Volunteer community group, Resilient Lismore, has received a much-needed funding boost of $15,000 after securing the major share of the special flood relief round of the #GreaterNorthernRivers program.
The Program’s May round provided a one-off funding pool of $30,000 split amongst three beneficiaries as a way of supporting flood-affected communities across the Northern Rivers region.
After winning this month’s community vote, Resilient Lismore, plan to use the funding to continue to support the many thousands of people across the region that are still recovering from the catastrophic floods that destroyed much of the region in March this year.
Resilient Lismore (originally Lismore Helping Hands) is a grassroots, community-run organisation that was formed following the 2017 flooding to supporting Lismore residents to rebuild their lives by connecting locals with volunteer help, information and services.
Resilient Lismore Coordinator, Elly Bird, said the group has been inundated with calls for assistance and many people in the region are still facing an uncertain future.
“We are a volunteer-powered community group that provides support to people who are navigating the recovery process. Our community hub links people with donated goods and information and our tool library is providing essential cleaning supplies and equipment to help the community rebuild,” Elly explained.
“The group has already responded to more than 2,000 requests for help and there are many more people in the community that still require assistance.
“Everyone involved with Resilient Lismore is incredibly grateful for this funding from Greater Bank that will go directly to supporting our community to rebuild and to make as many houses as possible safe, secure and warm for winter.”
Elly Bird, Resilient Lismore Coordinator
Also benefiting from this special funding round was second placed Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, who received $10,000 and third placed, Momentum Collective Casino Neighbourhood Centre, receiving $5,000.
********
While effects of the flooding have been widespread, the impacts across education have been devastating with more than 350 schools forced to close and many remain that way indefinitely.
To assist in the rebuilding process, Greater Charitable Foundation has lent it’s support to charitable organisation, Australian Schools Plus and their 2022 Flood Recovery Appeal, donating $50,000 that will go directly towards providing students with essential education items, including textbooks, school uniforms and shoes, school bags, laptops and art materials.
Australian Schools Plus exists to help close the education gap caused by disadvantage and has set up this appeal to support this latest crisis that is affecting the education and wellbeing of more than 100,000 students in NSW and Queensland.
Greater Charitable Foundation CEO, Anne Long, said that linking with an organisation such as Australian Schools Plus will ensure our support will directly assist those in need.
“We were all devastated by the impacts of the floods as we witnessed the many thousands of homes and business destroyed and lives turned upside down. While the media spotlight on the region has dimmed, the rebuild will continue for many months, if not years,” Anne said.
“Schools are such an important community hub. They are not just places of education but also connection for student, their families, and the wider community. Getting schools back up and running is critical in these areas, which is why this became the focus of our support.
“Our donation to Australian Schools Plus will provide flood-affected schools with essential funding needed to get children back into the classrooms and to support the wellbeing of students, teachers and other community members.”
Click here to read more about Australian Schools Plus and their Flood Recovery Appeal. Or find out more about Greater Charitable Foundation here.