A message of hope for Northern NSW as it sees more rain
As Northern NSW braced for even more rain this week, the resilience and determination of volunteers is shining through.
Lions Australia is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year and the theme of “always” being there for the community could not be more relevant.
Lismore was the birthplace of Lions in Australia with Lismore Lions Club founded in 1947.
75 years on, there are several Lions clubs in the area and over 1300 across Australia who have been able to mobilise quickly to provide support to those in need.
Lismore Lions Club President Theo Beemster says it is going to take years for the community to recover and local Lions volunteers will be there every step of the way.
“We will keep going until we’re not needed anymore,” says Theo.
Lismore Lions Club members have their barbecue trailer set up outside Lincraft in Keen Street each day. They have been supporting the clean-up providing food, water and a listening ear to the community and visiting ADF personnel, Fire Brigade, SES crews and volunteers.
Lismore Lions with members of the Australian Defence Force
“We are managing quite well, just a little exhausted. Even though many of our members are in their 80s, they are so sufficient at what they do. We have many business donating sausages and bacon to our cook up which is a huge help. We also have the Goonellabah-Wollongbar & Districts Lions Club helping out and providing food nearby as well and Lismore City Lions Club providing food in South Lismore,” adds Theo.
The Lismore City Lions have also set up a free laundry and shower van at 25 Casino St, South Lismore outside Sheaffe Motors that is operating between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. The van was kindly supplied by the Lions Club of Belmont and District from the Newcastle region.
Local Lions Clubs on the ground are being supported by many volunteers and their communities with hundreds of Lions volunteers across the country shaking donation buckets and hosting fundraisers for the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal.
Every dollar raised in the Appeal is being sent directly to local Lions Clubs to provide emergency support to those in need and help the community rebuild.
Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
