Many people have driven or walked past St Andrew's Anglican Church and noticed scaffolding going up to the top of the belltower.

Work is to get underway this week to repair serious damage to the belltower at St Andrew’s during the February and March 2022 flood events. 

Tower Captain Robert Weatherby said the intensity of rain, especially in the March event caused leaks at the top of the tower which allowed water into the interior of the tower. Serious damage occurred to the eight change ringing bells in the tower as well as ceilings and floors.  

"After some initial cleaning up and internal demolition, it has taken time for availability of tradespeople and materials (including scaffolding) to occur." 

"The scaffolding to reach the top of the belltower has now been erected and had its safety certification which has allowed initial inspection of the leaks and decisions on repair and importantly safeguarding against future intense rain events that are likely to occur due to climate change. "

"Following that, subject to leak testing, the internal repairs including the bells (6 of the 8 cast in 1831/1832) will take place."

(The St Andrew's belltower showing six of the eight bells)

The belltower work may take up to 2 months to complete.

Stephen Hall St Andrew's Anglican Church Parish Secretary said, "It would be nice to have it all finished by Christmas. It goes to show that damage in Lismore wasn't just to low-lying places."