Ray Parry seeks mental health support after Lismore flood trauma

The trauma of being trapped in flood water up to his chest is having a lasting effect on a Lismore man as mental health support is rolled out across the region.

A 67-year-old disabled man who was trapped in flood water up to his chest during Lismore’s catastrophe is among those reaching out for mental health support.

The NSW state government says it will “fast-track” access to essential trauma and recovery services to communities hardest hit by the disaster.

Ray Parry suffers from mental disabilities and was trapped in his home during the Lismore floods.

His carer, Dan Jones, said Mr Parry was terrified.

“He thought he’d be alright until the water was up to his chest,” Mr Jones said.

Ray Parry demonstrates how high the floods rose at his property. Photo: Dan Jones

Mr Parry has been suffering from trauma since his rescue.

“He can’t leave his house,” Mr Jones said.

He said time in the evacuation centre had affected Ray.

“A bunch of strangers in one room - some people with mental health issues, some on drugs, talking to themselves loudly,” Mr Jones said.

He said people would expose themselves to children or leave showers in a filthy, unhygienic state.

“Ray was very distressed when he came home,” Mr Jones said.

Some of Mr Parry’s belongings, including his valued art work, was destroyed.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said a $25 million investment would provide mental health support to people in flood-affected communities.

“Immediate mental health and wellbeing support to people devastated by the floods to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This commitment will ensure we put people in touch with the right support so they can get the help they need now and into the future.”

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the investment would have an initial focus on communities across the Northern Rivers, with other areas likely to be included as the full impact of the floods became clearer.

NSW Health will work with Headspace and Lifeline to manage the response, with local input from the community encouraged.

Goonellabah Aquatic and Sports Centre became a makeshift evacuation centre for Lismore.

Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said $5 million would be allocated to non-government organisations to deliver local trauma and recovery programs so support extends beyond the clean up.

“Locals know their community best, we want them to play an active role in developing initiatives and programs,” Mrs Taylor said.

Ten full-time recovery co-ordinators will be deployed to monitor mental health impacts and help services connect with those most in need.

If you, or someone you know requires mental health support, please seek help immediately by calling triple-0 or one of these services:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511