Help Heike and daughters recover after floods

The recent floods in the northern rivers have seen unprecedented devastation, rendering family homes irreparable in a way that could never be anticipated.

Among the many who are feeling this is Heike and two daughters, Yani (21) and Hannah (19). Loss through natural disaster has been an ongoing presence in their lives after losing their home in 2010 in the Lennox Head tornado, and now in the 2022 Lismore floods. Since then, single mum Heike and the girls have worked immeasurably hard for what they have, after enduring a family breakdown which required unrelenting strength from all of them, and proved the beautiful power behind standing by those you love most. This situation has been draining - both emotionally and economically. Tasks such as finishing school for the girls (Hannah in year 12 this year) and ensuring food on the table were overshadowed by the reality of being left with next to nothing after leaving a long term relationship.

For Heike, navigating these years as a single parent has been tumultuous, as healing from such pain is a large, complex task - an ongoing process which at many points has been paralysing and all-consuming. Financially, this set of circumstances has shaped an unstable future, one difficult for the girls to lean on as they plan their lives, absent of housing stability and the means to live comfortably. After finally gaining the ability to invest in buying a new home, they are now in a position (only five months after moving) where they have lost everything again. There are no words that suffice in speaking to this loss, and just like before, they must begin again, from the ground up.

As long-standing family friends (Nina and Nikki)who have witnessed the extent of this loss over the years, we’ve created this page for donations to help rebuild the life they fought so hard to earn and afford them temporary accommodation/necessities. Heike, Yani and Hannah are so grateful for any support, no matter the size. Thank you to anyone who has contributed; we send our deepest love and appreciation