A vital Aboriginal community health service severely impacted by the 2022 Lismore floods has reached a major recovery milestone, with the opening of a new, flood-resilient facility to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across the Northern Rivers.
Rekindling the Spirit's new community services building has been delivered through a $4.4 million investment from the Australian and NSW governments, helping restore essential health, mental health, counselling and social support services disrupted by the floods.
The project is part of the ongoing recovery and rebuilding of flood-affected Aboriginal community infrastructure across the Northern Rivers, with funding delivered through the Aboriginal Owned Assets Program under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Rekindling the Spirit is a collaborative primary health care service created by, and for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Its mission is to ensure First Nations peoples have the support, care, and culturally safe environment they need to heal, recover, and celebrate good health.
In addition to the new facility, Rekindling the Spirit's existing site at 92 Uralba Street, providing early intervention, child, and family health services, is also being rebuilt and restored through a separate $2.4 million grant under the Aboriginal Owned Assets Program. These restoration works are scheduled for completion later this year.
The $44 million Aboriginal Owned Assets Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, is dedicated to helping flood impacted First Nations communities recover, rebuild, and build long-term resilience.
Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said:
"The 2022 floods had a devastating impact on Rekindling the Spirit's services in Lismore. This new facility marks a major recovery milestone, restoring culturally safe health services and providing a welcoming space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to connect and access support.
"Through the Aboriginal Owned Assets Program, the Albanese and Minns Governments are helping communities recover stronger by investing in the infrastructure and services needed to support future generations."
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"We know it's crucial that we support Aboriginal-owned assets, especially in rural and regional communities.
"By supporting groups like Rekindling the Spirit we are ensuring that Aboriginal people can receive culturally appropriate services closer to home.
"This is another example of the Australian and NSW governments working together on their commitment to Closing the Gap, in partnership with Aboriginal organisations to make a positive impact on Aboriginal communities."
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"I have worked closely with CEO Chris Binge on flood recovery since 2022, and that shared commitment continues today. We wanted to ensure Rekindling the Spirit could not only recover, but re-establish an even stronger, more resilient service - and they have done just that.
"This joint government funding delivers the vital social and health infrastructure our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities desperately needed following the floods.
"Delivering this new, flood-resilient facility restores essential care while strengthening that vital sense of belonging, identity, and resilience across Lismore."
Rekindling the Spirit CEO Chris Binge said:
"I had the pleasure of officially opening the Rekindling the Spirit Health Service at 25 Uralba Street on Friday, 9 October 2026. The event was well attended by community members, key stakeholders, dignitaries, Elders, and families, marking a significant milestone in the history of the RTS organisation.
"This achievement represents more than 35 years of advocacy, commitment, and determination by the Widjabul Wia-bal community and its people, who have long fought for a dedicated health service to support the health and wellbeing needs of the Lismore community.
"I extend my sincerest thanks to everyone involved in bringing this remarkable facility to life. Special recognition is given to Reconstruction Authority for their partnership through the Aboriginal-Owned Assets Program following the 2022 floods, as well as to our project management team, Marcon, construction partner Alders, and lead architectural firm Maeve for their expertise, collaboration, and commitment throughout the project.
"This landmark development sets a new benchmark for community infrastructure in Lismore, both architecturally and in construction excellence. More importantly, it reflects the rich Indigenous story, culture, and legacy embedded within the building and represents a lasting commitment to delivering accessible, culturally safe health and wellbeing services for our community and the wider region for generations to come."
