Parishioners give back to the Northern Rivers
by Barry de Silva
We have continued to witness the generosity from parishioners across the Diocese in response to the devastating floods in the Northern Rivers region, and the ongoing challenges our communities face.
The Flood Appeal
In 2022, Bishop Gregory Homeming launched The Diocese of Lismore Flood Appeal, leading to local and international donations totalling over $1.7 million. To support those affected by the disaster, funds from the Appeal and the Diocese were donated to the following organisations:
Resilient Lismore – With over $455,000 in funding from the Diocese, Resilient Lismore has redeveloped over 600 homes and supported more than 13,000 people across towns and villages including Casino, Chinderah, Coraki, Kyogle, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Nimbin, Wardell, and Woodburn through initiatives like the Repair to Return project.
The Good Pantry – Operating in Lismore from Monday to Friday and in Goonellabah every Wednesday, The Good Pantry offers low-cost grocery items, and free bread, fruit, and vegetables to its 2,500 members. The Diocese has contributed $250,000 to support this low-cost food market service.
Social Futures – The community service organisation has supported more than 217 Richmond Valley residents through rental and mortgage assistance and other necessary expenditure. The Diocese has helped assist Social Futures by donating $450,000.
Momentum Collective – Focused on preventing homelessness in the Tweed Valley, Momentum Collective has received $250,000 from the Diocese to support their Private Rental Subsidy Program.
St.Mary’s Parish, Casino – To help the Parish recover from the loss of 42 independent living units during the floods, the Diocese has donated $140,000 to support displaced residents.
The Rotary Club of Goonellabah – The Diocese has given $100,000 to the Rotary Club to assist flood-affected residents in the Lismore region.
The Northern Rivers Community Foundation – In partnership with the Foundation, the Diocese has donated $50,000 to support smaller charitable groups impacted by the floods.
There is still a residual amount of funds from the Appeal available, which will be allocated to these organisations and other groups over the next 6-12 months.
Further community giving
Beyond the Lismore Flood Appeal, the Diocese has supported Macleay Valley Parish with The Craft and Cooking Group project through the Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre, to assist people isolated through domestic violence, financial disadvantage, and mental health challenges.
The Diocese has also acquired 25 Holland St, Goonellabah to be utilised as a warehouse for Resilient Lismore and The Good Pantry; and 82 Uralba St, Lismore for volunteers from Resilient Lismore to stay at. Invercauld House, which offers retreats, accommodation and conferences, continues to offer a special discount rate to not-for-profit organisations.
You can continue to support the good works of the Diocese by donating through your parish. Your generosity makes a profound difference to the lives of those in need.
‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’ 1 Peter 4:10