The Lismore App has been contacted by a retired couple on the pension, and spoken with others this week, about what the flood has meant for them, those who have not "lost everything" or been flood-impacted physically, but who have suffered from the secondary impacts.

John and his wife told us how they have had to drive from their Dunoon property far further afield, "particularly in the beginning when there was no animal feed", John said, "Instead of driving the short distance to Lismore, I was driving to Casino or Ballina, for many weeks. Our petrol expenditure tripled, and we couldn't access many of the usual roads and still can't to get to Mullumbimby when they opened, and every time we drive on these roads, we have to drive so slowly to avoid accidents and more expenses on the car. I've just had to get 4 new tyres to pass rego, that's never happened for us before, these roads are treacherous!".

One elderly resident who wished to remain anonymous said she usually has a tight budget when she shops, buying home brand or at ALDI for her groceries. Still, for a long time now she has just had to go without many things because there was little stock left on the shelves at first. There still isn't an ALDI (in the CBD), and with the extra petrol prices, she says she is really worried about what will happen with the expenses of winter and electricity affecting her already shaved back budget. She said she won't take anything from the resource hubs because she didn't get water in through her house, and nor should others, but that she wished there was something going forward for people like her and her daughter, a single mum with 3 young kids who are really feeling the burden.

(Photo: Lack of options has impacted those on tight budgets)

South Lismore Hub at the Christadelphian Hall, Jennifer says "Up in Modanville, we have lost our local shopping hub, so we have to travel much further for everything, and some things we just can't get, plus (with all the extra volunteering and pressure everyone is under) we don't even have the places we used to go for rest and relaxation. We just have to hang in there for the next 12 months, it's so hard on everyone".

Threads for Community Coordinator Renee says "I just feel so helpless. I can give people some clothes, maybe buy some fresh sheets for them, but there is so much need. I'm here every day, I think I had survivor guilt, and that's impacted me and my family, I'm not able to spend the same time with my kids, or tend to my home and participate in leisure activities, which is having a huge impact on everyone, especially as we are coming to the colder months and after 3 months of this."

Feed for Friends Coordinator Sally told us "I quit my job so I could do this. I'm working from the early hours of each morning, to past midnight. My husband reminds me that I haven't had a day off in 3 months, but there are so many farmers needing support, and it's not getting any better, in fact, we are predicting it to get worse asa feed shortages and the pressure of winter increases the need. We need more support!"

The immediate impact of the February 28 mega flood will be felt for a long time for every resident as the slow rebuild of our community continues. The national TV exposure has gone, as we knew it would, the financial announcements have slowed (while appreciated), what is left is our community spirit and resilience to support each other and the businesses that are open What's Open.