Four years on: remembering the 2022 Northern Rivers floods

Four years ago, floods and landslides reshaped the Northern Rivers. Homes were destroyed. Some lives were lost. Many more were disrupted in ways that continue today.
Recovery has been uneven and ongoing. Trauma still surfaces with heavy rain. Too many people remain in insecure or unaffordable housing. Financial strain, insurance disputes and the long tail of rebuilding are part of daily life for many in our region.

We acknowledge that reality. We acknowledge the grief for what was lost and the exhaustion that comes with rebuilding over years rather than months. We also acknowledge what emerged in those early days of crisis. Neighbours helped neighbours. Community halls became centres of care. Informal networks moved quickly and have, in many cases, endured. New relationships formed across towns, sectors and generations.

The floods exposed vulnerabilities in our systems. They also revealed deep local capacity. Across the Northern Rivers, people continue to strengthen preparedness, mutual support and community leadership.

The floods changed this region. They revealed fragility and interdependence in equal measure. Four years on, we hold both truths: the pain that endures and the resilience that has grown from it.

At Plan C, we remain committed to supporting community-led resilience and advocating for fair, inclusive recovery. Today we remember the losses, stand with those still affected, and honour the connections that continue to carry this region forward.

Floodland, a powerful documentary capturing the 2022 Lismore floods, returns home for its second and final screening on Sunday 15 March at 3:30pm.

This special event includes a panel discussion featuring members of the Lismore community who share their lived experiences, reflections, and hopes for the future, including Plan C's founder, Jean Renouf. Psychological first aid and wellbeing support will be available on the day to ensure a safe and caring space for all.
Join us as we come together to honour resilience, connection, and recovery.

Get your tickets here: https://lismorecinemas.com.au/movie/floodland