Lismore has accelerated its flood recovery as its city council announced that it will provide over 70 refurbished laptops, tablets, and desktop computers to flood-affected local businesses.
Lismore was one of the areas in New South Wales (NSW) left inundated in February and March 2022, also known as Australia's costliest flood and third-costliest natural disaster.
As the city continues to recover from the catastrophic flood, Lismore City Council General Manager John Walker said the council reached out to its business partners, Vestone Capital (Vestone) and Renew IT, to discuss how to assist local businesses – resulting in the computer giveaway.
“I would like to thank both companies for their very generous donations,” Walker said. “Our local businesses are doing it tough at the moment, and donations like this go a long way to helping them get back on their feet and start operating again.”
Vestone senior relationship manager Tom Mitrovic commented: “We hope these devices are of assistance and help the council and local businesses towards recovery.”
Flood-affected businesses in Lismore that would like to apply for a free device must visit this link, where they can also indicate a time for collection.
The Lismore City Council staff have already installed a basic operating system on the devices, which are now ready to be handed out to the Lismore business community.
The council's engagement team will distribute the free devices from the council chambers at 43 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah, on September 1 and 2 at designated times. However, the council clarified that the computers do not have a warranty or access to tech support, only one device per business address is allowed, and the devices will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
The computer giveaway follows the distribution of Lismore's first round of grants from the Flood Appeal Committee.
