It’s been a long six months for Lismore Appliance Repairs owner Abraham Hassan.

In the February flood, his South Lismore factory went two metres under water. When the eater receded, there was 40cm of mud on floor and a huge warehouse full of destroyed whitegoods and equipment.

Today, however, the mud began to be cleared when volunteers from Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) arrived to help.

The volunteers from the Veteran-led charity spent the whole day cleaning mud and mould from floors, roofs, equipment and whitegoods.

For them, it was just another long day in their month-long service to the community of Lismore. For Abraham, it meant a reprieve from the endless task of cleaning that he’s been doing daily since the February 28 flood.

“I’m so grateful,” Abraham said. “It’s taken a while for the help to come, but they are here now.

“I’ve been spending 18 hours a day cleaning it mostly by myself.

“I’ve got two1000m2 of storage in these two multi-storey buildings.

“After these volunteers have gone in two days, I’m still going to need help – it’s an ongoing task if I want to get the business open again.”

Abraham has owned the South Lismore business on Union Street for 25 years, and for him, as with other business owners, it’s the worst flood he’s ever been through.

“I always put things up on the mezzanine but that didn’t matter – I lost a lot the lot.”

DRA Australia team leader Scotty said a team of volunteers would be camped in Lismore for a month and work each day to help not just residents, but the business owners that needed help.

It’s a long day for the volunteers, who get up an 6am and work through until 5pm.

With only 20% of businesses in Lismore currently open, Scotty said being able to help the businesses that really need it was important work.

The charity is working with Resilient Lismore to find and help businesses and households in need. So far, they’ve already completed 15 jobs this week.

DRA member Wayne O'Brien said, "we hope to make a big impact and bring real help to the region”.

“We’re always looking for motivated volunteers to bolster our numbers and are urging Australians everywhere to work alongside DRA members experienced in disaster recovery work,” he said.

“You can sign up on our website in minutes and our mobilisation team can get you on the ground with us in days." 

A base of operations will be located at the Southern Cross Football Centre in East Lismore and will run until 11 September. Funding permitting, the operation could continue until 26 September.  

How to register for assistance: https://floodhelpnr.com.au 

How to volunteer: https://disasterreliefaus.org/field-ops/operation-riordan/ How to donate: https://disasterreliefaus.org/donate-to-flood-relief/ 



About Disaster Relief Australia 

Disaster Relief Australia unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams in Australia and around the world. Disaster Relief Australia is a not-for-profit organisation offering veterans a chance to continue their service by helping and empowering those afflicted by disasters, and also themselves. To join or support visit www.disasterreliefaus.org.