February 28 2022 was the day the music died for Peter Miller and his staff at Planet Music. The waters reached two levels and almost to the third, when Peter, the owner since 1992, along with 5 helpers were evacuated from the top story by boat.

After four and a half months of rebuilding with flood resilience in mind, meaning new racks and a polished concrete floor, Planet Music has brought back the sound of music for as Ludwig van Beethoven said, "Music can change the world" and when you are rebuilding, there is nothing like music playing to make the task brighter and feel lighter.

Within the next few weeks, music tuition will also begin again as Peter and the team teach locals the joy of playing a musical instrument.

Peter says "After living here for 38 years, I've seen a fair few floods, but I'd never experienced anything like this. The water came rushing through from the western side and completely took out the front windows. I must admit, I considered whether we should reopen, but my wife, Ann and I decided that music, especially at these times, is an essential service, and once you learn, it's a gift that's with you for life."

(The water came to the second step from the floor above Peter in this image, the third floor.)

"I lost only 10% of my stock, due to the incredible support from my church community and friends, so we were really lucky," Peter said, "We have a sale beginning for some of the items that have had some effects of moisture, and still have a range of items for everyone, from every genre and every type of need."

Following the release yesterday of the Federal State of the Environmental Report and the damning evidence of what Lismore and the whole of Australia face if we follow the climate trajectory we are currently on, based on the latest 2022 IPCC report, Peter says he hopes "there will never be another flood like the first major one in February". Peter has rebuilt to the 1-in-100 level and has a system of pack down which can be completed in a matter of a few hours, though each time, it takes weeks to get everything back in the store, on display, afterwards.

"Some flooding is a normal part of living in Lismore, and we are now prepared for that", Peter said.

Planet Music is open Monday to Friday and Saturdays until 1pm, and offers music tuition after school for young and old. Peter says "you are never too young, or too old to begin, and once you learn, it's a gift for life. It's something I really cherish".

For more information, you can walk in at the corner of Molesworth Street and Woodlark Street just beside the bridge, or visit their Website or Facebook Page.