<
https://theconversation.com/i-simply-havent-got-it-in-me-to-do-it-again-imagining-a-new-heart-for-flood-stricken-lismore-178982>
"The flood crisis in northern New South Wales has left lives shattered. Those
worst affected are dazed and struggling to comprehend the loss of life, homes,
livelihoods and possessions.
We are both residents of the hard-hit Lismore region, as well as researchers
with skills in geography, community development and resilience. One of us, Jean
Renouf, also works for Fire and Rescue NSW. We are both helping people
devastated by the recent floods and its aftermath.
We’ve seen the heartbreak in Lismore first-hand. Shock and pain is evident in
people’s eyes. The reality has hit that there’s no longer a coffee shop in the
town centre, no pub, restaurant, hairdresser, clothing store, pharmacy or
newsagent. Horror at the annihilation of the town they love is palpable.
There is also a strange feeling of déjà vu. The town struggled back to life
after the flood of 2017. Now, people talk of leaving Lismore. As one business
owner said:
I survived ten years here. I picked myself up and started again after the
last flood. I simply haven’t got it in me to do it again.
So what will it take to rebuild Lismore? And how might the new town be more
resilient?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
