A Northern Rivers not-for-profit providing disability services has opened a new flood-resilient hub in central Lismore, backed by NSW Government funding aimed at strengthening recovery from natural disasters.
REDinc received $330,000 through the Northern Rivers Towns and Villages Resilient Business Activation Program, alongside a $99,000 contribution from the organisation, to deliver the upgraded facility.
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said the project would help ensure people with disability can continue to access essential supports close to home.
“People with disability should be able to access the services they rely on locally,” Washington said.
“This funding has supported REDinc to return to the centre of Lismore so it can continue delivering essential, life-changing services into the future.”
The new hub has been designed with flood resilience as a priority, incorporating water-resistant wall panels, concrete flooring for easy wash-down, and aluminium framing to minimise damage and speed up recovery times. A movable kitchen setup allows equipment to be relocated quickly in the event of a flood.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the investment would help future-proof critical community infrastructure.
“It is encouraging to see REDinc reopen in Lismore in a facility that is better prepared for future flooding,” Saffin said.
“By investing in resilient design, we are helping ensure these vital services can reopen faster after severe weather events.
“This is about more than rebuilding — it’s about making sure people with disability have a reliable place to access support, now and into the future.”
The design is intended to significantly reduce downtime if flooding occurs again, compared with the prolonged recovery following the 2022 floods.
REDinc chief executive Marie Gale said the new hub reflected strong community backing for local services.
“Families told us clearly that these services matter, and having them available locally makes a real difference to daily life,” Gale said.
“Having a flood-resilient space in Lismore is critical. The people we support rely on consistent, local services, and this ensures they can continue to access support in their own community.”
Gale said the upgrades would help the organisation remain operational in a region that has experienced repeated flooding.
“This space ensures that people with disability, along with their families and carers, can continue to access essential supports, even as we plan for future events,” she said.
REDinc was one of 15 small-to-medium businesses and three local councils in the Northern Rivers to share more than $9.2 million in funding under the program.
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