Lismore City Council staff will move into the old Lismore Regional Gallery building this week to be close to the CBD while providing ongoing post-flood business advice and support.
City Centre Manager Jason Mumford and Council's Acting Manager Economic Development Tina Irish will be available for meetings by appointment in the old gallery building while working on a targeted marketing and advertising campaign to attract people back into the Lismore CBD.
The move is timely following the closure of the NSW Government’s Lismore Recovery Centre last Friday.
“We could be at the old gallery for three weeks or three months – we will respond to whatever the business community’s needs are,” Acting Manager Economic Development Tina Irish said.
“Since the flood we have provided support by helping businesses to access grant funds and get the right referral advice. Businesses who need help with applying for grants, referral to support services or Council matters are invited to make contact anytime.
“We are a conduit to help business owners and operators find what they need in order to open their doors and start trading again.”
Tina said while many people had already accessed Council support staff, the flood had affected everyone differently, with business owners and operators at all stages of recovery.
“We want to make sure we are here when people need us and that we are close to the CBD so we can quickly and easily visit businesses when they are ready,” Tina said.
The Category C small business grants are available until 13 October so there is still plenty of time for flood-affected business owners to apply.”
Businesses and individuals can also continue to access a wide range of services and grants, including free counselling.
See below for a snapshot of help available. For more information or to book an appointment with Tina Irish or Jason Mumford, phone 1300 87 83 87.
NSW Mental Health
A free service has been established to help those affected. No referral needed. Phone 1300 137 934 Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Lifeline
Lifeline is available 24 hours for people experiencing personal crisis. Phone 13 11 14.
Residents
Eligible individuals and families whose homes and essential household items have been destroyed or damaged can access grants. Phone Disaster Welfare Services on 1800 018 444. There is also a separate one-off Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Payment, a non-means tested payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children. Phone 180 22 66. This closes 4 October.
Small businesses
Grants of up to $15,000 and loans of up to $130,000 are available at a concessional rate to small businesses. Phone the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593. Closes 13 October. There is also a Business Recovery Program available that provides grants of up to $25,000 for approved growth and recovery activities to help medium-sized businesses. Phone the Office of Regional Development on 6627 3200.
Non-profit organisations
Grants of up to $15,000 are available to all eligible non-profit organisations for clean-up and immediate restoration costs. Phone the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593. Closes 13 October.
Sporting clubs
Support is available to sporting clubs to meet costs to restore essential club facilities that have been damaged or destroyed. The assistance is made available to those clubs that do not have the financial capacity to meet restoration costs from their own resources, but which have the capacity to repay any loan granted. NSW Treasury administers this scheme. Phone 9228 5062. This finance is available to those unable to obtain assistance through normal channels. Closes 13 October.
Primary producers
Grants of up to $10,000 per farm enterprise are available to all eligible primary producers for clean-up and immediate restoration costs. Phone the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593. Closes 13 October.
Lismore Council's Business Support Centre
Located at the old Art Gallery, Molesworth Street, Lismore
Manager Economic Development, Tina Irish - 0427 003 645
City Centre Manager, Jason Mumford - 0417 623 265
Available by appointment to provide business support, eg grants, insurance etc.
