The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW will be reopening its Lismore assistance office, which closed temporarily due to extensive flood damage, from 10am tomorrow (Wednesday April 5).
The office is located opposite the Vinnies shop in Magellan Street, which was also hammered by the flood and is not yet in a state to reopen.
Assistance in other flood affected towns is also available (see details below).
Vinnies has also commenced a Northern Rivers Flood Appeal and is seeking donations.
Michael Timbrell, executive officer of the Lismore Central Council, said Vinnies members, volunteers and employees will be there for people in crisis to help them recover by providing financial assistance and food, clothing and household items.
‘It is estimated the recovery and clean-up bill for the region will run into the millions but the impact on the local community cannot be measured,’ Mr Timbrell said.
‘We have experienced the largest flood peak in Lismore since 1974. This is a traumatic event for everyone in the area who have watched their homes, livelihoods and crops disappear in front of them. Our own shop has been has been extensively damaged.
‘Because we have Vinnies members living and working in these communities we are here for the long haul. We are here to help people rebuild their lives in every way possible for as long as they need financial and emotional assistance.
‘In the difficult weeks and months ahead the long term impact of the floods will start to hit home. Vinnies will be there not only with on-the-ground assistance but also with compassion and friendship.’
Assistance offices in flood affected areas
Lismore: 3-4/73 Magellan St
Murwillumbah: 4/132 Main Street
Tweed Heads: Unit 9, 25 Industry Drive
Flood relief drop-off points in Byron Shire
Please call 02 6621 5835 for opening hours or to make an appointment.
To make a financial donation to the Society’s Northern Rivers Flood Appeal please visit www.vinnies.org.au and click on Northern Rivers Flood Appeal, call 13 18 12 or send your donation to PO Box 5, Petersham NSW 2049. Donations can also be made at any Vinnies Shop in NSW.
Website: www.vinnies.org.au
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @vinniesnsw