By Garry Sanossian
In the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, communities in northeastern New South Wales are in recovery once again and local churches are stepping up to provide essential support.
John Latta, Pastor at Living Grace Church of Christ and Disaster Recovery Chaplain, explained that in the face of crisis, churches and community organisations have united to provide critical relief: practical, emotional and spiritual. “With the help of Global Mission Partners and local churches, we’ve also received funds to give to individuals,” John added.
Emergency work continues for responders as the effects of heavy rain and wind are still being felt. John himself served on the front lines during the disaster, supporting evacuees in Kingscliff and Tweed Heads South. He shared that some church members had to leave their homes after fallen trees cut power.
“A few people had to evacuate after fallen trees took down power lines, leaving them without electricity,” he said. While flooding was limited compared to 2022, strong winds and infrastructure damage left many struggling. And with locals still recovering from the last devastating storms, unease in the area was high even before this storm hit.
Floodwaters rise again in Lismore.
Abi Skelly, from the team at the Terranora Evacuation Centre, recalled the anxiety before the storm. “People that didn’t get the flood three years ago thought maybe the flood water could go up to their house this time,” she said.
“Everyone was feeling lost about what to do… Are we allowed to stay in the house? Are we allowed to leave?”
Churches are pooling resources for locals in need.
Abi described how churches opened their doors as places of refuge, providing practical help and fostering a sense of community. “Lots of churches opened their doors as a safe space to gather, charge phones, have a chat with someone,” she said. ” Burleigh Church of Christ (Queensland) housed 35 homeless people and provided meals; creating a beautiful, loving space.”
The psychological impact of these disasters has been profound. “There’s a lot of anxiety – a lot of concern,” John said, describing the atmosphere in evacuation centres. For those in Lismore’s business district, the uncertainty is overwhelming.
“They’re texting me saying they don’t think they can do it [rebuilding] again,” he recalled.
Chaplain Ian Phillips from The Winsome, Lismore, witnessed the emotional toll that ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred took on Lismore.
“People felt frustrated. I hope people don’t lose faith in Lismore. The last flood drained the city’s energy, and we were only now rebuilding momentum.”
Ian emphasised that locals aren’t alone. “The Disaster Recovery Chaplains are there to walk alongside people, to listen, to understand. Sometimes it’s to de-escalate, sometimes it’s to advocate for someone who hasn’t been heard.”
John and Abi from the Disaster Recovery team.
The need for prayer and practical support remains urgent in affected areas. “We just need people’s prayers for the anxiety issues, especially for the Lismore business district,” John said.
Ian added, “we need prayers for no more floods. In 2022, we cleaned up after one, only to be hit again… it’s a real fear.”
The deluge may have stilled, but the road to recovery has just begun. Across northeastern NSW, communities now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives yet again and the storms aren’t the only thing affecting them.
As well as emergency assistance, John explained there were other significant needs in the local community that were still needing their attention. One project he and the local team are currently working on is supporting the repurposing of a former nursing home. The facility is expected to soon house 70 people displaced by the housing crisis.
With the dedication and deep empathy of local churches, along with those rallying behind Lismore and surrounds, there is hope for the future. But there’s a long road ahead and support – in whatever form it can be given – will be a vital aid for those on the journey.
Read more stories from churches of Christ in NSW & ACT HERE
