For some local flood-affected businesses, the reopening process was relatively quick given the massive damage caused on February 28 2022. For others, the process is continuing nearly 11 months on.

Stepz Fitness is a local business that sits in the 'longer' category but the day owners Alyce and Paul Benson have dreamed of for nearly a year is finally here with the reopening date set for tomorrow (Saturday, January 21).

Alyce had a heartbreaking story, where she purchased the Stepz just 10 days before the flood hit. The gym and other shops in Lismore Central were like all in the CBD, completely destroyed during the flood.

The force of water smashed walls down and totally blew out the windows and ceilings for ground floor tenants, this meant an entire rebuild of the shopping centre was required before any tenants could come back and start trading again.

(Stepz Fitness when Alyce and Paul took it over and two weeks later when the February 28 2022 flood ripped through the CBD)

It has been a very long and stressful process, as the Central rebuild suffered big delays starting work, so Alyce and Paul have had to be patient throughout this process. Stepz is the first business to reopen downstairs as most of the other ground-floor tenants are still delayed due to building works going on in their spaces.

Alyce told the Lismore App, "There was lots of red tape to get through to start rebuilding and to get back open, but we got there, and I can honestly say I have learnt something new within this whole process. 

"We know there will be more floods in the future, (fingers crossed just small ones) after all, we’re the most flood-prone city in Australia, so we had to be smart and think about how we can build back better.

"We have built everything as flood ready as possible. We now have polished concrete floors, and our rubber matting isn’t glued down, but there is special edging around them to stop them moving. Our custom-made cabinetry is built on wheels so we can unclick and remove, a lot of the electrical/security works have been put up near the roof and instead of being hardwired under the desk etc and the walls are made from fibro cement instead of gyprock. 

"Yes, it does cost extra money to build it this way, but in the long run it will save us thousands of dollars and a lot of time."

Stepz Fitness Lismore first opened its doors in August 2020. Alyce was the gym manager at the time, and saw a great response from the community for a new business. Each month they were seeing amazing growth in members joining and saw what a positive impact the gym had on the town and CBD.

Alyce said, “The first 4 months after the flood were extremely stressful and to think about rebuilding was such a daunting thought as emotions were still very raw, but my passion for health and fitness and helping the community was always at the forefront of my mind. I am a very organised and driven person who doesn’t quit and fights for what she believes in and goes after her goals and dreams”. 

(The finishing touches are being made at Stepz Fitness in the CBD. Photo: supplied)

“Not rebuilding the gym was never an option," Alyce added, "We knew we had to regather ourselves and rebuild not only for our members and the local community but for our own mental health, as I just couldn’t walk away from something that I had worked so hard for in the 18 months prior to the flood.

"I’ve been in the fitness industry for 17 years and love my job, it’s a part of who I am as a person, and I want to continue working in this industry for many more years to come.”

"Lismore Central and its partners have been very helpful throughout the process of rebuilding, they have guided us through some very difficult times, and I want to thank them for helping us rebuild and get back on our feet.

Alyce also wanted to say a big thank you to Stepz Fitness for giving her a part-time job, working as part of the head office team, managing other Stepz clubs and helping grow the Stepz brand and opening other franchises around the country. "I’ve also learnt lots of new skills which will only help me to be more successful in life," she said.

As construction is continuing internally and externally at Lismore Central until March, all access to the gym will need to be via using the external 24/7 door on the corner of Carrington & Conway Streets.

Stepz Lismore is reopening its doors on Saturday the 21^st of January, so get down and support Alyce to get back on her feet. They will be open from 7am- 12noon, so come try a class for FREE or have a FREE gym workout instead. Classes are running at 7am & 8am.

For all enquiries please phone 0420 258 816 or email lismore@stepzfitness.com.au