As the one-year anniversary of the 2022 floods approaches, many locals are still experiencing the legacy of the disaster on a practical, emotional and mental level, according to a local mental health support service.
Mullumbimby Safe Haven, located in the park behind the Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre, was set up in the aftermath of the floods, and provides free mental health support seven days a week from midday to 6pm.
Nearly 12 months on from the first round of flooding, the Haven says there is still a significant group of people in the Shire and beyond who are struggling to find safe, stable housing.
‘There’s a lot of people still living out of their cars,’ Peer Worker Melissa Madden says.
‘We hear a lot that an individual had a room in a share house, and that was flooded and they can’t afford the rents in the area. They’re staying in cars, maybe have a room with friends a couple of nights a week. A lot of people were emptied out because of the school holidays.’
Those lucky enough to own a home are still struggling to get repairs completed, or even started in some cases.
Difficult for older people
‘Everyone’s struggling to find builders, struggling to get building materials,’ Ms Madden says.
‘It’s particularly difficult for older people who aren’t necessarily able to get in and do it themselves.
‘They’re given a scope of works but they don’t understand or they’re not clear what they’re signing up for.’
The mental health impacts of these challenges, and the disaster more generally are only now beginning to become clear.
‘There’s so much grief and loss – losing your home, your valuable possessions, it’s hard for anyone, young or old, to make their way back from that,’ Ms Madden says.
‘We’re still seeing people in a trauma fog. They don’t know where to go or what to do. It’s hard in that state to know what to do, or to process information when someone gives you advice about what to do.’
Mullum Safe Haven
The Mullumbimby Safe Haven is a valuable resource for those struggling mentally and emotionally, or those with a loved one having this experience. It is one of four Safe Haven North Coast hubs that are funded by Healthy North Coast through the NSW government’s Northern NSW Flood Recovery Program. Safe Haven North Coast services are delivered by The Buttery.
The four hubs are located in Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Lismore and Woodburn.
Staff are trained in crisis response, acute interventions, counselling, case management and peer support from those with lived experience.
They refer clients to other mental health support services for anything impacting their wellbeing, including mental illness, drug and alcohol concerns, unemployment, finances, housing and relationship issues.
The Mullum service is offering two new groups in February: an Art Connection for Women group, beginning February 6 from 10.30am till midday (limited to ten); and a group supporting the families, friends and loved ones of those struggling with addiction.
This group is ongoing and will commence on February 7, running from 6.30pm till 8pm.
‘We also run a free community barbeque on Mondays from 1pm to 3pm,’ Ms Madden says.
‘It’s just a casual, friendly lunch where people can have a sausage sandwich and, if they feel like it, a bit of a chat.’
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