While our region has certainly “dodged a bullet” [ Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought NSW towns close to major flooding, data shows - ABC ] the impacts and effects of this major weather event are still being felt around our community.
In general community members report feeling better prepared and more connected to neighbours for support emergency services for preparation and warnings.
A huge thanks for the tireless work our our regions emergency services and our own team of volunteers who maintained essential connections with vulnerable community members and were proactive in ensuring we had resources available to provide assistance and comfort if the cyclone had tracked South and things had turned for the worst.
Understandably this event has put everyones nerves on edge and the psychological impact of the ongoing risk to extreme weather is pervasive throughout our community.

For anyone who has experienced damage or hardship from Cyclone Alfred - support services remain available.

Recovery Assistance Points:

Woodburn - Woodburn Memorial Hall, 127 River Street, Woodburn

• Tuesday 25 March from 12pm to 7pm

• Wednesday 26 March from 9am to 3pm

Financial support

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is now available as a lump sum payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who have been affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

For information on eligibility and claiming processes, visit Services Australia or contact the Australian Government Information Hotline on 180 22 66 for claims assistance. 

Personal Hardship Assistance Payment Applications are now open. Apply by Tuesday 8 April.

If you or your family have been affected by Cyclone Alfred, you may be eligible for financial assistance. A one-off payment of $180 for individuals and $180 per dependent (up to a maximum of 4 dependents) is now available to help you with your essential costs.

For help with your application visit a Recovery Assistance Point or Service NSW Centre in the impacted area, or call 13 77 88.

Important information and resources

• Floodwater can make you sick : Find advice from NSW Health on how to stay safe around floodwater.

• Protect yourself against mosquitoes : Find out how to reduce the number of mosquitoes surrounding your property and how to prevent mosquito bites from NSW Health. 

• Fact Sheet Resources : Download recovery information factsheet for Ballina Shire residents

A number of community members have raised a request to have a community debrief and also reflected that there was no formal debrief held in Wardell following the 2022 floods which led to avoidable long term concerns and distress.  If you would be interested in joining a community debrief and discussion with NSW Reconstruction Authority, Council and Red Cross please contact us via the link below.

Update on Richmond Street Green Space Works

As many of you will have noticed, the southern end of Richmond Street remains under construction, with project completion now anticipated by Easter.

Significant works are still required, including landscaping and paving, which are scheduled to commence by the end of this week.

As part of the upgrade, Council is also constructing a new pedestrian crossing across Sinclair Street. This will require a full road closure at the intersection of Richmond Street and Bridge Drive for a period of 21 business days.

Detours for vehicle access will be via Fitzroy, Carlisle, and Cedar Streets. While pedestrian access to the Wardell Wharf will remain open, please note that access to Wardell CORE may become increasingly challenging during this time.

We’ll do our very best to remain open and available despite the disruptions. We encourage all visitors to follow safety signage, remain cautious, and be mindful of trip hazards when entering and exiting the Neighbourhood Centre.

If you have any enquiries regarding this project, please contact Project Manager Robert Conn on 1300 864 444.

Mind Your Mates workshop - Thursday 27th March

Register now for this upcoming this 45min ‘toolbox talk’ that will help you to recognise the signs of depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide in your mates.

This presentation is delivered by Lifeline skills-for-life suicide prevention trainers.

How do we know the signs that someone – one of your mates – is not necessarily coping or may be developing a mental health problem? Most of us have heard of or undertaken training in physical first aid, but, when it comes to mental health or emotional first aid, we are not so well trained or equipped.

This is a free program - register below

Rural Aid Farmer Support Event in Coraki - come along and chat about support available.

Date: 2 April 2025 from 3:30pm to 7:00pm.

Location: Coraki Hotel Beergarden located at 67 Richmond Terrace, Coraki.

Register below

Next appointments Thursday April 3rd

Are you experiencing financial stress?

Contact Wardell CORE to make a free appointment with the team at Lismore & District Financial Counselling Service. Drop in or phone us on  0431 716 457.

Lismore & District Financial Counselling Service provides free, confidential financial counselling to people experiencing severe financial difficulties due to personal debt issues.

Services: Financial counsellors are qualified professionals who provide information, advice and advocacy to people in financial difficulty.

Lynne Shailer, Mental Health Nurse and Counsellor will be continuing to offer a Community Mental Health Service in Wardell.
As the fully funded program has now come to an end, Lynn will be offering affordable fee for service professional mental health and wellbeing support, including one-on-one counselling, group therapy, trauma-informed case management, and EMDR therapy.

Contact us at 0431 716 457 to book an appointment or ask any questions.

Wardell CORE offers a range of food support, food relief and food access options.

Our Foodbank reduced cost grocery offers a range of pantry staples, toiletries and essential supplies available during open hours Tue-Thurs + Saturday.
Community Supported Fresh produce is a subsidised fresh produce access program offering a range of fruit and vegetables fortnightly by pre-order. Order through our store or contact Wardell CORE.
We also provide free ready to heat and eat meals through the support of Fare Share and Second Bite.

Drop in or contact us.

Some adjustments to our Tool Library service :

Due to the loss of our shipping container we have had to downsize out tool library program. And due to an increase in operating costs and maintenance we will now need to put a small service fee on our power tool hire.

All the most popular tools are still available for loan through the Wardell Tool Library. If you would like to borrow and use any of our equipment drop in and speak to our team.

The amazing team from Thread Together will be coming back to Wardell with their mobile wardrobe on Wednesday the 2nd of April from 10:30am - 12:00pm at Wardell CORE.

So grateful for their ongoing support in our community.

We will be having morning tea, so come down for a cuppa, a chat and connect with this great charity providing free and quality new clothes.

Join Bridget for the next four-week Introduction to Foot Fitness!

This immersive series, led by Certified Yamuna Foot Fitness Practitioner Bridget Walker, offers a unique journey into understanding the importance of foot health for overall body wellness. Each hour-long class will guide you through gentle, mindful exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance in the feet and lower legs. You’ll gain insights into your gait, learn ways to support proper posture, and explore techniques that make every step a step toward whole-body vitality.

When you care for your feet, you’re caring for your whole body. Secure your spot today and take the first step toward better balance and movement!

https://events.humanitix.com/intro-to-foot-fitness-april-2025

Whether you are new or experienced to Pilates come along and experience a full body movement session. Enjoy an hour of you every Thursday 6pm at the Wardell Rainbow Room

Some of the benefits of regular Pilates practice.

• Posture Improvement

• Increase strength and flexibility

• Improved balance

• Increased body awareness

• Reduction in stress

• Breath awareness and increased circulation

• Increase spinal stability

Shawna Ink new Qigong course beginning Monday, March 24.

This program will teach Ba Duan Jin - an ancient, medical Qigong practice that when done regularly, can help transform one’s body, mind and spirit.

After the 10 weeks, one should be able to do the 8 forms on their own by memory, offering them a practice for life that they can do anywhere at any time. No equipment, experience or fitness level is required to participate.

Cost is: $15 each week for regular attendance (must attend 8 of the 10 weeks to qualify) $20 Casual

To find out more about this practice read her latest newsletter :

Yoga is continuing on Mondays 6-7pm with regular community classes .
at the Wardell Rainbow Room - next to St Patricks church

In partnership with Mission Australia, Wardell’s weekly youth program provides supervised and facilitated social connection, activities and fun for young people in Wardell. Free BBQ, short mental health skills training and mindfulness exercises each week.

Our family playgroup will be working in partnership with The Family Centre and offering all the same supports, connection and time for bonding with mums, bubs and toddlers. Come along to our safe and comfortable space for a cuppa, chat and connect with new parents in the region.

Strength & Balance with Michelle Henry

9:30AM-10:30AM Wednesdays @ Wardell Catholic Hall

Build a strong foundation: gentle movement for everyone including older adults and over 55's

Our successful Strength and Balance class is looking for casual instructors : If you have a Cert 3 and the skills to run a Strength and Balance class for Older Adults we would love to hear from you !

Contact Wardell CORE : wellbeing@wardellcore.community

Meditation with Denis Lynch

7:00AM-8:00AM Saturdays @ Wardell Rainbow Room

Rise for morning meditation and mindfulness followed by tea and coffee. No experience necessary.

Orange Sky Laundry

8:30-12:30 Saturdays

Orange Sky laundry are continuing to offer support to Wardell on Saturdays from 8:30-12:30. Drop in with your laundry and stop for a cup of tea and a chat with the team.

Mahjong for Begginers

1:30pm - 4:30pm Thursdays

If you are keen to learn then join a social group at WardellCORE on Thursdays under the instruction of Jeannette. Tea, coffee, afternoon tea and good company provided. New players are encouraged to join and come along even if you’re just curious to watch a game.

Join our team, we are looking for a number of new volunteers to fill shifts in support of the Wardell CORE Neighbourhood Centre this year.

If you have skills to share, an interest in community support, make a great of tea and would like to be involved in our thriving community centre - we would love to hear from you.

Find out more : Get Involved

or complete the expression of interest form

Join Our Pizza Crew!
Love wood-fired pizza? Keen to connect with your community? We’re looking for friendly, fun-loving volunteers to join our Community Pizza Night team!

Whether you’re a dough-stretching pro or just keen to lend a hand, we’ve got a spot for you. Help us serve up good food, warm smiles, and great vibes at our much loved social events.

No experience needed – just a big heart and community spirit!
Come be part of something delicious!

Drop by to Wardell CORE to get involved!