More than four years after the catastrophic 2022 floods, Resilient Lismore is marking the completion of Repair to Return — its flagship property repair program, one of Australia’s largest community-led housing recovery responses.
Beginning as the grassroots Two Rooms Project in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Resilient Lismore’s home repair work has supported more than 850 households across all seven Northern Rivers Local Government Areas, with essential works including kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical repairs, flooring, safe access and weatherproofing. Since receiving government funding from the NSW Reconstruction Authority in October of 2023 the program has supported 374 homes across the region.
“Our priority from the beginning was to listen to what people in our community were telling us they needed and respond with practical support that could genuinely help them to recover and to move forward,” said Elly.
“In those early months, we realised we didn’t necessarily need to rebuild an entire house to make a meaningful difference. If we could get two rooms enclosed before winter, restore hot water, make the stairs safe or get a bathroom working again, we could help someone take a really important step towards living safely and securely at home.” Said Elly.
“We gathered evidence of ongoing need by door-knocking the flood zone, and we were successful in securing a funding commitment from the incoming Minns Government and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, in the 2023 election. This enabled the program to expand into Repair to Return, delivering more complex repairs across the region.
“Our outreach in 2023 found that 64% of households surveyed were experiencing multiple intersecting vulnerabilities, and we were still finding people living in unsafe or only partially repaired homes.
“The statistics tell part of the story, but going into people’s homes showed us what long-term recovery actually looked like,” Ms Bird said.
“We are very proud that independent evaluation by Huber Social found that Repair to Return participants experienced an 8% improvement in wellbeing across the whole cohort, alongside reduced stress and overwhelm, stronger community connection, greater hope for the future and increased confidence navigating recovery. This is statistically significant, and especially significant given the ongoing stress that this recovery has created for so many people.” She said.
“We met people who were exhausted from navigating recovery for years, living in homes that were still unfinished and trying to work out what they could afford to fix next. Our job was to listen, understand what was getting in the way, and work alongside them on something achievable.” Said Jonathan Smith, Repair to Return Manager
“We prioritised people having trouble progressing their recovery independently, including older people, people living with disability, low-income and underinsured households, and residents experiencing complex social, financial or health challenges.”
“Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all package, we worked alongside homeowners to identify the repairs that would make the greatest practical difference to making their homes safe, secure and liveable. We then supported them by coordinating local tradespeople, volunteers, suppliers and community organisations to deliver the work. And, working alongside them when they were able to help in the works themselves.”
“While a small number of final projects are still being completed, the vast majority of works are now finished. Today, Resilient Lismore is bringing together homeowners, volunteers, tradespeople, staff, partners and supporters to celebrate what has been achieved — while acknowledging that for many, recovery is ongoing.
Repair to Return was led by Resilient Lismore with significant funding from the NSW Reconstruction Authority and GIVIT, alongside support from Reece Foundation, The Diocese of Lismore, The Winsome Soup Kitchen, Goonellabah Rotary Club and Paul Ramsay Foundation, as well as local tradespeople, suppliers, volunteers and community organisations.
As Repair to Return concludes, Resilient Lismore says its legacy demonstrates how trusted, place-based organisations can work alongside government and other partners to fill gaps and respond flexibly as community needs change.
“When local knowledge and relationships are backed by government, philanthropy, industry and volunteers, we can reach people who might otherwise fall through the gaps and deliver support around what households actually need.”
Resilient Lismore extends its sincere thanks to every homeowner, volunteer, tradesperson, supplier, partner and funder who helped make Repair to Return possible.
