Many who have been displaced, and were lucky enough to have their pets survive, who may still need supplies, such as bedding, feed, flea and tick prevention, shampoo etc, will find relief in the knowledge that the Lismore App spoke to a Coffs Harbour RSPCA representative who had driven up a van full of supplies for Lismore Pets.

This has been the beginning of the 'free shop' manned by Caniaba local Vicki Chopping who, after the first flood, has been managing the supply shop in the Lismore CBD on Dawson Street. 

Lismore has not been forgotten, there is still a lot of support, with heart-centred volunteers speaking about the months ahead, the needs they have identified, and the upcoming needs they are determined to support.

Vicki said she has been running the store for 3 weeks, "I started noticing that those flood affected had just started coping better, then as the second flood approached, it brought so many emotions up for people. We packed up as the second flood came in." 

"I've just tried to keep up supplies coming in, listening to what the Lismore Community needed, as it changed, and have been putting that out to the public via social media, through the Resilient Lismore page. During the first flood, we had an updated whiteboard which worked well. I've noticed that the needs have changed a lot, where people might have needed critical supplies early on, now they may need things for comfort and living, like pillows and doona's." 

"Whilst I have been focused on getting the stock in, I've also been listening to hundreds of stories, and due to vicarious trauma awareness, I’ve been getting my support also."

"I was fortunate that the acupuncturists offered support also. Due to that support, I have been able to volunteer longer. The break I took for a couple of weeks with grandchildren and family was very healing."

"So now, after the second flood and being back here on Dawson Street, we have had some more supplies delivered, and I will be bringing surplus stock from some other hubs, to increase our offering to the Lismore and surrounding communities."

"We are open from 9am to 4pm but something I learned from the first flood, is that this is a community response, so I invite all volunteers to come and register with me directly, to be on call or do any length of shift they can, it will support this to run in the long-term and mean that I can also get back to my duties at Friends of the Koala".

Vicki explained her observations of where things lie for our community right now, 8 weeks on "The flood displaced aren’t working, most haven’t received the funds they need so they don’t have the money to buy stuff, it's excellent that we have a Coles pop-up, but the cost of living and the means just aren't there."

"Imagine the people with no insurance, and if we can help our community by taking the pressure off, then this is what we need to do, and not just for days or weeks, but for 6-12 months, as long as it takes." 

"I feel grateful to not have been personally affected, so I am putting my gratitude into supporting my community, I’ve met some amazing people I may never have met. I’ve never felt more at home than in this community, hence why it’s such a passion of mine to see Lismore and the wider community back up and running".

To volunteer, come on down, the more the merrier, or contact Resilient Lismore. 

Contact Vicki via text on 0413 132 273 for a callback to volunteer or what to donate.

For locals wanting to meet their pets specific needs, we spoke to the team at Petbarn's Pop-Up Van, who told us that they have re-opened their mobile service outside the Dawson St carpark, which will next week move to a space outside the Lismore Square where pet owners can order online and have their needs met, through free delivery to the mobile van or their home.

To order go to their website and if you order by 10am you can pick up your order at the mobile service on the same day. There is also offer a delivery service.