A Lismore town community meeting scheduled for Sunday morning will go ahead – despite the forecasted chance of rain that day.

Meeting coordinator Cassie said the covered area behind Lismore Regional Gallery can be used as the meeting place if it rains – and chairs will be available for those who need it.

Otherwise, the grassy area at the front of the gallery can be a central meeting point. But it could be an idea to bring something to sit on – as the grass is not yet dry.

Cassie said this first meeting since the flood happened (less than two weeks ago) was “just the beginning”

“Lots of people think it’s a great idea to start a community discussion,” she said. “We can take the issues raised to the broader community later.

“It’s a forum where people can voice all ideas and we can collaborate.”

Housing

With immediate housing already flagged as a priority need with our leaders, Cassie said Lismore MP Janelle Saffin will lead the discussion on how Lismore can move forward in practical and creative ways.

“Housing is something Janelle is already working on,” she said

Camping, markets, toilets, showers

Cassie has ideas she thinks are also important for the community to rebuild after the flood.

“I think creating areas in town where the community can be brought together and energized is important.

“We need parks turned into community camping with demountables, toilets, showers and other facilities.

“We need to bring the markets and shops back together in way of outdoor market at The Quad.

“People have lost their homes. They can't lose their community too.

“We need to create these spaces for people and their community before we can make these bigger decisions.

“The first step of recovery is dealing with the smaller things. We need the government’s support and power to make this happen.

“We need to first save the people from Lismore, before we save the buildings.”

Resilient Lismore

Resilient Lismore volunteers will also be there if anyone wants to register their help or list themselves as in need of help in cleaning up after the flood.

Surveys

Cassie said after the meeting, she will set up surveys for locals to contribute to “so we have some statistics and information to drive town planning at Council.

She is also calling for helpers who want to help canvas the community to get the surveys out and gather information.

“I’ll be stationed at the Quad from 10 to 11am each day next week if people want to come and talk to me so we can gather more information.”

You can visit the Rebuild Lismore Community Facebook page for more information, or to contribute ideas https://www.facebook.com/RebuildLismoreCommunity