Lismore City Council has announced it will hold a series of public events on the first anniversary of the 28 February 2022 flooding disaster to allow the community to reflect on the catastrophic events and rebuilding efforts.
Mayor, Steve Krieg said ‘REFLECT, REBUILD Lismore’ will give residents the opportunity to come together to reflect on the past 12 months, reconnect, heal and enjoy some entertainment to mark the city’s new beginning.
“While the morning of 28 February dramatically changed our city, it also revealed the best of our nature with stranger coming to the aid of stranger, neighbour helping neighbour and our whole community standing as one,” he said.
“There is no doubt that this has been the toughest year for many of us, which is why on the first anniversary of 28 February it is important to come together as a community and reflect on what happened on that horrible morning and also on how far we have all come since.
“It is also a time to look to our future and our City’s future as we rebuild together. REFLECT, REBUILD Lismore is for our community with all events free.”
REFLECT, REBUILD Lismore is being funded by the NSW Government.
Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said the anniversary events were recognition of what happened, what was lost and also an opportunity to recognise the way the city’s residents rallied, responded and looked after each other.
“Despite everything I see an optimism in our community, and now is the time to get stuck into reimagining Lismore,” she said.
Running from Tuesday, 28 February to Sunday, 19 March, REFLECT, REBUILD Lismore will begin with a Service of Reflection and Healing at Mortimer Oval. Other events include a Community Concert at the Turf Club on Sunday, 5 March for those in the Lismore LGA, an open CBD Gathering on Saturday, 4 March with CBD businesses, food vendors, local artists, roving entertainers and four live music stages.
Other events include a Wellbeing Hub at the Quad between Tuesday, 28 February and Sunday, 5 March, a welcome party for the Bowlzilla Skate event at Nimbin on Thursday, 2 March and a Flea Circus Skate event at GSAC on Friday, 3 March.
The two final events will be a Community Cricket 20/20 with former Australian Test cricketers, led by Adam Gilchrist, playing with local senior and junior cricketers at Oakes Oval on Saturday, 11 March and an Opera in the Gardens at the Lismore Turf Club on Sunday, 19 March with well-known international performers and orchestra.
A free bus shuttle service will be available for some events. Those who need transport to other events can contact Hart Services service on 1300 874 278 which is kindly providing a free pick-up.
Full details can be found on Council’s Visit Lismore website at www.visitlismore.com.au and on Council’s Facebook page.
