Convoy of Hope Brings Relief to Lismore After Devastating Floods
Channel 9, Helping Hands
When record floodwaters peaked at 14.5 metres in Lismore, NSW, in 2022, thousands of families were left displaced by one of Australia’s worst natural disasters. The impact of Convoy of Hope Australia’s response was recently featured on Channel 9’s Helping Hands, highlighting the scale of devastation and the power of community-driven recovery. Homes were inundated in the early hours of the morning, streets were destroyed, and an entire community faced overwhelming loss.
Convoy of Hope Australia quickly mobilised to support the long road to recovery.
Volunteer Brittany Molloy describes the devastation: “Every house, every street you would look down was just horrific. But being a part of a team that really cared for people and just put everything on the line – everyone dropped whatever they were doing, and we were just here and present – was something I can’t really put into words.”
Standing With the Community
Working alongside local churches, leaders, and volunteers, Convoy established a relief hub in the town’s former post office. From there, teams distributed essential supplies, provided thousands of dollars in local business vouchers, and delivered practical items such as tents and sleeping bags to families unable to return to safe housing.
Volunteers witnessed both heartbreaking devastation and remarkable resilience. Entire neighbourhoods had been gutted, yet community spirit remained strong.
Committed to the Long Haul
“Within a couple of weeks, people move on to the next story,” says Joel A’Bell, national director of Convoy of Hope Australia. “But the devastation was so widespread that we were here for months, up to 18 months, still working with locals.”
While media attention faded, Convoy of Hope stayed, supporting Lismore for 18 months after the disaster. This long-term commitment ensured families were not forgotten once the initial emergency response ended.
