As Coasties battle their own flooding issues following huge rainfalls over the past week, they have also rallied to support those to the north of us with a massive collection organised for storm-ravaged communities in Mullumbimby and Lismore.
Residents have flocked to answer the call from Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre which is acting as a collection point for critical supplies desperately needed up north in an operation spearheaded by former centre manager, Colette Baron.
Acting manager, Leanne Clarke, said the community had responded overwhelmingly to the call which went out over social media on the weekend.
“Colette retired from her position at the centre late last year, but we had worked together for many years so when she called to say she was organising a collection for people up north, we were happy to act as a collection point,” Clarke said.
“The response was amazing.
“From Monday morning, we have had people through non-stop donating items from our critical goods list and lots of people offering to help however they could.
“Our volunteers all turned up and quickly adapted to what needed to be done and the community really rallied.
“Coast residents are always very generous and I think with what the world’s been going through with COVID and now these floods people were glad to know there was something concrete they could do to help.
“Our next step will be looking at what we can be doing at a local level.”
The centre will be accepting donations up until 4pm on Wednesday, March 9, with a very specific list of items which are considered critical.
These include things such as gum boots, cleaning equipment, ropes and medical supplies, but do not include bedding and clothing, apart from work gear.
A full list of items needed is on the centre’s Facebook page.
On Thursday morning Baron and friend Melanie McHale will set off with a fully loaded truck for Mullumbimby and Lismore.
Baron said friends who live in the affected areas were reporting mass devastation.
“Apparently it’s like a war zone up there,” she said.
“I know there has been flood damage on the Coast, but that is in fairly isolated pockets.
“The entire communities up there are just devastated – many of them have no homes to return to.
“I just felt so helpless – I think we all did.
Terry Collins