State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin’s column for April 2025:
LAST month when our region faced the threat of Cyclone Alfred looming off the coast the preparedness at every level was incredible. From the grassroots members of the community right through to our State and Federal leaders, elected local MPs and mayors, councils and their workers- there was a big focus on being ready and staying safe.
Firstly, I thank the community. People were prepared. Homes were prepped for high winds and potential flooding, and people had battery radios and torches. Some had generators ready. Two-way radio networks were in place, and people listened to the warnings and evacuation orders. That was a tough call, but they listened and acted.
Businesses moved their stock and equipment. In packing up and unpacking, they bore the cost of lost days of business, and I thank them. I thank the truck drivers who worked hard to get supplies into towns with challenging weather. I also thank John Robertson and Foodbank, which sent thousands of packages.
The State Emergency Service was magnificent. I commend SES Commissioner Michael Wassing and the local team, and acting Chief Superintendent Stuart Fisher, who flew in from Sydney to take the lead.
Premier Chris Minns and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib flew up on Wednesday 5 March, stayed on through the weekend and were hands on in the preparation. This was greatly appreciated by the community. People knew they were not alone facing this threat. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese came up. State and Federal Ministers and shadow Ministers for emergency services were onsite including Senator Tony Sheldon, the Federal Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery.
I received regular briefings and updates from the SES, police and other combat agencies. My message to the community was to listen to their advice and be prepared for a rare and unpredictable weather event in our region. These briefings were shared with State and Federal MPs and local mayors across northern New South Wales and the North Coast who kept their local communities informed.
There are so many to thank. I thank the RFS, Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, VRA Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving, paramedics and the Australian Army. I thank Leiutenant Colonel Daniel Healy and the 41st Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, which is headquartered in Lismore, and I also recognise the support of Brigadier Jodie Lording, commander of the 5th Brigade – Australian Army, who arrived with about 500 soldiers.
And thank you to all for the many acts of kindness such as food drops, people taking in friends and family, looking after pets, neighbours checking on and helping neighbours and all the other ways people looked after each other.
Of course there will be lessons learned from this event as there always are from disasters. But everyone commented that we have not seen this level of preparedness before. So we now have a high bar to meet when we have other weather events. (As this goes to print we have a flood watch from Tweed to Coffs and let us hope we come off lightly but knowing we are better prepared).
I commend everyone’s efforts.
Swearing In
In March I was honoured when Premier Chris Minns announced he was appointing me to the NSW Cabinet as the Minister for Recovery, the Minister for Small Business, and the Minister for the North Coast.
Be assured that first and foremost, I will always be the Member for the Lismore Electorate and will always advocate strongly for the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands.
CAPTION: Janelle Saffin MP, Premier Chris Minns and SES Chief Superintendent Stuart Fisher at a media conference during disaster preparation for Cyclone Alfred.
