre was the longest-standing Recovery Centre in the region, a testament to our commitment to helping our community recover.” One notable example of how the flood recovery centre helped is GIVIT voucher distribution. The centre requested over 1,729 vouchers on behalf of the community, which, when successful, were distributed to various needs. Some of these needs included 121 beds, 203 white goods and over 200 vouchers for essentials like petrol, groceries and hardware supplies. To help you directly, here are some essential services that can help you. Disaster Response Legal Service – Legal Aid 1800 801 529 The Centre (Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre) (02) 6621 1000 Uniting Recovery Support 0403 786 473
Social Futures: Recovery Connect 1800 719 625 Lismore and District Financial Counselling Service (02) 6622 2171 Head to Health 1800 595 212