ALDI Lismore reopens following floods

ALDI is reopening its store in Lismore today (20 July) after recovering from extensive flood damage.

In February, floodwaters reached the highest level ever recorded in the NSW town, standing 14.4m high. Homes and businesses found themselves submerged as the event impacted more than 31,000 people across the community.

ALDI Lismore, located on Ballina Rd, was no different. But with the help of the retailer’s employees, business partners and the local community, it has been repaired, rebuilt and is ready to open its doors again.

“This has been a devastating experience for the people Lismore and northern NSW,” says ALDI Australia Regional Managing Director Joanne Brown.

“ALDI Australia is proud to be back serving the Lismore community and commends the strength and resilience of the township in unprecedented hardship.

“Our Lismore team have overcome extraordinary circumstances, and it is inspiring to see how excited they are to get back in and help offer Lismore residents our range of products.”

Supporting employees and community

In response to the disaster, ALDI employees in flood affected areas throughout northern NSW were offered additional leave until they were ready to return to work. Additionally, any employee who could not access their store due to flooding or could not work from another location, were paid their rostered shifts.

Flood affected employees also had access to ALDI’s Support Fund grants and an additional Immediate Response Program grant was set up for flood victims to assist with purchasing food, accommodation and supplies.

As the flood waters cut off access to critical supplies, ALDI says it worked closely with flood emergency service partners to support the local community, donating essential supplies such as cleaning products, fresh produce, face masks and hand sanitiser to evacuation centres.

ALDI further donated a range of its Special Buys such as pressure washers, safety boots, ladies shoes and wheelchairs to residents of Lismore and surrounds. ALDI also donated $250,000 worth of food and essential goods to its national food charity partner, Foodbank, and accepted customer donations for Foodbank at the cash registers of its stores nationwide.