Nominated for not one but three separate awards in 2024’s Ballina Shire Australia Day event is WardellCORE (Community Organised Resilience Effort), which has been instrumental in Wardell’s ongoing recovery since the 2022 floods. The Echo caught up with Joel Orchard to find out more.
He said WardellCORE was honoured and grateful to be nominated. ‘It’s a fantastic celebration of the extraordinary effort that the community here, and especially all the volunteers have made – making such a great impact on so many people’s lives. We’re thrilled to have that recognised.’
The three categories for which they’ve been nominated are Volunteer, Environmental and Community Event of 2023, which in WardellCORE’s case is for their epic One Year On event, marking a year since the flood disaster struck.
‘That was so positive, and the community’s strong feedback was that they wanted to see it as an annual event,’ said Mr Orchard.
‘So we have plans to repeat it this year, on 2 March. We’re going to try and make that an annual festival for the community.’
Fire ants!
Wardell is currently in the news for the fire ant outbreak, with the dangerous insects found nesting in a garden at the temporary pod village in the second NSW outbreak in recent times. How’s everyone coping?
‘It’s obviously distressing for a lot of people, especially anyone in the agricultural industry around here. In fact, we’ve already had a member of the community come in today quite distressed, and because we’re a mental health facility, we’re able to support them,’ explained Mr Orchard.
‘I imagine this will cause ongoing stress for a number of people. So we’re here for everyone. It’s not likely to be something that goes away any time soon. Everyone’s bracing themselves for some form of quarantine.’
The NSW DPI staff are currently set up at Wardell Community Hall, providing public information about the fire ant issue. ‘Best case scenario, this is a one-off incident. It’s quickly resolved and we go back to normal, but I think everyone here is on pretty high alert,’ said Mr Orchard.
‘My personal feeling is the quarantine at the border is reasonably good.
‘How these have snuck through, who knows, but you’ve got mobile ants, on machinery in soils, floating in floods and also flying as queens move from one place to another. So it’s definitely going to be a difficult issue to deal with.
‘As we’ve seen with the varroa mites, once these things get out of quarantine, they’re very hard to control in the wild.’
Baseload funding
Apart from ants and floods, things have been looking a lot more positive for Wardell and WardellCORE recently. Can you tell us about that big grant you got late last year?
‘Yes, we received an amazing contribution from the Northern Rivers Community Foundation, they’ve funded us for three years in a row. That will help us with our baseload funding,’ said Mr Orchard.
‘We’ve received a lot of criticism from some quarters for having all this money. But as you would understand, it doesn’t go very far. We’re certainly not out of the woods yet. We’ve been very fortunate to be quite successful with applications that we’ve applied for. That’s based number one on our merit, and clearly our demonstration of capability here.
‘Things like Australia Day Award nominations and the NSW Resilience Awards that we’ve received clearly show that we’re doing a very good job, and I’m proud to be a part of that,’ said Joel Orchard.
‘Community organizations are exceptionally financially savvy, compared to government agencies, for example.
‘You’re talking in magnitudes of costs. Communities are very well situated to deliver this kind of program themselves, and grant funding is essential.
‘It’s important to remember the turnaround time of disaster recovery is really long. I think it’s understated, how long it takes for communities to get back on their feet. We anticipate WardellCORE being needed to support people, just from flood recovery, for years yet.
‘So these kinds of grants are essential to keeping us alive, and remaining available here for people who are still experiencing crisis.’
It must be gratified to be recognised beyond the region, at a state level?
‘It’s a testament to an amazing group of people that have really come together here. And we constantly reflect as a team that no one involved here knew each other before the flood; it’s been an amazing galvanising of people who have really big hearts and contribute an enormous amount of their time to helping others. That is really quite a beautiful thing.
‘Also, we’ve been really lucky to lean on competence and skills that exists in the community and pulled together a very robust and holistic support program. Our mental health team are now funded for another 12 months, and we hope that we can extend that.
‘That team are very, very busy. The impacts of this natural disaster on people and their lives really can’t be overstated. The availability of this type of support is quite crucial.’
Some more positive news out of Wardell recently has been the multi-use sports courts, which was an initiative supported by WardellCORE?
‘Yes, it’s such a great success for this community. Our part in that was really just being a conduit for people to express their views and their voice.
‘As a community organisation, we’ve developed a really strong communications network that offers great advantages in times of crisis, especially alerting people to disasters and weather events, whether it’s fire ants or whatever, you know, and that’s a part of our disaster preparation strategy.
‘But it also gives the community a great opportunity to express what they desire for their village, and the community courts have definitely been one of those things,’ he said.
‘There’s much more diversity now, so many more activities for people and especially young people in this community. What’s come through strongly is that there was just nothing here for young people to be able to participate in. Now there’s basketball and futsal and lots of other sports. The kids have somewhere to let off steam and run about, so we really support that.’
Popular fundraiser coming up
Joel Orchard told The Echo the Small Halls Festival was on its way to Wardell Hall this coming Sunday, from Woodford in Queensland. ‘We’re super excited to be able to host that here. This is the largest venue on their tour, and they’re super stoked that we’ve sold that event out already. So yeah, we’re really looking forward to that.’
Mr Orchard said the event was in part a fundraiser for WardellCORE, but that wasn’t the main point. ‘Really, it’s just another great thing to bring to this town, and we’re all about creating opportunities for people to get out and have a good time.’
With 200 tickets already sold, there is now a wait list in case any more seats become available. Beyond that, stay tuned for the Wardell River Festival on 2 March.
As far as WardellCORE is concerned, the hope is that the organisation can become a permanent community facility for the people of Wardell. As Joel Orchard puts it, ‘If we can sustain ourselves here, then I think that will be a great result for everyone.’
Ballina Shire’s Australia Day Awards will be announced at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre this Friday, 26 January. More information about the Australia Day event is available here.
Wardell Core epitomises the phrase “to flog a dead horse”.
The flood has well and truly gone. Yet this “flood charity” has now divided a once stable town by not letting it go!
Relying on the “mental health” buzz words, they have now morphed into a town dividing and ad hoc Centrelink of sorts.
The best medicine would be to look at the findings from the Black Saturday bushfire report. Which states that “the best way to get a disaster ravaged town back to normal is to get rid of the support network as soon as possible. So as to let the townspeople get back on their feet without relying on help. As this will make a stronger and more resilient population that can prepare and overcome the next challenge”
Unfortunately this does not suit the narrative of the “Disaster Capitalist”. There would be no way to continue to grift money off the government and create/sustain a nice comfy job that you have created for yourself if everyone actually got “better”
This movement is not a good thing for this town. If Joel Orchard actually had lived here for more than 5 minutes before we got flooded, maybe the silent majority may be able to swallow this tripe.
The Wardell Core need to be pulled off quickly like the Band-Aid they are, and let us return to normal.
We don’t need a constant reminder every time we check our post box that the town was flooded! As it is counter productive to our path back to normalcy.
Yours sadly,
Russell Krampe
Omg Russell, says he who wasn’t flooded. While people still need the core it will stay. It has been a God send for hundreds of people. Get over yourselves.
Idiots
A little harsh Russell, I see it as a valuable community support centre.
I cannot believe Russell’s Comment!
People deal with grief in different ways., this flood event was life changing and soul destroying.
I was a trained and qualified member of the state first responders for 20 years, thought I’d seen and dealt with everything in my capacity as a member of the NSW police force, from floods to fires, attending suicides and murder scenes. Helped extract dead children from cars, been assaulted, the subject of stalkers,, attended autopsies, violent protests, been directed to attended numerous medical examinations of sexual assault victims including babies and other victims of violent crimes, I’ve delivered death messages, dealt with mentally ill violent prisoner’s and copped my unreasonable constant unwarranted abuse. In a small country town where as a lone female, often without back up support or even reliable radio contact. working one out, even after dark.
Even my children were the subject of bullying due to their parents profession. I am not patting myself on the back just giving you a little of my background but simply implying I am qualified to refute your argument.
The devastation to entire communities as a result of not one but 2 unprecedented floods within a 28 day period was chaotic and would’ve broken very strong people. The federal and state government responses were underwhelming and still either not being upheld or leaving people in limbo almost 2 years on.
I don’t care when Joel Orchard (who lost his business during the flood) arrived at Wardell, just before, during or after the flood. He and his partner Venetia as well as the many dozens of well meaning thoughtful, selfless volunteers have willingly given their time, energy, skills, resources and support to a shattered community.
People are still living in caravans and half repaired homes, still
Paying their mortgages, some unable to obtain insurance, manage to complete repairs due to to interest rate hikes and high cost of living, building materials and trades people.
How could the ‘silent majority’ condemn such a worthwhile service? I’d be very interested to know the numbers of people in Wardell who subscribe to your theory. You don’t need to be reminded of the flood by letterbox inspections, flood debris still
Litters farm Land, crops destroyed, gardens and homes are destroyed and vacant. Property values have halved. People have had to access their superannuation (future) to fix things after the flood.
I personally didn’t know a single person in Wardell until the Wardell Core was well established. I don’t even live in Wardell
but Wardell Core is like coming home, a friendly face, a sympathetic ear, useful commonsense advice, practical support has brought the community together. You can’t rip a bandaid off grief, people suffer in different ways and truly , deeply suffering they have been, some will never recover.
When people have had enough of cleaning up, discovering and accepting loss, dealing with looters and people willing and capable of taking advantage of them. Flood victims make poor choices and decisions because they are too physically and mentally exhausted to use the same caution and reasoning power they possessed pre flood.
Mistakes were made, serious ones, bad ones. Judgements were impaired by the fear of further episodes, businesses were lost, relationships impacted and some broke down.
Watching animals drowning and distressed and physically impossible to help all with the absolute and real Fear that you could be next to die.
Unable to return home to your flooded home. For weeks or more, No communication, power, water, sanitation, internet or phone. Unable to assure relatives and loved ones you are still alive. Losing pets, livestock and native animals, everyone and everything was impacted.
An act of nature exacerbated by the poorly constructed M1 shattered lives.
I don’t know what your agenda is, for your, I believe callous and outrageously selfish comments , which not only lacked compassion , understanding or empathy but in my personal and humble opinion I take offence to your attack on an organisation that has set models, for other communities to follow. Won awards for the brilliant work they have done to support, repair, rehabilitate and truly galvanise a community into action, organised facilities to assist young and old to put a dreadful event behind, whilst developing skills to assist them
In coping and preparing for future disasters, not just natural events but helping people cope with personal hurdles they may encounter in the future. . Put in place life saving support, training and obtaining equipment to achieve these goals.
Activities, networking, meeting your local community and caring for them, looking out for them and checking on them if they may need a hand. The community dinners , events, educational, craft learning, gardening assistance, mothers support groups, education and competitions, especially environmentally sound initiatives and encouraging the involvement of young people to become involved in supporting better river health, planting koala trees, learning how to use more sustainable gardening practices, growing and sharing produce, fishing competitions, cooking demonstrations and celebrating milestones, mental Health support, subsidised food, fresh fruit and veges, the tool , book and plant library, warm blankets. Sharing clothes, knowledge and skills. Assistance to access government support, have your clothes cleaned,take a hot shower, have a massage, to be able to collect a wine glass, potato peeler or new knickers, a tv, toaster, a beanie or warm coat, your belly filled, have your mood lifted and respite from the horror that was your home or business.
Genuine Friendships are being made daily at the Wardell Core. Everyone is welcome and made to feel so.
I look forward to visiting, I love the friendly welcome from everyone there, I love sharing information about insurance woes and wins. How peoples lives are slowly returning to normal. The newly appointed Chat table, hot soup and heaters in winter, magnificent Pizzas and healthy delicious meals, misting overhead coolers in summer. A clean, safe welcoming environment , which is improved upon on almost a daily basis. Games, activities, education, seminars, access to local tradespeople (fellow floodies) trying to rekindle their businesses or branching out into new ones due to the loss of their previously livelihood..
Wardell Core saved me and many many more people . It’s grown into a very well organised community centre and I applaud its 3 year funding grant, I hope it continues to grow,, prosper and the enthusiasm displayed by everyone involved continues to flourish and help sustain a tiny town that the Wardell Core has put on the map for its hospitality , generosity, empathy, commitment and kindness . It hasn’t been divided, it has been amalgamated. Activity is the enemy of depression, working non stop on a trashed house is difficult and upsetting, getting a new skill, borrowing a tool, sharing advice with fellow home renovators, donating something to someone who isn’t as well Off as you is therapeutic , practical, , thoughtful and beneficial .
If everyone , everywhere displayed even a small
Percentage of the dedication , Wardell Core, does to helping people in practical ways the entire world would benefit and be a better place.
I personally would never offer an opinion about something I know nothing about, I am curious to know just how much you know about the brilliant things on offer at the Wardell Core.
I hope you don’t find my comments disrespectful as that is not my intention and the views I have shared are my own , as a trained observer, ( although I am certain they are shared by many of the visitors and dedicated helpers) at Wardell Core.
It saddens me to see such a valuable venue and its assistants being denigrated and personally attacked, I am gob smacked that anyone could form such an unpleasant opinion of such a worthwhile and charitable organisation that has contributed so much to so many.
I forgot to order a bag of fruit and veges yesterday, I called in to donate some new shoes for someone to use and Joel asked me was I there to collect veges. I told him I forgot to
Order it, he told me not to worry something would be worked out. unbeknowns to me Venetia found a spare bag of veges for me to purchase. I was very grateful, even more so when I realised she had given me her bag of vegetables and fresh fruit. I tried to
Protest as it was my fault and she absolutely insisted I take them. The complete generosity and kindnesss of Joel and Venetia is amazing. Nothing is too
Much trouble, they are both intelligent and have high qualifications in different fields yet they have dedicated their lives to making our lives better. So cheerful and intuitive, they are an absolute inspiration and a very valuable asset to Wardell.
I hope everyone enjoys Australia Day and celebrates this wonderful country we live in a safe and considerate way..
Thank you Debbie, well said.
I read with interest you comments pleased you feel CORE are so good but as a member of Wardell who had 6 ft of water through my home I have never had a member from CORE visit me to see if they can help also I have been to CORE 3 times for help & all times have been made feel very very uncomfortable & not welcome at all. So I guess we all see things differently it’s just so sad we can’t all be expected for having different ideas. I would have thought CORE would be more than happy to help all flood victims considering the grants they have applied for & receive
Debbie Heath you make some good points some relevant some not imo. ..but the fact you said you don’t live in Wardell shows you’re unaware of many things.
Joel has taken it upon himself to be the spokesperson for the town with little knowledge of anything/anyone prior to his arrival. It was a diverse but very peaceful and friendly place to live but the division is real as Russell mentions. Family, neighbours and friends who once lived side by side peacefully are now no longer. If percentages your after I’d say it’s 50/50. Many Core supporters like yourself don’t live in Wardell therefore don’t notice the impact. Also, and rather importantly the fact that close to 50% of funding Core have received has gone to the pockets of 4 paid staff members does not sit well when, as you mention people are still living ing in vans and sheds. Mental health is very important but noteworthy is the fact living back in your home rather than a shed would certainly improve mental health issues. Personally I don’t know that playing a ukulele in your vege garden watching your ginger grow and 4 Core staff profit 50% funding when meantime all your kids want is to sleep back in their own room.
Thank you Russell and Jodie, you make excellent points. I was fully flood affected, lived in a caravan in the backyard for over a year, and didn’t receive any or sought help from core. I have lived in Wardell for 21 years, Joel was here for a couple of months when the flood hit. He took the opportunity to set up his own self perpetuating business by using flood funding to pay himself and 3 others. Core received almost half a million in funding and used almost 50% to fund 4 staffs. This info is available and published, perhaps the reporter that wrote the article could have actually done some investigation. While Joel uses flood funding to pay himself and provide free ukulele classes, my neighbours are still struggling to rebuilt….