Lismore flood damage aftermath reveals the damage caused to local businesses

“I can’t see us reopening,” PJs Country Fruit & Veg owners said after rapids tore through their storefront, leaving them with nothing. This comes after being heavily affected by the 2017 Lismore floods.

PJs Country Fruit & Veg owners Brendon and Natasha Garred are left “shattered” after losing their business to the horrific Lismore floods.

Mrs Garred described it as “devastating, like a war zone”.

She said they “can't see us reopening”, after the flood tore through her store.

The ceilings have given way at PJs Country Fruit & Veg. Photo: Natasha Garred

“But we don't want to give up, this is our life, this is what we've been doing,” she said.

They were heavily affected by the 2017 floods, but Mrs Garred said they’re unsure if they can rebuild again.

“We don‘t know if we can bounce back because of how much we’ve lost,” she said.

Open since 2009, PJs has built a reputation in the Lismore community.

She said a lot of regulars saw PJs as a “safe spot” during the 2017 floods.

“I don't know how the whole town can rebuild. No one has that much money. It's so much.” Photo: Natasha Garred

“In 2017, we could hose the mud off – this time, we have no ceilings, no walls.”

She fears they can’t finance another restart.

“We can't afford to pay for the damage,” she said.

“We’re still paying off the debt from our last renovations.”

Mrs Garred fears many local businesses will be never reopen.

“I don't know how the whole town can rebuild. No one has that much money. It's so much,” she said.

She estimates the damage will cost them up to four hundred thousand dollars.

All that remains of PJs Country Fruit & Veg after the devastating floods. Photo: Natasha Garred

“I was quoted two hundred thousand dollars just for yearly insurance,” Mrs Garred said.

She said they don’t make enough to support that.

“I’m completely shattered.”

The entire town has been hit hard and Mrs Garred said two of her staff members lost their homes.

“People’s contents are on their front lawn with their possessions and livelihood,” she said.

“We haven't taken it in properly, it's still too unsafe to go into our shop.”

Lismore Flooding 2022 - PJs Country Fruit & Vegetable damage. Photo: Natasha Garred

She remains hopeful they can build back with the right support.

“Right now we're trying to find the simplest glimmers of hope. Our community is amazing. Even though we may be facing the toughest times, we'll still have each other,” PJs said via Facebook.

Natasha and Brendon can be supported through their smaller business Village Fresh Fruit & Veg in Alstonville.