As Lismore residents survey the damage of the second major flood in a month, thousands fear they will be forgotten by Australians when they need help more than ever.

While the media spotlight turns to grand ideas of relocating the city, 3700 households still desperately need a dry safe place to sleep before winter.

Coordinator of grassroots volunteer-powered recovery organisation Resilient Lismore, Elly Bird, said requests for help was at an all-time high.

“Resilient Lismore is working hard to support residents to make their homes safe, secure and warm for winter.”

“We need to know that Australia hasn’t just put us in the ‘too-hard basket’. While there is talk of longer-term solutions, that doesn’t change the fact that right now getting residents back into habitable homes must be a priority,” said Ms Bird.

“We need donations of time and skills desperately.”

“If you are a tradie or handyperson and can spare a few days over the coming months, Lismore will welcome you with grateful open arms,” Ms Bird said.

Resilient Lismore also urged businesses and corporations from outside Lismore to consider sending a team to volunteer with the clean-up or rebuild.

Resilient Lismore has set up an online system that matches volunteers with jobs.

To donate your time or money to the community recovery effort: www.floodhelpnr.com.au

Large Groups or corporate volunteers can email [email protected].

Register for help or to offer help at floodhelpnr.com.au website.