The Northern Rivers region has had its fair share of disasters over the past two years, and we know these disasters take quite some time for the local communities to recover.

The country around Drake, between Casino and Tenterfield, was hit hard by the bushfires in 2019 and 2020 destroying more than 78,000 hectares and lasting for more than five weeks.

Many lost their homes and livelihoods and are still in the process of recovering from this terrifying disaster.

To help support the Drake community, retired couple, and Summerland Credit Union customers, Mike and Karen established a local community store to provide a place to purchase fresh free-range eggs, bread, honey and other dairy products without having to travel over an hour for basic commodities.

The store was set up in the front yard of their home and has been so successfully supported by their community that they are now constructing a new building to include fresh local fruit, vegetables, preserves and other essential grocery items to further support local suppliers and producers.

Summerland Credit Union was proud to provide a small donation to help assist with the construction of the new building. We wish the Drake community all the very best as they continue to rebuild their lives and return to a normal life.

Summerland has recently established a Flood Recovery Fund, to help raise much needed funds that will assist local communities and charities recover. We understand that the rebuilding of our communities will take many years and will require ongoing support. Find out more or donate to this cause to help local community organisations rebuild after the 2022 flood event.