THE GOLD COAST TITANS ARE COMING TO LISMORE
The Gold Coast Titans will give local footy fans a once in a lifetime experience, when they hold a fan day at Crozier Field on Saturday, 7 February.
The free, family-friendly event will give fans the opportunity to get up close with the Titans’ NRL squad and coaching staff in one of the side’s final training sessions before the club’s first trial against the Dolphins, with player signings, activations and community engagement activities planned throughout the day.
Held at Crozier Field in Lismore - the epicentre of a strong rugby league heartland - footy across the Northern Rivers continues to flourish with Group 1 junior participation surpassing 1700 players for the first time ever in 2025.
The region has also unearthed many Titans in the club’s 19-year history; from the likes of Anthony Laffranchi and Luke O’Dwyer in Gold Coast’s foundation season to current players Jaylan De Groot, Zane Harrison and Josh Patston.
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said bringing the NRL squad to Lismore was an important part of the focus to continue strengthening the club’s connection with its community.
“The Northern Rivers has always been a vital part of the Titans’ community and our entire organisation is proud to be returning to Lismore to immerse ourselves with one of our most passionate regions,” he said.
“Our club has deep ties to this region - from grassroots participation to diehard fans who have been with us in solidarity since the beginning in 2007 - events like this allow us to say thank you and build even stronger connections heading into the season.
“I know how passionate Josh is with initiatives such as this and we want this to be a community celebration of rugby league.
“Fans will be welcome to watch training and then meet the players, grab a photo or autograph and be part of the Titans journey as we prepare for an exciting new season.”
Lismore City Council Mayor Cr Steve Krieg is excited to welcome the Titans for their upcoming Fan Day.
“Lismore is grateful to the Gold Coast Titans for the generosity of bringing a genuine NRL fan experience to our region,” he said.
“This is more than a quick visit. They are training at Crozier Field and making time for a public signing session.”
The NRL squad will kickstart their trip to Lismore with school visits across the Northern Rivers to deliver the new Titans Try Time Tales program, ahead of a Friday night function at the Northern Rivers Hotel - owned by former Gold Coast Giant, Seagull and Chargers forward Tony Durheim.
Saturday’s fan day will commence with training against Hostplus Cup affiliates Tweed Seagulls at 9.30am, followed by a signing session at 11.30am – register to attend via titans.com.au/fanday.
LISMORE RECYCLING & RECOVERY CENTRE:
CHANGED HOURS
Council will soon begin essential road repairs at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre, with temporary operating hours in place from 9 February to late March, weather permitting, to ensure the work can be completed safely and efficiently.
During this period, the waste facility, Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, and the Return & Earn Bulk Collection Depot will open:
• Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 1pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 1pm
The Revolve Shop will open:
• Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9am – 1pm
Council appreciates the community’s patience as these important improvements are delivered and recommends allowing extra time for delays entering or exiting the site.
These works will repair significant damage caused by the 2022 natural disasters and heavy vehicle traffic. Importantly, they also prepare the site for the next phase of upgrades under the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre Masterplan – an initiative aimed at delivering a modern, resilient facility that supports our region’s growing circular economy.
Updates will be shared through Council’s website and social media channels.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Annual Events Calendar 2026
February
• Lismore Speedway | 21
March
• Samson Fitness Challenge | 6-7
• Lismore Speedway | 7, 21
• International Women’s Day | 8
• Over 70’s Cricket Carnival | 9-12
April
• Bluesfest | 2-5
• Lismore Speedway | 4, 5, 18
• Lismore Skate Event | 16-19
• Nimbin Art Fair
• Anzac Day | 25
May
• Nimbin Mardi Grass | 1-3
• NSW Girls AFL Championships | 4-7
• Lismore Gemfest | 16-17
• Norco Primex | 21-23
• NSW Baseball Intermediate League Championships | 21-25
• Casino Beef Week | 23-31
• NSW Baseball Junior League Championships | 27-31
• Lismore Speedway | 30
June
• NSW State Golf Croquet Championships
• Lismore Lantern Parade | 20
July
• Lismore Friendship Festival
- LisAmore | 5
• NAIDOC Community Day
• Timberjacks Baseball Tournament
• Regional PGA Qualifier
August
• Darrel Chapman Fun Run | 30
September
• Nimbin Poetry Performance World Cup
• Nimbin Spring Arts Exhibition
• Lismore Eisteddfod
• Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout | 18-20
• Nimbin Show | 19-20
• Lismore Cup
October
• North Coast National Show | 15-17
November
• Lismore Cycling Festival
• Norco Eat the Street
• Lismore Speedway
December
• Santa’s Wonderland
• Carols in the Heart
• Tropical Fruits New Year’s Festival | 27-4 Jan
Version 2 - Updated January 2026
MAJOR DRAIN-CLEARING PROGRAM UNDERWAY IN CBD
Council is putting a spotlight on its urban stormwater network, with a major drain-clearing program now underway across the Lismore CBD.
Comprehensive CCTV inspections completed in 2025 identified a number of priority sites requiring attention to ensure the stormwater system performs effectively during future weather events.
Using this information, Council’s specialist contractors are now on the ground utilising highpressure water jetting and vacuum trucks to remove tree roots, debris and other blockages. Each drain is then reinspected using CCTV to confirm the line is clear and flowing as intended.
The work will continue through February, with crews operating from early morning into the evening on weekdays, and on Saturdays when required, to get the job done as efficiently as possible.
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the work is an essential part of Council’s resilience efforts.
“Drainage may not be glamorous, but it’s important,” he said.
“We’re removing blockages and obstructions that directly resulted from the 2022 floods – silt, gravel and even the odd keyboard – to ensure our system performs the way it should.”
This program builds on ongoing maintenance across the city, and the clearing of more than 8km of open stormwater drains. It also complements a series of pump station upgrades that are underway or scheduled to begin later this year.
Council acknowledges there may be some temporary inconvenience associated with the works, and crews will continue to minimise disruption wherever possible. Residents and businesses affected by the program will receive advance notification from contractors with specific dates and timings.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
For more information, click here
RECOGNISING OUR UNSUNG HEROES
Rebekka Battista was named Lismore City Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year at this year’s Australia Day Awards held at Southern Cross University.
Rebekka (pictured on cover) was named Citizen of the Year for her tireless dedication to Our Kids, helping to raise more than $2.5 million to purchase paediatric equipment for hospitals across the Northern Rivers, including Lismore Base Hospital, Grafton Base Hospital and the Tweed Hospital. Her connection to Our Kids began in 2001 after the birth of her son Isaak, who was born with renal failure and later required a kidney transplant, with Rebekka becoming his donor. She leads and delivers major community events such as the Sampson Challenge, the Our Kids Winter Ball, the Darrel Chapman Fun Run, the Melbourne Cup Luncheon and more, routinely giving time well beyond any job description. In 2024 to 2025 alone, Our Kids raised more than $140,000 to fund critical equipment that improves care and, at times, saves lives.
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said Rebekka “captures the best of Lismore’s spirit, which is people seeing a need and getting on with fixing it”.
Picture: Australia Day Award winners are joined on stage by 52 new citizens who took the oath on Australia Day.
Other award winners were:
Young Citizen of the Year – Charlie Murray
Charlie is a local young woman with agriculture and farming at the centre of her work and advocacy. She has represented the region through major awards programs and events, while also volunteering her time to support community causes.
Services in the Community (Individual) – Bruce Sheaffe
Bruce Sheaffe was recognised for a lifetime of contribution to Lismore through the transport industry and sustained community service. A born and bred local, he began as an apprentice mechanic at 15 and later took over Sheaffe Motors, growing it into a cornerstone business for the Northern Rivers and expanding its heavy vehicle support services, including a fleet operation and accredited inspection capability. Alongside his business contribution, Bruce has devoted more than four decades to the Lismore City Lions Club and has backed local initiatives like Healthy Harold by providing practical support to help programs reach local kids.
Services in the Community (Group) – Rainbow Roos
Rainbow Roos was recognised for building one of the most genuinely inclusive community sport programs in the Northern Rivers, giving children of all ages and abilities a safe place to try sport, often for the first time. With more than 60% of participants living with additional needs or disability, the club focuses on confidence, belonging and enjoyment, with sessions designed so every child can experience success without pressure or comparison.
Sportsperson (Junior) – Cooper Williams
Cooper Williams was recognised after being named in the Australian Under 17 cricket team following a standout national championships campaign in Brisbane.
He finished the tournament with 255 runs at an average of 42.5, including a commanding 118 against the Northern Territory, and continued strong form at club level, sitting among the leading run scorers in the Marist Brothers LJ Hooker League side.
He also plays Green Shield in Sydney for Gordon and produced a remarkable 202 not out at the Australian Marist Schools Tournament in Lismore, underlining the depth of his talent and his growing impact on the sport locally and beyond.
Sportsperson – Connor McCarthy
Connor McCarthy was recognised for his achievements in baseball, earning selection in the NSW Country Under 18 team for the 2026 Australian Youth Baseball Championships in Victoria. Competing from 7 to 15 January, the tournament brings together state teams from across the country and attracts scouts from Major League Baseball clubs and US colleges.
Connor also plays locally in the Far North Coast competition, representing Norths, and continues to build his profile through high-level representation.
Sports Team – Marist Brothers Rugby League
Awarded after winning the 2025 Northern Rivers Rugby League premiership, defeating Murwillumbah 22–12 in the Grand Final. The nomination notes that the team overcame a disrupted season to win the club’s first Grade premiership in 22 years, led by a local coach and a squad made up largely of local players.
Environment – Ina Engermann
Ina Engermann was recognised for hands-on, front-line work protecting koalas in the Northern Rivers through her volunteer role with Friends of the Koala.
Since 2020, she has responded to hundreds of rescue call-outs, including vehicle strikes and dog attacks, and has done the unglamorous hours too, late-night monitoring, trapping, rehab support and release work.
Arts and Culture – Jacklyn Wagner
Jacklyn Wagner was recognised for a lifetime of photographic work that has shaped how the Northern Rivers has seen itself and how it has been seen by others. A former Chief Photographer at The Northern Star, she has built a career around people-focused photojournalism, earning multiple awards and documenting the region across decades. Her body of work also includes major community contributions, including the long-running Our Kids calendar and powerful documentary projects such as Through the Heart, a 100-household portrait record of the 2022 floods that was exhibited at NSW Parliament and archived for future research. Her work is not just photography; it is local history with a pulse.
Economic Excellence – Felicity Hyde
Recognised for rebuilding Business Lismore and strengthening support for local businesses, including re-launching business awards, hosting workshops, improving business communication through a CBD WhatsApp group, and backing the local economy through expanded trading and investment.
Academic Excellence – Dr Chris Ingall
Dr Chris Ingall has been recognised for a career of service that has changed the lives of countless local families, both through his work as a long-serving paediatrician and as the founding force behind the Our Kids charity. Since arriving in Lismore in 1987, he has helped lift the standard of paediatric care in a regional setting and helped build a communitybacked model that funds vital children’s health equipment and support. He is widely respected for clinical leadership and for creating something practical that outlasts any one person, a local institution that keeps helping the next family through the door.
UNDERGROUND MAPPING COMPLETED FOR BROWNS CREEK
The upgrade of the Browns Creek pump station in downtown Lismore has taken another important step forward, with detailed inspections and GPS mapping of the creek’s underground pathway beneath Clyde Campbell Car Park now complete.
Browns Creek has flowed through a concrete culvert since 1969, forming a 400metre hidden watercourse beneath central Lismore. The creek travels from an inlet near John Crowther Car Park, under Browns Creek carpark and through to the pump station beside Wilsons River.
The recently completed investigations are a vital part of the project, providing accurate information to ensure future construction is safe, precise and responsive to both engineering requirements and environmental considerations.
Inspections were completed through a collaborative effort between Lismore City Council staff, specialist contractors and NSW Police Rescue. Detailed underground mapping confirmed the creek’s precise
alignment, with the data now informing the next stage of works and ensuring the final design accurately reflects the infrastructure beneath our streets.
Supporting local wildlife was also a key focus. Local ecologist Veronica Silver joined the group to identify microbat species known to roost within the pipe. Two species – the Little Bentwing and the Southern Myotis – are regular inhabitants of spaces like these. Her involvement will help ensure the project continues to protect and support Lismore’s urban ecology while essential infrastructure improvements are delivered.
With underground mapping now complete, the findings will feed into the final design of the new pump station, supporting Council’s ongoing work to strengthen Lismore’s resilience to future flooding.
Construction is expected to begin later this year.
For more information on Lismore City Council’s resilience efforts, click here
CONTACT US: 6625 0500
Corporate Centre: 43 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Post: PO Box 23A, Lismore, NSW 2480
Email: council@lismore.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.lismore.nsw.gov.au
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