The sun coming through this little window at the side of this South Lismore house caught my eye. A ray of hope and light in amongst all the destruction and devastation.
It is Day 9 today (Tuesday, March 8) of the flood disaster in Lismore. The clean-up has started, but the people of Lismore will be living among the mud, debris and rubble for many weeks, most likely months, to come. Many of the houses are now windowless, mud splattered, broken shells. Their owners cleaning, scrubbing, sorting and throwing shattered remnants of their life onto the ever-growing piles of debris lining the streets. People are crying, together and alone. Some are sobbing. Others pause for a moment at the overflowing skip bins, to hug each other, before they throw in more of their belongings. No matter how resilient, courageous and determined this community is, make no mistake, the unfolding story here in Lismore is one of absolute devastation, gut-wrenching loss and overwhelming grief. So, if you're a local person and feeling unsure about how to help or contribute, I've compiled a list of some Instagram accounts that are spreading the word about what needs doing, when and where: So, here goes:
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-@floodsrecovery2022
For updates about volunteering and donating in the Northern Rivers and SE Queensland.
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-@northern_rivers_health
Updating daily supply, donation and volunteer requirements for Lismore and surrounding areas.
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-@echopublications
For updates about volunteering, donating, and supply requirements across the region.
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-@byron_rangers
For updates about emergency accommodation and details about registering offers of housing.
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-@nr_laundrytrain
A hub for volunteers able to provide laundry services for displaced residents.
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-@habitat_byronbay
Now co-ordinating a 'Donate a Stay' initiative that will provide respite accommodation for displaced residents.
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-@northernriverswildlifecarers
For advice about what to do with, and for, flood injured wildlife.
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This is only a sample of the generous people and organisations who are helping disseminate flood and recovery information, but it's a list that I hope you may find useful.