Lismore business bounces back with flood-proof rebuild

A LISMORE furniture store devastated by floods two-and-a-half years ago has reopened after extensive renovations for flood resilience.

Furniture Court on Molesworth Street resumed full operations this month, with owner Elton Cummings rebuilding with reinforced materials and relocating utilities above flood level to prepare for future events.

Despite losing $1 million in stock, Cummings was supplying essential goods within two weeks of the disaster, operating from a shared warehouse at the back of the store.

“During that time, people needed stuff – they needed mattresses, they needed fridges, they needed washing machines, stoves and ovens, all that sort of stuff. There was a huge need for all of those things,” he said.

To meet it, the team drove to city warehouses to collect stock faster.

In the months following the flood, the store supplied more upright stoves than metropolitan stores and offered free secondhand fridges to those in need.

Looking after the community has long been a priority for Cummings, who was also active in flood rescues through the Ballina Lismore Surf Club jet boat rescue.

Mr Cummings has confidence in Lismore’s future, saying it was a great place to do business.

“I believe that Lismore is a great central hub and it will come back,” he said.

“It’s the most economical town in Australia where you can pick up shops and they’re well priced.

“Just be aware it floods. Just prepare for those floods. It’s a great town.”