Brightway Lighting reopens in Lismore after the flood | Lismore City News

It may have taken 15 months to come back after the flood, but Brightway Lighting owner Shoel Surtees said they had always intended to reopen the business.

“It took me about a year to really get over what had happened, but then after that, I really started to get bored and get itchy feet. I needed to start buying and selling again,” Shoel said.

She had concerns about moving back to the store after the flood and considered moving the business to Ballina, but the rent was almost triple what it had been, and she said the business was a better fit for Lismore.

“I’ve always liked doing business in Lismore – everybody is so friendly and welcoming and happy,” Shoel said.

“This shop suits the town, it’s a little bit different.”

Getting the building ready took some time given the demand on building resources, but Shoel said she didn’t mind the focus being on getting people back into their homes.

She did small jobs during the closure, helping her electrician husband source lights and fittings for houses he was working on. But she made the most of the downtime to spend more time with her young daughter.

“It’s been nice just to be able to get her when I want, have holidays with her, and not have to drag her into the shop.”

The flood in 2022 was not the first Shoel had lived through with the business.

She said the flood in 2017 came through the store, but once the water receded, they were able to hose down the hardwood furniture and reopen quickly.

The flood in February 2022 smashed every window, washed the same hardwood furniture away, and destroyed stock that should have been safe stowed high up on cable trays.

“But this one went over the roof,” Shoel said.

“The only thing we found was our desk, down across the road near Browns Ck. We brought back and gave a new lease of life.”

Next time, she said, they will pack everything up and move it out of the store.

But, she was happy to be back at the store in Keen St, and while business had been a little quiet early in the week, it was picking up as word got out that they had reopened.

As well as more tradional lighting, Shoel stocks some more unique pieces, and is happy to order items in. You’ll even find some shades she makes herself, as well as some lampstands crafted from wood by her grandfather.

Brightway Lighting is at 86 Keen St, Lismore.