Is it acceptable for people who have no income and have lost everything to stock up, knowing many centres will close before they are securely housed and have recovered from the (ongoing) trauma and financial impact of the catastrophic floods?

Some would argue strongly, that we should meet the needs without question, as this is a humanitarian crisis, affecting an entire community, others would argue otherwise. There is nuance to each of these questions and Lismore App spoke at length to Ross Pearce, the Store Coordinator for The Koori Resource Hub and self-professed "dogsbody", often seen dressed up to make people's day that little bit brighter.

(The Koori Resource Hub on Molesworth Street)

Ross has also like many of us, lost absolutely everything, so speaks from lived and current experience, as well as over 25 years of service as a NSW Firefighter and SES Unit Commander.

Whilst Ross got into the nitty-gritty of these grey areas, finding where the boundaries are and discussing why (something we will cover more of in a follow-up story later this week), we agreed mostly on these areas and the systems to create best outcomes and principles for the community overall.

There was zero need for discussion, however, when it came to the recent Break and Enter, which occurred in North Lismore at the Koori Resource Hub Storage Shed, which was locked, and housed over $15,000 of equipment for flood-displaced people to use to rebuild their homes and lives, including generators, pressure cleaners, dehumidifiers, and wet vacs.

"This is very disheartening for our organisation, completely volunteer-run and community-funded", said Ross, "A community organisation which has fed out over 155,000 meals since week one after the first flood devastated Lismore and surrounds, feeding not just Lismore, but places such as Coraki, Woodburn and Bungawalbin residents. A clear case of theft, not just from the organisation itself, but from the Lismore community which relies on The Koori Resource Hub's support".

Ross said now the people of Lismore will have to wait longer, for already 'in high-demand' items, which is just another blow to the stretched community. He also stated that right now, as we approach the 3-month mark, and especially after 2 major floods, the community is exhausted and heading into a typical post-crisis space of depletion. Now is not the time to make things harder for people.

A plea has been put out by the Koori Mail to return the equipment 'no questions asked'.

If that plea falls on deaf ears, Richmond District Police are standing by to investigate as the two suspects are apparently known to police.

Let's hope they choose Option A and the Koori Resource Hub is fully stocked once again.