February 28 2023, a day that will traumatise a lot of the Lismore and Northern Rivers Community, for others it is a stark reminder of the long road ahead in our rebuild while another section of the community doesn't want to look back but rather look forward focussing on what our city can be in the future.

Rather than rehash what happened 1 year ago, we'll leave that to the media in capital cities like Sydney, the Lismore App wanted to ask the business community in the CBD block what they were looking forward to in 2023.

Keep in mind that all of these businesses were devastated twelve months ago suffering massive financial losses.

Ellen Kronen President of Business Lismore (formerly the Chamber of Commerce) and owner of Made In Lismore: "I'm excited for 2023 to be able to reopen, that is the main thing. Frustrated like everyone else as to how long it's taking for a lot of things but really excited to be able to go back to work."

"For the Chamber, we're excited to see businesses starting to engage again and also excited to see there are lots of plans at council and other organisations that are really going to make a difference in town and north and south and everywhere else to make the vibrant place that we know and love."

Sharon Pollis and Rod Latimer from little polli and the blackbird in Magellan Street: "Giving positive energy and building the momentum to establish our community."

Deb Ray Music Bizarre in Magellan Street: "I feel I am moving forward in 2023 with confidence that I'm in a supportive community that cradles me and we all carry each other through difficult times so whatever comes in the coming year, I feel confident that I'm in the right place."

Anthony McDonald from Lanna PadThai in Magellan Street: "2023 looks pretty good so far, business has been improving. We're looking forward to a really good year. The rebuild has brought everyone together, we haven't been tearing each other apart yet so that's a good thing. Everyone seems to be coming from a good place so looking forward to the rest of the year."

Kyle Wood Managing Partner of Southside Chempro in Casino Street, South Lismore: It's been a pretty tumultuous last 12 months but we finally have direction. We've been in the temporary building for the last 10 months and trying to find another permanent facility. After looking around, we have purchased our old building and started the rebuild and we are hoping to be in there in the next three months. So, 2023 has a lot of work to do but it is looking positive."

"There was a lot of nervousness and apprehension and people were scared because they didn't know what was going on for months after the floods but there is a feeling of moving on and building rather than living in it and focussing on the doom and gloom stuff. There's a far more positive defiant feeling. We're really excited about the year ahead as we build back bigger and better with more services for the southside."

Ethan Lim from Uncle Lims Chinese Restaurant in Keen Street: "We're open but we need more builders. My house is not finished yet and we're still waiting for council to approve our house raising. There is still too many rules and regulations, we need someone who will help with this process more easily. To get approval will take 6 months and it will take years to raise our house to get in the queue. This is my personal concern."

"And for Lismore, to bring more people back. Don't get me wrong we are pretty lucky, all businesses are going well and we have had lots of support from locals. I want to thank them for that support."

Matt Bone from Planet Music in Keen Street, Lismore: "I'm looking forward to the continued rebuilding and recovery of the Lismore CBD and supplying beautiful music instruments to the people of Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers community."

Matt Healy from Daleys Homeware and Monogramming in Keen Street, Lismore: "I think the most important thing to remember is the recovery for this town in the last 12 months has been amazing. This town was literally destroyed and we've probably got three-quarters of the shops reopened already in 12 months. I think it's an astonishing recovery and that we should all be really, really pleased and be talking about the positive of the recovery."

"What I'm looking forward to most in 2023 is to stop looking back. we've had a year now to recover, people are still working on it, people are still finalising it but I want to look forward. I think the second half of the year is going to be growth, it's a positive story."

Janice Palmer from Shoppe One in Keen Street, Lismore: "I'm looking forward to the revival of Lismore and people coming back down to the CBD to shop. I am looking forward to talking to my customers and spending more time in the CBD. There's lovely things to buy here."

Alex Jackson from The Boys Hair and Make-up in Woodlark Street: "There's lots of shops open and everyone is happy and people are shopping. We've had people leave and we've had new people come into the salon to have a haircut and feel good. We were open 8 weeks after the floods, you've just go to get in and do it. That's the mentality of businesses in Lismore so I'm really optimistic about 2023."

Matt George from Summit Swim and Aquatic: “I’ve got every confidence in Lismore and the CBD recovering, and I’m excited to establish my XBODY offices and Studio downtown. It’s wonderful to see existing and new businesses emerging and the CBD coming back to life.”

Felicity Hyde from Scoops & Candy: “I’m looking forward to residents getting back into their homes or having answers about buybacks. I’m also looking forward to more people choosing to shop in the CBD and supporting the businesses who have been able to reopen for the community.”

Brett McDonald Raine & Horne Real Estate: "We are so excited about 2023 for the greater Lismore region we are opening our business now! That’s how much we believe in the prosperity and opportunity of the community and already the response has been tremendous."

"We’re finding people in and around Lismore so positive and optimistic about their own futures, businesses and opening, construction and investment is happening and there are many people moving into the area. Ten buyer enquiries received in the past week were from people looking to move into the area from elsewhere, including some moving back after many years away." 

"We’re seeing this time as the beginning of something great for the life of our community both domestic and commercial. People across the area are saying the same thing to me, businesses are opening."

As you read, most business owners in the CBD that we spoke to are optimistic about the year ahead. You can have an impact on their optimism by choosing to shop in the CBD. Easter and Mother's Day are not too far away, get into the CBD and support those that have had the energy and courage to rebuild and reopen.