‘The Northern Rivers is one the most disaster vulnerable and unaffordable regions in Australia’, says housing advocate group House You, ‘with one of the highest rates of rough sleeping in the state – and the people most at risk when disaster strikes are the least prepared’.
The Northern Rivers based organisation says it is ‘filling a critical gap by delivering disaster preparedness workshops designed specifically for renters, unhoused people, and those navigating housing insecurity’.
‘Preparedness for You will run across three Northern Rivers locations in late April and early May 2026, covering practical disaster readiness, tenancy rights before and after a disaster, and mutual aid and community connection’, they said.
House You founder, Chels Hood Withey, said standard disaster preparedness advice has consistently failed to account for the reality of housing insecurity.
‘Every piece of disaster advice out there was written for someone who owns their home. Stock your garage. Retrofit your property. Install solar. Get a lithium battery. If you’re renting, couch surfing, or just one rent increase away from losing your place, that advice doesn’t apply to your life, and it can make people feel like preparedness simply isn’t available to them.’
‘The Northern Rivers has been through catastrophic flooding, bushfires, and ongoing displacement. The people who are most exposed in those events are renters and the unhoused; and no one has ever built a training programme for them. We’re changing that.’
‘Despite extensive research documenting housing insecurity as a critical disaster vulnerability, no targeted disaster preparedness training has been developed for or delivered to this cohort in Australia.
‘The workshops will cover:
- Practical disaster preparedness strategies adapted to renting, unhoused, and precarious housing situations
- Tenancy rights before, during, and after a disaster
- Building mutual aid networks and community connection
- How to participate in community disaster planning’
Workshop dates and locations:
Mullumbimby: Thursday 23 April, 10am–1pm
Byron Community College, Room 3, 6/8 Burringbar St
Lismore: Friday 1 May, 10am–1pm
Lismore City Bowling and Recreation Club, 171A Molesworth St
Banora Point: Saturday 2 May, 10am–1pm
Banora Point Community Centre, Rosewood Room, Cnr Leisure Dr & Woodlands Dr
RSVP: https://houseyou.org/disaster-workshops/
Free entry. Free catering (vegan and gluten free options available).
All venues are accessible with step free access, parking, and disability amenities.
Hosted by House You. Supported by the Community Disaster Action Group (CDAG) and the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR).
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