First, there was Flood Aid, a night when 17 artists gave their time in early May to raise money for the Lismore City Council Flood Appeal.

Then, there was Ruck The Flood, an afternoon of sporting legends coming to the Lismore Heights Sports Club to tell anecdotes of their incredible careers and meet 168 ticket paying patrons to raise money for two iconic and very important clubs in Lismore's history, the Lismore Rugby Club and the South Lismore Bowling Club who were smashed by the February 28 flood.

Organiser John Bancroft, pulled off a coup by convincing former Wallabies Toutai Kefu, Tom Bowman and Justin Harrison, from the cricketing world, the famous Chappell brothers Greg and Trevor along with Jeff Thomson and tennis Grand Slam winner Pat Rafter.

168 people attended and opened their wallets for the cause. The proceeds from the day netted $39,447 with Outback Catering (Brian McConnell) tipping in a bit more to make it a neat $40,000. The beneficiaries will receive $20,000 each.

John gave a brief of events:

The proceedings started with Wallabies Toutai Kefu and Tom Bowman, with Justin Harrison making the group laugh with his 20-minute comedy like routine. Famous Cricketing Brothers Greg and Trevor Chappell spoke candidly about cricket in the 70s/80s, the underarm incident and growing up in Adelaide in a cricketing family.

(Jeff Thomson regaling the crowd at the Lismore Heights Sports Club)

Jeff Thomson provided a hilarious overview of touring England, meeting the queen and defecting from NSW to QLD. Finally, Pat Rafter once again proved what a nice fell he is, whilst also giving an insight into the mindset of a few current tennis characters.



Where will the $20,000 be spent?

South Lismore Bowling Club Board member Dave “Pistol” Knight thanked all involved and revealed that the Club will use the funds to buy some green maintenance equipment lost in the Feb 28 flood and to re-sheet the walls of the Clubhouse. 

Lismore Rugby Club President Peter Everingham revealed the Clubs plans to make themselves more mobile by purchasing a canteen on wheels (food truck) and a mobile bar so the items can be moved quickly when necessary. The items could also be used by other community groups for fundraising too.

John Bancroft wanted to thank some key people, “ Evan Bancroft was instrumental in sourcing the great array of speakers, Jeremy Bates from Lismore Heights Sports Club went above and beyond the call of duty and Outback catering owner Brian McConnell was instrumental in ensuring the day's success “ he stated.