ABOVE: Northern Rivers Flood Action Group committee Tony Carusi, Mandy Powell, Kylie O’Reilly, Kerry Faull from Summerland Credit Union, Kath Cremin, Terrie Costello and Elizabeth Johnstone at Woodburn Hall.
Susanna Freymark
There is a lot to talk about since the floods. A newly formed community group meets monthly to find out what residents need and how to support each other.
At Woodburn Memorial Hall, about 100 residents were at the second meeting of the Northern Rivers Flood Action Group on Sunday, September 11.
The group’s president Tony Carusi spoke about the need for urgent drainage in the area.
“It is estimated 10,000 head of cattle were lost in the flood,” Mr Carusi said.
He said the rate relief for residents needed to be managed by the council, not by Service NSW.
“They (council) know the properties affected,” he said.
The first guest speaker at the meeting was The Buttery chief executive Leonie Crayden who told the audience about the mental health support they provided through the Safe Haven at the Woodburn Visitor Information Centre.
“Our job is to listen to the community,” she said.
Safe Haven is open seven days a week from noon-6pm. The drop-in, confidential service is free.
Psychologist Gina McMaster from HARA-Healing and Resilience Australia, said they had a team of counsellors that could come to homes or businesses.
“Some people believe vulnerability is a weakness,” Gina said.
“Everything has changed for everyone. Vulnerability is not a weakness.
“It takes courage to reach out.”
Book a free session with HARA.
They also offer equine therapy “for people who don’t like talking and want to hang out with horses”.
Lauren Heath helps run the Woodburn Hub. She spoke about the changes to opening times and how popular the hub’s late night opening was.
“We fed 100 people on Thursday night,” she said.
Another change to the hub was the pantry.
Previously free, the pantry would be selling staples as cheap as possible, costing 50c-$3. Only eftpos is available.
This change was to make the pantry sustainable.
“We’re not making a profit. We sell at cost or below cost,” Lauren said.
She addressed the rumours about the hub closing.
“We intend to stay where we are for the next six months, we have a lease,” she said.
The flood survey for residents was ready and would be launched online this week, Lauren said.
Go to the Woodburn Hub Facebook page.
Chris Male from BlazeAid reminded residents that they could help with fencing.
“We have 400 property owners asking for help,” Chris said.
“We’ve done 1110.”
Then came the big announcement.
Kerry Faull from Summerland Credit Union presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Safe Water Program for people using tank water.
Tony closed the meeting with these words:
“Don’t despair. Never give up. We will get through this. We will make it back.”
The next group meeting is on October 16. Everyone is welcome.
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