Redhead's drop of generosity ripples into a wave of kindness for flood-ravaged northern NSW

And it is the destructive force of water that is bringing the two communities closer, as a groundswell of generosity among Redhead residents is about to flow up the coast to help the flood-ravaged NSW Northern Rivers region.

The beachside community has created its own flood appeal that continues to grow.

It all began when Redhead local Matt Forde was watching television reports of the disaster in an area he knows well, having worked there. He phoned a former colleague, who was safe on high ground but had seen so much devastation in small communities near Ballina.

"He told me they've lost everything, and some of them might not be able to get back into their homes," Mr Forde said.

"I thought, 'I've got to do something straight away'."

Matt Forde resolved to put out the call in his community for essential items and vouchers, and he would load his van and drive the donated goods to Ballina to ensure they got to the people who needed them.

"It's a drop in the ocean, but it's something to make a difference for the community up there," he said.

That drop of generosity is rippling out, creating a flow of kindness through the community.

Matt Forde has enlisted his sister, Kylie Amos, to help. She operates a coffee van, Boardwalk Brews, in Redhead, so it is now also a drop-off point for donations. People have been bringing in a range of items, from vouchers and non-perishable food to RAT kits.

While the Herald spoke with Mrs Amos, a local customer ordered a coffee - and donated $100.

"I think a lot of these communities are similar to Redhead, and you think, if that was us, you'd hope someone would be there to help us," said Kylie Amos.

When another local, Deb Arthurs, heard about the grassroots appeal, she thought, "What can we get that Matt can take up?". She figured small medical and pharmaceutical items would be badly needed, and they could be easily transported. So she approached Redhead Pharmacy with a decorated box and the idea of asking customers if they would buy something to put in there.

"People often want to do the right thing, so this just makes it easy," Deb Arthurs said. "If someone walks into the pharmacy, they can just throw in a packet of Band-Aids."

When Mrs Arthurs approached the pharmacy on Tuesday afternoon, she received an enthusiastic reply.

"I thought it was a wonderful idea," said Redhead Pharmacy's dispensary technician, Tammy Ball.

So did the customers, as they have been asking, "What do they need?". In less than 24 hours not one but two boxes had been filled with items, ranging from bandages to antiseptic creams.

"They've been very generous," Mrs Ball said of the customers. "Above and beyond. But that's what we're about, all looking after each other."

Matt Forde plans to drive his van north on the weekend, carrying the donated goods and a stack of love and kindness from his coastal community to another.

"It will just help them get through this first part [of the recovery]," Mr Forde said. "And for them to know that someone cares."

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