The Minns Labor Government has delivered on its election commitment to fund the Repair to Return program, which completed property repair and plumbing works in 359 flood-damaged homes across the Northern Rivers.
The $5 million program provided critical recovery support following the 2022 floods and will now continue until June 2026.
The successful program will extend with not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT contributing funds from the 2022 NSW Storms and Flooding Appeal. This new partnership aims to deliver up to 80 additional projects, supported by GIVIT funds to complete essential repair work across the region.
Resilient Lismore will operate the program ensuring more Northern Rivers residents get the help they need to repair their homes. Both Resilient Lismore and GIVIT have played key roles in the region's recovery since the 2022 disaster.
Resilient Lismore began its housing repair work with funding from the Diocese of Lismore, the Winsome Soup Kitchen and the Reece Foundation, before receiving a $5 million election commitment from the NSW Government in 2023 that allowed the program to expand significantly.
The program launched in October 2023, coordinating tradespeople, labourers and volunteers to help rebuild homes. They also provide outreach and referrals to community support services. Priority is given to vulnerable people and those who cannot afford to pay for repair work themselves.
GIVIT is contracted by the NSW Government to manage monetary donations as well as essential goods and services to support people impacted by emergency events across the state, working with councils, outreach teams, charities and community groups to identify exactly what's needed. Since 2022, GIVIT has facilitated more than $12,354,000 in donations and more than 800,000 goods and services to flood affected households in northern NSW.
Under the extended program, home owner-occupiers from the seven Local Government Areas across the Northern Rivers, still needing essential home repairs, can apply directly through Resilient Lismore's website, in person at the Lismore Hub, or via referral from Recovery Support Services or the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Once an application is received, Resilient Lismore will assess eligibility and coordinate the necessary repair works.
Learn more and apply online at https://resilientlismore.org.au/services/repair-to-return/
