Lismore and District Workers Club reopens two-and-a-half years after northern NSW floods

A Lismore institution that many thought was lost forever to the northern NSW floods has reopened its doors.

A Lismore institution that many thought was lost forever to the northern NSW floods has reopened its doors.

Lismore and District Workers Club on Keen St suffered immeasurable damage after being smashed by floods from Cyclone Debbie in 2017 – and again in February and March of 2022.

Two years, six months and 22 days later – even after board thought they’d never see their beloved club again – have stomped their collective feet to reclaim the club’s rightful place as a local institution.

Mary Maloney, 79, of Lismore, with son, Christopher Maloney, 53, and Robin Churchill, 64, the first patrons at the reopening of the Lismore and District Workers Club on Keen St. Lismore.

“I think it’s real exciting,” Mary Maloney, 79, said outside the new club.

Her son Christopher said the club reopening was great for the community.

“I usually go up for a coffee, some cake … and bet on the horses,” Mr Maloney said.

Robin Churchill, 64, had been waiting outside with the Maloneys before it opened to be the first patrons through the doors.

“I’m glad to be back,” Ms Churchill said.

“I’ve been waiting for nearly three years for it and I’ll be glad when bingo starts.”

Lismore and District Workers Club President Ian Harmon, left with chef Daniel Morrison upstairs in the refitted bistro, TAB, lounge and gaming area of the Lismore and District Workers Club on Keen St Lismore. Picture: Cath Piltz

Club president Ian Harmon said it’s been a “long slog” but said it was “worth it” to see the doors reopen.

“In particular the last 14 months with the rebuild … we had quite a few hurdles but we’ve overcome them,” he said.

Mr Harmon said like many businesses in Lismore, being insured for flood damage had proven difficult.

“We didn’t get full coverage and same as everyone else in town we haven’t got any flood insurance moving forward.”

Many specialists were brought on board to ensure the lower levels of the club could withstand future flooding events.

“We’ve made downstairs and the foyer as flood-proof as we can,” Mr Harmon said.

The auditorium has quick lifting carpet tiles and the bars have all been flood-proofed.

The Mothership: Lismore Workers Club will be rebuilt. Artist's impressions October 2022.

After losing half of their downstairs floor space and six of their function rooms, a new layout awaits patrons upstairs.

“We basically have only one function room, the auditorium, and a gallery that we can use for smaller functions,” he said.

Works are in the pipeline for the first floor but that will “take some time”.

“We are also excited to have our year 12 formals back here,” Mr Harmon said.

“We have Trinity, Lismore High, Richmond River High, Kadina and I think Woodlawn too on the cards.”

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