Lismore’s Flood Recovery Centre will officially close its doors today, marking a significant milestone in the city’s almost two years of recovery following the devastating flooding disaster of February 2022.
As the Recovery Centre on Carrington Street stands down, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will stand up and be on hand to provide flood-related assistance from the same location.
Lismore City Council Mayor, Steve Krieg said the centre 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 of the centre.
“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.
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 last year.
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.”
The centre requested more than 1,700 GIVIT vouchers on behalf of the community, which, when successful, were distributed to various needs, the Council said. Some of these needs included 121 beds, 203 white goods and over 200 vouchers for essentials like petrol, groceries and hardware supplies.
Lismore flood centre to close
