A volunteer-led organisation bringing hope and healing to Lismore after the 2022 floods has received a boost in funding in the latest round of Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Community Funding Program.

Filled with fresh fruits and vegetables along with local flora and fauna, Lismore’s Community Garden is tended to by a group of enthusiastic volunteers on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, but is open for the public to enjoy always.

One of the Community Garden’s volunteers, Rhonda, said the volunteers have been working hard to rejuvenate the gardens over the past two years.

“Much of our infrastructure, including our water tanks and solar panels, were lost or destroyed in the flood,” she said.

“Our progress is slow, but our aim remains to nourish the community with food, socialising and support. The gardens are also used as a venue for community activities and gatherings.”

Along with offering a space for the community to gather, the volunteers regularly stock up their ‘sharing table’ with fresh fruits and vegetables for eating, as well as seedlings for Lismore to grow in their own backyards.

With plenty to tend to, Rhonda said the group welcomes new members.

“We currently have a group of about 20 volunteers who take care of our garden, but we are always looking for more.”

Greater Bank’s Regional Manager, Steph Smith, highlighted the customer-owned bank’s investment in the Northern Rivers region. 

“Over the last three years, we have given more than $100,000 to a range of groups in the Northern Rivers, each committed to improving our region, just like Lismore Community Garden,” she said.

“The volunteers are incredibly generous with their time, their produce and their positivity – I am thrilled to see them win this month’s round of the program.”

Rhonda echoed her support of the program, which seeks to make the community stronger by supporting the initiatives that are important to the region.

“It’s a wonderful program! I love that our community can see what is happening in our area and have their say over where the funds go,” she said.

“We rely on donations to support our ongoing efforts to keep the gardens sustainable, so we are so grateful to receive these funds from Greater Bank.”

The entrants for the November round of the #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program, where there’s another $3,000 up for grabs, are Lismore Preschool Incorporated, CFD Foundation Henry James Fund and Ballina Little Athletics Inc.