HammondCare client returns home after last year’s floods
A Lismore-based Hammondcare home care client has moved back into his home 18 months after floodwaters deluged the city.
A Lismore-based HammondCare home care client has moved back into his home 18 months after floodwaters deluged the city.
In the early hours of 28 February 2022, Roger Manby sought refuge on the roof of his home as water surged through the doors and windows.
Now, after a year-and-a-half of repairs, Mr Manby has returned to his home in Casino Street, south of the city.
“I don’t know where else I’d want to go – this is where I want to be,” said Mr Manby. “I think I went to 65 different countries when I was in the navy by my count, so I’ve done my moving around.”
His son Jay provided hands-on support with the repairs, building new walls and floors while providing him with a small bedroom at his home in Eltham, several kilometres from Lismore.
“I could stretch out on the right-side of the bed and the left-side and that was it,” said Mr Manby.
The HammondCare Foundation – which exists to improve quality of life for people in need – helped finance the repairs.
Mr Manby was one of 11 HammondCare home care clients who had their homes suffer extreme flood damage. Five HammondCare staff whose homes were impacted by the floods also received help.
The foundation raised $85,000 in 2022 specifically to assist clients and staff affected by the disaster. HammondCare donated a further $10,000 to the Lismore Flood Appeal.
With two restored bedrooms, a lounge room, a separate dining room and kitchen, Mr Manby now has plenty of room to stretch. “This now feels palatial,” he said.
While the ground floor still remains unrenovated, Jay – a local artist – has plans to transform it into a work studio.
HammondCare Northern Rivers regional manager Jodi Peel dropped by Mr Manby’s place last week to say hello. “It’s great to see Roger happy,” she said.
Mike Baird – HammondCare chief executive officer – met Mr Manby in September when the dementia care provider opened its new regional headquarters in Lismore.
“Everyone at HammondCare wishes Mr Manby the very best as he settles back into his home after having endured so much,” said Mr Baird. “We are proud to continue to support him with his needs.
Main image: Roger Manby and careworker Charlotte Arneault
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