Photographer captures Lismore's flood trauma for NSW parliament exhibition

Simon Robinson lost 95 per cent of his fine art and vintage wares in the flood. (Supplied: Jacklyn Wagner)

In the midst of trauma, the most unlikely healing tool has come in the form of a camera.

The compassionate lens of photographer Jacklyn Wagner has captured the "tears and fears" of last year's devastating floods experienced by the city of Lismore and throughout northern New South Wales.  

As resident Mark Youngberry observes, a camera was the last thing those in flood crises wanted.

Vicki and Mark Youngberry say they were among those rescued by boat from their house. (Supplied: Jacklyn Wagner)

"Back then, every TV camera in the country was in town, standing in front of floodwaters and devastation … and then they disappeared," Mr Youngberry said.

That fear of cameras was echoed by South Lismore resident Harper Dalton.

Harper Dalton says Jacklyn Wagner won him over with her compassion. (Supplied: Jacklyn Wagner)

"To be honest, I was a little bit sceptical because we had a lot of people coming in and doing disaster tourism," Mr Dalton said.

His first meeting with the photographer was one of suspicion.

"So I went out and said, 'What are you doing poking around my house?'"

Jacklyn Wagner at the opening of her exhibition. (Supplied: Lauren Monaghan, Parliament of New South Wales)

He was taken by Wagner's empathy.

"She was beautiful, warm, reassuring," Mr Dalton said.

"When she explained the project, I see so much merit in capturing this historical event.

"It was an historical disaster, and it needs to be captured."

From left to right, Ben, John Jr and John Snr de Looze at their flood-affected Lismore home. (Supplied: Jacklyn Wagner)

These were the exact thoughts of Vicki Youngberry.

"It took a lot of guts on her part to walk up the stairs to homes that have been devastated and to say to people, 'Can I take your photo?'

"She said, 'I'm asking you to trust me.'"

It's more than a year now since the catastrophic floods devastated Lismore and surrounding towns and villages.

The recovery, in terms of people's lives and the infrastructure, is slow going.

The emotions around what happened in February and March last year still run deep. 

Kerry Andersen says her home is like a shell of its former self and that is how she feels about herself. (Supplied: Jacklyn Wagner)

They were evident at the opening of Wagner's exhibition of 100 photographs at Parliament House in Sydney called Through the Heart … a Flood of Fears and Tears.

Victoria Baker says there is a strong sense of community in the neighbourhood. (Supplied: Jacklyn Wagner)

In the days and weeks after the floods, Wagner knocked on the doors of about 100 people who had little choice but to move back home, even if that home had no doors to knock on or walls, power, or water.

Margaret and Barry Peebles paid insurance for 29 years and say they fear they’re getting nothing back. (Supplied: Jacklyn Wagner)

According to the state member for Lismore and fellow flood survivor Janelle Saffin, Wagner's gentle approach was just what those in crisis needed.

"Through her lens, we see what I call the carnage, but we also see the hope, and that's really important because that's what we all hang on to," Ms Saffin said.