Published on 27 November 2023
Lismore City Council has donated the final remaining funds from the Lismore Flood Appeal to the Lismore Soup Kitchen in recognition of its ongoing hard work and dedication to assisting flood-affected residents and the homeless. Councillors unanimously decided to donate the residue amount of $5760.12 to the Soup Kitchen that was donated between the distribution of flood grants last year and the closure of the Lismore Flood Appeal. Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said donating the remaining funds to the charity would go a long way to assisting those in need of help. “If we had distributed this amount equally to those who had previously received a grant, each person would only have received $3.20 so Councillors decided the funds would be better spent by donating the whole amount to one charity, the Soup Kitchen," he said. “The stipulations of the Public Fund Rules require that any surplus amounts are transferred to a recognised and tax-deductible charitable organisation. “This decision underlines Council’s commitment to support local charities and non-profit organisations that play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of our community.” Mayor Krieg also thanked everyone who donated to the Lismore Flood Appeal. “On behalf of Councillors and Council, I would again like to thank everyone who donated to our Appeal, which raised about $1.7 million from across the country,” he said. Lismore Soup Kitchen Manager Steve Smith said the donation will help with the organisation's current projects. “Since the 2022 flooding disaster, the Winsome and Soup Kitchen have been engaged in flood recovery and rebuilding work throughout Lismore and the Northern Rivers area, in a program called ‘Repair to Return’,” he said. “The work involves conducting essential repairs to homes and is an active and ongoing partnership with Resilient Lismore, Joel Jensen Constructions with support from the Catholic Diocese.” “The Winsome also runs The Good Pantry at 51 Wyrallah Road in East Lismore, providing subsidised groceries to families and households in need, so this funding helps in so many ways.” To provide the grant assistance to those in need as quickly as possible, Council distributed the funds raised in two initial rounds, providing $650 to a total of 1800 eligible community members, followed by another $304.54. When the Flood Appeal began, Council staff developed procedures and processes to ensure the large sum of money and applications were managed in a fair, transparent and efficient manner. No administration costs were deducted, with 100 per cent of funds raised going to flood-affected residents.
Photo: Soup Kitchen Manager Steve Smith (left) with Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg.