Flood deaths
As floodwaters recede, the true horror of the flood is beginning to be known with the bodies of two women found in houses at the time of going to press.
On Tuesday morning, a woman's body was found inside a Lismore home during the ongoing flood operation.
About 10.20am on Tuesday, a member of the public attended a home on Ewing Street, concerned for the welfare of a neighbour.
The body of a woman in her 80s was located inside the home; she is yet to be formally identified.
On Tuesday afternoon a second woman's body was found inside a South Lismore home.
About 3.30pm, officers attached to Richmond Police District, including Police Rescue and Forensic Services Group, attended a home on Casino Street and found the body of a woman aged in her 80s.
She is yet to be formally identified.
A crime scene was established, and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Assistance
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said she had been speaking to "everybody and anybody" to make sure the community got help.
The politician understands the community's anguish after her own home was inundated and her family needed to escape rising flood water.
"Lismore needs help. The first disaster declaration has been made, but we need Category D funding to come for catastrophic events and damage. We didn't get it in 2017, we need it now," Ms Saffin said.
Page MP Kevin Hogan said initial financial support was available from 2pm Tuesday, March 1, with further funding announcements to come.
The Disaster Recovery Payment is $1000 per adult and $400 per child. For a family with two adults and two children, that's $2800 available now. The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is an ongoing payment for a maximum of 13 weeks. This is up to $677 per fortnight, depending on your personal circumstances.
To claim the Disaster Recovery Payment or the Disaster Recovery Allowance, go to https://my.gov.au/ or call 137788.
For more information, click here: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Support-in-difficult-times/ Funding has also been approved for local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
Lismore City Council has set up a Flood Fund for public donations to help with disaster recovery and community support.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg is encouraging people to make donations to help the Lismore community which has just experienced the worst flood in the city's history.
To help with our flood affected community, you can donate to the Lismore Flood Appeal by direct bank transfer. The bank details are: Name: Lismore City Council - Flood Appeal Account BSB: 062 565 Account: 10864633
