In February 2022 the highest flood on record hit the City of Lismore and surrounding Northern Rivers Region. A whole community was caught in the deluge as images began to hit newspapers, Screens, and news feeds across the country. The country and the world watched on as a community stood up and turned to recovery only to see a second flood hit one month later. Yet the resilience of the people of the Lismore and surrounds shone as they stood up and pressed on. Walking through the streets of Lismore today there are still stark reminders of that time. Businesses have reopened, new businesses have emerged but the refurbished spaces use flotsam as artistic reminders of the challenges the community has overcome. As you drive through the region the red heart that has become the sign of resilience and post-traumatic growth in the region is hung on flags outside buildings, homes, churches, and businesses.
As CASPA Services lost eight houses, their administration office, and the lower floor of their head office, core members of the CASPA Team were out in boats supporting the first response. In the days following we partnered with other community service providers to set up a Wellbeing Hub that provided trauma counselling, food and clothing, and legal advice. CASPA has continued this work and joined the Resilient Lismore Wellbeing group to be a part of the coordinated community wide response to rebuilding Lismore and supporting the wellbeing of the people affected by the floods. This 60-minute Panel Presentation tells the story of the Lismore Flood through the eyes of a leading Child Welfare and Family Care Services Provider based in the heart of the city. CASPA will share the challenges they have overcome and the lessons learnt as they walked alongside vulnerable children and their families.