Part 12 of our Flood Readiness - Are We Better Prepared series covers key organisations that play a vital role in pre-flood warnings and in the rescue & recovery after a major flood. We are asking those organisations to let us know how the 2022 floods and Flood Inquiry have changed their procedures and processes so people will experience better outcomes.

So we know what to expect when the unexpected happens next.

We have heard from emergency services, charities, and three levels of government, and now it's time to hear from you, the residents.

***

Building back better is not just about our roads. It is as much about ourselves. The Lismore community is nothing without its residents! The people of this town are so important, which may sound obvious, but it's not just the fact that we all live here. It is the quality of life that is where value lies. 

So today, the news is about you - we start by interviewing you - where you are at, how the flood has affected your life, how prepared you are for a future flood and then we turn to what is happening in the city so we can build the community spirit back up to new levels.  

Self Check In

Everyone will be at a different stage, but it is good for us to stop occasionally to reflect on how we have coped, where we are right now, what we really want, and what necessary steps we are taking to get there.

Following are some questions for your self-interview for personal reflection:

• When was the last time that you stopped to consider the events of the last 2 ½ years? Think about just before, during and after the floods and the effect it had on you, especially, as well as the closest people around you.  
• Have your priorities changed? 
• Have you grieved enough? 
• Do you feel secure enough to move on?

There are still many resources available to help with any concerns you have. If you are struggling and need someone to speak to, please consider Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Personal preparation for future events

We live in an area where severe weather events are a part of our daily lives. There is a chance we will never see a flood or any event the size of the 2022 floods again, but that is not entirely guaranteed. Since 2000 Lismore rarely sees more than two years between moderate floods (at least). The last flood was in October 2022, registering as minor, so we are getting closer to another weather event that will impact our streets. This series has discussed how far flood readiness has come in two years - but today it’s the “you” that we are ensuring is ready.

Throughout this series, many organisations have provided information on how to prepare for future events. What aspects of preparation have been initiated in your household?

• Have you got a household plan? A contacts list? Are they up to date?
• Have you got a list of equipment to put in a grab bag? Season-appropriate clothes, a warm blanket, some bathroom products, medications and scripts, pets and accessories, phone chargers, and power banks… There are many examples of grab bag lists—you decide what is important to put in yours.
• Have you been to Lismore City Council’s Disaster Dashboard, and the Get Ready tab? Have you signed up for SMS Alerts?
• Do you have a place to retreat to? It may not be rising flood water, but a branch coming through a roof that may render your place difficult to stay in.
• If weather is expected, what transport options do you have - is it worth topping up the car with fuel?

Get involved

At this point, your interview is over. Now for some news.  

It will not be a surprise to hear how much charities do for us in times of need. What may surprise you is how the rate of volunteers in many charities is dropping. We have busy lives to lead that don’t allow for much wiggle room. However, when you speak to people about spending time helping others, it is a powerful remedy for anxiety, isolation and despair. Meeting people and gaining skills is only a small part of what you can get from donating some of your time. You gain a voice…

You may have heard of Community Resilience or Recovery Networks, or CRN’s. They have been in existence since the 2017 floods. Interest in them started to wane, but their importance has taken on a new level since the 2022 floods.

Now for some terminology. Sergeant Mark Johnston is the D/LEOCON NR LEMC or the Local Emergency Operations Controller for the Northern Rivers Local Emergency Management Committee. That sounds as official as it gets, and it is. But that is the problem: not many people in the community understand the emergency infrastructure that is in place. 

Sgt Johnston speaks about, “the gap that was recognised between people and organisations trying to provide help, and the Emergency Services that were coordinating things under a formal structure. The CRN is being used to bridge that gap.” 

CRN’s gather in localities to discuss ways of serving communities in a more efficient way. It is attended by those with formal titles, like Sgt Johnston, and community organisations - existing charities like the Red Cross and spontaneous volunteers like the Pantry in Wyrallah Road. Sgt Johnston explains, in this way, the “chain of communication reaches from people on the ground, through to the top of the Emergency Control organisation structure.” 

In other words, when you join a community organisation, your voice and endeavours are recognised in the larger scheme. “To join a community organisation, it may be a matter of going to your local hall to join their effort. It can be a small or large charity. And if you are an organisation looking to join the CRN effort, you approach your council Emergency Management Coordinator to be included.”

“Some council’s have established and working CRN’s, but Lismore’s CRN is still in the early stages. There will be a meeting for it, shortly.”

So, your challenge is to speak to your favourite charities, or the ones that helped you, or the charities that offer to fill an interest or allow you to gain new skills and talents - interview them to find one that fits. Ask them about time commitments, the paths to develop skills to contribute and where they operate. Tell them your interests and strengths. Find one or more that fits your lifestyle and give your life a different type of meaning.

Tomorrow is the series finale. We have a look at the aims of the Flood Inquiry and responses we have received to see what has been implemented and to determine if we truly are Flood Ready.

Other stories in this series includes:

Part 1: Essential Energy 

Part 2: Communications - Telstra and Optus

Part 2: Communications - TPG Telecom and nbn

Part 3: Police and Fire + Rescue

Part 4: Critical Flood Information

Part 5: Animals

Part 6: Federal Government

Part 7: Charities

Part 8: Local Government

Part 9: SES / RFS 

Part 10: Health

Part 11: State Government / RA