Kind act by Domino's store amid NSW flood devastation: 'Absolute legends'
A Domino's store in northern NSW is giving back to the community which was ravaged by floodwaters.
On Sunday, the owner of the Ballina and Alstonville Domino's stores said on Facebook the team had been doing its best to stay open and safe.
The Ballina store was forced to temporarily close, however it has since reopened and deliveries are planned to resume from Tuesday when the roads are clear, and staff are available.
And for Monday, the Ballina store is offering something special to its flood-affected community.
"I know the past week has been tough for our community, and that many of us are facing an exhausting and emotional clean up," franchisee Mitch Amor said on Facebook.
"One of the things I love most about Ballina is the way we support each other during times like this, and as our community bands together and starts the recovery process, the Domino’s Ballina team want to be there to provide you all with the fuel to do so, in the form of free pizzas."
The selected free pizzas from a set menu will be available to pick up, until they are sold out, from the Ballina store on Monday from 12pm to 8pm.
The Domino's in Ballina was one of the many businesses impacted by the floods, having to shut for four days.
Before-and-after satellite photos show NSW, QLD flood devastation
Queensland on alert as Japanese mosquito virus detected after floods
Mr Amor told Yahoo News Australia while the Ballina store lost power for two days and staff were unable to get to work, there was thankfully no flooding.
"Honestly, it’s pretty tough. What’s happening in northern NSW right now is mind boggling. Ballina has never experienced something like this before, so we’ve all had to work it out as we go," he said.
"But we’re lucky to have such a tight knit community that supports one another."
Mr Amor told Yahoo News Australia on Monday morning his crew were hard at work preparing the free pizzas.
The Domino's Facebook post said if someone needs to arrange a larger order, they should contact the store.
"While I know a slice of pizza can’t change what our community is going through, it’s the best way I can think of to help out and to brighten everyone’s day just a little bit," Mr Amor said in the post.
"We feel honoured to have had the support from this town the past 9 years we have owned the store and we hope this day goes some way in saying thanks."
Mr Amor told Yahoo News Australia offering the free pizzas just felt like the right thing to do.
He said it has been hard for everyone in the area to get food over the past few days and his suppliers worked hard to get stock to their store.
"The last thing I want people to worry about right now is where their next meal is coming from, and that’s the one thing in this whole situation that I can help with," he said.
Flood-affected communities working together
Many people praised the business for supporting the community as many face a difficult and expensive clean up.
"I know you say it's only pizza but it's the kindness behind the pizza that makes a difference when you lay down on your pillow at night, as I am about to do now," one person said in the comments.
"Absolute legends. What an amazing way to support the community," another person said.
Mr Amor confirmed the Domino's had never been so busy when it opened on Monday and people were staying behind and expressing their gratitude.
He said one customer refused to leave the store until she had the chance to thank the franchisee — her home went under due to the flooding and hasn't been able to get food in days, Mr Amor said.
"Emotions are high right now, and I’m so humbled that we are able to help in some small way," he added.
A Domino's spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo News Australia a number of stores had been closed over the last week, either due to flooding or it not being safe for team members to make deliveries.
The spokesperson said Mr Amor embodies the company's values and said other franchisees are also supporting their communities.
"Mitch is an amazing franchisee but he certainly isn’t alone in his efforts," the spokesperson said.
"In fact all of our QLD, NSW and ACT franchisees have banded together to raise much needed ‘dough’ this Wednesday, with $1 from every pizza sold going to GIVIT’s Storms and Flooding Appeal."
More rain to hit NSW inundated areas
Over the last week the Northern Rivers district in NSW was inundated with rain and flooding.
Many homes and businesses in the region were destroyed by floodwaters and many communities were isolated from supplies and help during the crisis.
People have since struggled to access basics such as food, water, power, fuel, phones, the internet as well as medical supplies.
Six deaths have been confirmed in NSW, four of them in Lismore, from flooding that began over a week ago.
More rain is expected along the coast of NSW on Monday, with a severe weather warning being issued for eastern NSW, with more rain expected to hit already saturated and flooded areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology warning covers the entire coast from Coffs Harbour in the north to Bega in the south.
There's the chance of a thunderstorm, large and powerful surf as well as flooding that may reach levels similar to last week.
with AAP
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
