“The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Our Healing Hearts’ which is particularly poignant and I hope it provides an opportunity to come together, celebrate the Lismore community and provide a sense of optimism for the future.”
Prior to the parade, Lismore’s CBD will come alive with the ‘Market DeLight’ – an event that provides attendees with the opportunity to enjoy food and entertainment and support local businesses. CommBank is teaming up with Cricket New South Wales to host a cricket clinic near the CommBank Marquee.
“We know the effects of this year’s floods will continue to be felt for some time and the event will be an important show of support for a community that has been through so much. I encourage anyone thinking about ways to continue supporting Lismore and surrounding areas, to join the festivities and help support the local community.”
Mr Fowler said CommBank customers had done a great job showing their support through the CanGive Flood Appeal which combined with dollar matching from CommBank, raised an additional $2.8 million.
“In addition to the grant program, we ran a flood appeal through the CommBank app and we dollar-matched donations. Through the overwhelming generosity of our customers, together we raised $2.8 million which has been distributed to various organisations nationwide that have been supporting the recovery efforts.
Through the combined efforts of the CanGive Appeal and Commbank Flood Relief grants, more than $4.8 million has been donated.
One of the local organisations that has received funding is Lismore-based CASPA Services, a leading child welfare service provider that works to protect the most vulnerable members of the community. They have used the grant money to acquire basic goods for children and their carers in need.
Other organisations that have benefited from Flood Relief Grants in the Northern Rivers region include:
- Stock Pot Kitchen Lismore;
- North East Equine Veterinary Services;
- Country Women's Association of NSW - Coraki Preschool;
- Lismore Workers Football Club Inc;
- RealArtWorks Inc;
- Indigenous Futures Foundation; and
- Northern Rivers Community Gateway Incorporated.
CommBank remains committed to supporting Lismore and the entire Northern Rivers community. While repairs are underway at the Lismore branch, a ‘Pop Up’ branch is available at Southern Cross University Goodman Carpark, Military Road, Lismore. The pop up includes all the features of a regular branch, including tellers, ATMs, lending and personal banking needs as well as specialised guidance and support.
Further information about CommBank’s Flood Relief work can be found at: www.commbank.com.au/floodrelief. To access further business support, please phone CommBank on 13 1998 any time, chat to us in your CommBank app or visit us in branch.