Six months after floods left the NSW city of Lismore on its knees more than 1,000 people are still in emergency shelters, but stories of hope and rebuilding are beginning to emerge from the devastation.
The state government is pledging buybacks for those in high-risk flood areas, amid recommendations they should "urgently" relocate.
But Graham Askey is "staying put".
And he and his wife Judy feel lucky that they were able to restore and finally move back into their home of 43 years.
"We have no intention of seeking any land swap, buy back, or anything of that nature, we will be staying here in South Lismore," he said.
"I think after 43 years we are almost qualified to be 'southies'."
The couple sought refuge in a loft above their bathroom for 12 hours as water rose rapidly through their home on February 28, before being rescued by a stranger.
Lennox Head plumber, Taama Jones, was their hero on a jetski.
He found them when he spotted their flashing light.
"Taama only had two life jackets that day," Mr Askey said.
"He gave one to Judy, then took his own off and gave it to me."
The Askeys welcomed Mr Jones, and others who helped them through their darkest moments, into their home to reflect on what they had been through over the past six months.
Despite the trauma of that day, Mr Askey said the immediate months after were even harder, made worse by what he called "flood brain".
"Neither of us could read … we were unable to concentrate enough to read a page of a book," he said.
"It's a type of post-traumatic stress, but it was caused by the stress of having to cope with the aftermath."
Mr Askey said he was thankful to have recently taken up reading again and was back playing bridge.
Green shoots as businesses emerge
Sharryn Lee has recently re-opened her family antique and collectible business that has been operating for 47 years in Lismore's Keen Street.
The warehouse-style building suffered significant damage and almost all their stock was lost.
"The flood pushed in the whole front of the shop and then just hit the mezzanine and threw everything into a whirlpool, dropped it and smashed it," she said.
Ms Lee said she has had doubts about re-opening, but the family ties were strong as she, her siblings and her children all grew up in the store.
"This is our heart, our community, our family shop and our hearts kept us going to rebuild," she said.
"We love being here and love our town," she said.
