This program supports homeowners affected by the February and March 2022 floods across the Northern Rivers by providing partial repairs to make homes safe and liveable again.
The Repair to Return Program is funded by GIVIT and the NSW Reconstruction Authority and delivered by Resilient Lismore. It provides essential repair works to restore disaster-damaged homes, helping residents return to safe and functional living conditions.
Resilient Lismore has been delivering a partial housing restoration model since the 2022 disaster and has repaired 359 homes since the program started, to the end of September 2025. The organisation uses a flexible and adaptive assessment process to meet the individual needs of each homeowner and the specific requirements of each property.
The program is being delivered across the seven Northern Rivers local government areas, and all requests for assistance from owner occupiers affected by the February/March 2022 disaster, who are still living in the home they were in at the time, are assessed for eligibility. The extended program aims to support a further 80 homes, and applications close on the 31st of March 2026.
If you, or someone you know, needs help repairing a disaster-damaged home, please get in touch to see if you are eligible for support.
The program will only deliver the partial restoration of homes and buildings, it will not provide full home restoration. The program intent is to restore essential functionality of the property to enable safe living spaces for residents.
Reinstating bathrooms and kitchens to a functional level, which may include full or partial repair depending on the extent of damage.
Re-sheeting of walls in living spaces. Flooring repairs or replacement to make safe. Stairs, if required for safe access.
Electrical repairs to restore safe and functional power within the home. All work is completed by qualified and insured tradespeople.
Installing or repairing lockable doors and windows to provide secure and weather-tight living spaces.
Testing for and removing asbestos and mould where required and repairing heating or cooling to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.
In exceptional situations, where additional needs are identified through vulnerability assessment, other partial works may be considered. This may include fencing, roofing, mould remediation, or alternative living spaces where these works address significant needs of the homeowner.
Where multiple trades people are required, project management will be provided.
• Ballina Shire Council
• Byron Shire Council
• Clarence Valley Council
• Kyogle Council
• Lismore City Council
• Richmond Valley Council
• Tweed Shire Council
To be eligible for this grant the following must apply:
Requests for assistance are received either online or face to face at the Hub in Lismore or through referrals from organisations delivering Recovery Support Services and other community services.
Apply online, in person at the Lismore Hub, or through a referral.
All applications are reviewed for program eligibility.
Applicants are contacted to confirm details.
A site visit is arranged to assess the home and any vulnerabilities.
Resilient Lismore prepares and submits your application to GIVIT.
GIVIT reviews and confirms final eligibility. Resilient Lismore will contact you about the outcome.
If approved, a scope of works is agreed with the homeowner.
Local trades and volunteers are engaged to complete repairs.
Once confirmed, works are scheduled and managed by Resilient Lismore
to ensure quality and completion to standard.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of the work, we cannot commit to a particular timeline, however we aim to complete works as soon as possible.
The Repair to Return Project Steering Committee (PSC) meets quarterly, and milestone reports must be submitted to GIVIT and NSW Reconstruction Authority. The NSW Reconstruction Authority takes part in the PSC Meetings.
Before and after photos of each property are taken to support program reporting. These images may be shared with GIVIT and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, but will only be made public with the homeowner’s written consent.
Participants are also invited to complete a voluntary survey when their application is approved and again after works are completed. This feedback helps Resilient Lismore better understand community needs and improve future program delivery.
Wherever possible and in consultation with the homeowner resilient building materials will be used in the repair of properties, but the ultimate decision for what materials is used is that of the homeowner.
Homeowners can co-contribute towards materials for repair work if they want materials outside the Resilient Lismore budget.
DONORS & PARTNERS
This project is made possible by the support from:
Applications Close
31 March 2026 at 5:00pm AEDT
Program Completion
June 2026
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