A figure from the first interim report from the CSIRO into the 2022 flooding disaster has long stuck with me. There were 44,000 people in the footprint of the floodwaters in 2022. That ranges from those whose properties were on the very edge, to homeowners whose two-storey homes were barely visible above the muddy tide. That's almost one-in-six Northern Rivers residents.

With the Reconstruction Authority's work in the region drawing to a close, Hannah Ross has been taking a look at what has and has not worked. From a cold start, coming in after the country's most costly flooding disaster, the RA had a tall order to get the region back on its feet however the public's expectations were high and many people missed out on assistance. The organisation has no doubt learned a great deal, but as Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said, "it's hard to be the guinea pigs".

With the tail of the tropical low crossing the Queensland coast today (Friday) and sending some rain our way over the next few days, you could say it will be good weather for ducks … except that Sunday also happens to be the date of Ballina's annual duck raise which is a major fundraiser for Rotary! Hopefully plenty of people will dust off their umbrellas to head to the Richmond River and buy a duck to enter the great race.

Banora Point residents and Matildas fans generally are holding their collective breath after Hayley Raso took two balls to the head at close range in the match against Iran in the Women's Asian Cup tournament. The World Cup qualifier is being held in three cities — Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Have a great week, and if you have a story idea drop an email to abcnorthcoast@abc.net.au

Jo Shoebridge

ABC North Coast editor

Communities say being the "guinea pig" of a flagship disaster recovery program has taken a toll.

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The Joe Montemurro incarnation of the Matildas feels like a throwback to classic Australian rock. And in their Asian Cup win over Iran, they showed their mantra of playing free, but always going for the win, is starting to pay off.

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