East Lismore flood distribution centre remains open despite rumours it would close

An East Lismore woman who lost her business in the floods turned her warehouse into a flood distribution centre. Here is her story.

An East Lismore woman has sacrificed the future of her own business to provide much needed flood recovery for her community.

Karen Willott, proprietor of Quality Used Furniture lost everything in the February floods and like many, could not afford insurance.

“I lost my business and I feel at this point there is no real urgency to open up again as Lismore is not back yet and thriving,” Ms Willott said.

She is now unemployed and receiving government support but said there was no way she could stop volunteering at the moment.

“It would leave a huge gap in the community,” Ms Willott said.

“Being on the dole is stressful but this need for a lot of people at present far outweighs the fact that I’m on the dole.”

The East Lismore flood distribution centre provides food donations, cleaning and personal items, appliances, and clothing needed by people in the floods.

Initially the warehouse opened to house flood donations gathered by Summit Sport in Goonellabah.

“This has all just taken over and gotten so big and the need for it in the community is still strong,” Ms Willott said.

Although while Ms Willott and her many volunteers are doing their best, the building she is operating from still requires rent.

They were about to close their doors when Turbans 4 Australia stepped in.

Turbans 4 Australia came to Lismore to provide meals and during the move of donations from Summit Sports Ms Willott met with them.

“They came to the area and started cooking, they were doing big cookups in the area to feed everyone,” Ms Willott said.

“They said they were happy to bring us donations and when I said I have to start paying rent they said they’d pay the first month.”

Proprietor of Used Furniture Karen Willott receiving donations from Hervey Bay Tai Chi with the help of volunteer Heather Fletcher. Picture Cath Piltz

Not wanting to push the envelope with them, a friend of Ms Willott started a GoFundMe.

“Then I spoke to Amar from Turbans 4 Australia and told him about the GoFundMe and he basically said ‘No, we’re happy to help you out’ so for approximately three months we have that,” Ms Willott said.

Donations are still coming in from all over Australia.

“Wangi RSL donated about $30k worth of goods so far, another group today from Hervey Bay sent donations, it’s never ending.

“I cannot remember all of the names. It’s been truckloads from all over Australia. It’s mind-blowing,” she said

Quality Used Furniture is located at 51 Wyrallah Rd East Lismore.