The 2022 floods devastated much of the Northern Rivers, destroying essential infrastructure and impacting hundreds of local services. To support economic and community recovery, the NSW Reconstruction Authority established the Northern Rivers Towns and Villages Resilient Business Activation Program (RBAP), providing targeted assistance to small and medium businesses and revitalising town centres across the region.
Realising Every Dream Limited (REDinc.), a disability support organisation deeply embedded in the Lismore community, lost multiple venues during the disaster — including program rooms, meeting spaces, personal care rooms and offices. With programs suspended for months, more than 500 people experienced significant disruption to their daily supports.
"This space now gives people a sense of connection again, something many really missed after the floods."
Through the Program, REDinc. was able to refurbish a new, centrally located site in the Lismore CBD. The focus of the project was to restore essential disability facilities while embedding long‑term resilience. Flood‑resistant materials, hard surfaces, and a layout that can be quickly cleaned and re‑opened after future events ensure far less downtime.
The new hub enables REDinc. to deliver more individualised programs, supporting participants to work towards personal goals — from learning to drive, to developing financial skills, to strengthening independence in everyday life.
By restoring a fit‑for‑purpose home for their services, the RBAP has supported REDinc. to continue providing vital community-focused programs in the heart of Lismore.
REDinc.’s story:
Towns and Villages Resilient Business Activation Program - REDinc.
How a flood‑resilient refurbishment is helping REDinc. rebuild vital disability support services
Visit the Northern Rivers Towns and Villages Business Activation Guidelines page to read more about the grant process.