Brand new clothes such as shirts, jeans, blouses, shorts, children's clothing, shoes, groceries, pet food, and more will be available to pick up for FREE at the new Lismore Community Distribution Centre which opens at 10am today at the Lismore Showground.

(GM Lifeline Michael Were, Zach, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Mike at the new Lismore Community Distribution Centre at the showgrounds)

National charity organisation Lifeline is running the centre during a time when they have suffered major losses themselves at their shops and storage facilities in Lismore and South Lismore. General Manager Michael Were said they haven't even opened the doors, "Helping the community is what we do in times like these. Some of our volunteers have lost everything yet here they are helping set up. We'll get to our shops once this is set up. I'm a bit scared of what we'll find."

The donations have come rolling in from all over the country, Brisbane to Sydney and everything in between. There is so much stock that a new load of 22 pallets of everyday items like diced fruits, two-minute noodles, cup of soup and hygiene products from supermarket giant Coles had to be stored in the bird cage at the Lismore Showgrounds.

(Andrew Sneesby Regional Manager Coles, Cheryl Muirhead Lismore Store Manager and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and the crew unloading the 22 pallets)

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin offered a big thank you to Coles for saying "Hey we've got 22 pallets, do you want them? and it's like YES! There is such a need for these products that people use every day."

Michael Were and his team have been so focused on getting the stock up ready to open this morning that the regular opening hours are not certain at this stage.

"We are going to suck it and see," Micahel said, "But it will be open 7-days. Roughly 9 to 5, we'll see how it goes and decide."

We asked Michael if there is a limit on items that people can take?

"We've really struggled to work out the best way to do that. I guess the message to people is there is a lot of goodwill in the community, come down and take what you need but just remember that everybody has to share, there is somebody else looking for the same items as well. So, take only what you need."

The layout in the top shed at the Lismore showground main entrance is like a Big W or K-Mart. "We wanted people to come and have a shopping experience to make it a little more meaningful for people so you have racks of clothes rather than a bin to rummage through," Michael explained.

At this point in time, the new Lismore Community Distribution Centre does not need any more donations. Cash donations are what is truly needed but if you do have donations please call Zach first on 0414 611 488. The centre does not want people just turning up with donations as storage is getting to be a problem so please call first.

Who was the new centre's first customer? Our very own displaced Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.

Janelle and her husband Jim Gallagher lost their house in the flood. You may remember Janelle had to swim to safety on the Monday morning while Jim was rescued later in the day. They left their house with only the clothes they were wearing and Jim needed a couple of new shirts to add to his very limited wardrobe.

Michael is also looking for volunteers to help out in the centre. "If you want to volunteer come at 8am or 12pm on any day and receive a briefing from Zach or Simone who will induct you and get you going for the day."

"We'd love people donate half a day or a full day. That's what we really need."

10am is when the doors swing open. If you are in need of anything from clothes to pet food to baby items like nappies to kids' clothing and footwear get in the car or get someone to take you to the Lismore Showgrounds on Alexandra Parade, North Lismore.