LANEWAYS OF LISMORE ARTS FESTIVAL
23 August / Lismore CBD
A free celebration of art and music — featuring renowned live bands and DJs, vintage, vinyl and art markets, interactive lighting experiences, a curated children’s zone, food stalls and bars — transforming Lismore’s creative laneways into a vibrant festival hub.
23
LOLA 2025 ARTIST + VISUAL ARTIST Line-Up (A–Z):
• Casey May and the Lovers
• Cool Sounds
• Eggy
• Flo Records DJs
Guy Grey
• Lucy’s House
• Liminal
• Media Puzzle
• Mitch King
• Mitch Tambo
Mr Rhodes
NRC Youth
Jazz Orchestra
Shluffy
The Bones
The Deadly Good
Trusted Friends
Wax Addicts
Visual Artists
Marty Baptist
Paul McNeil
• The Back Alley Gallery
WADE PARK’S NEW AMENITIES
BLOCK GETS SEAL OF APPROVAL
Phase one of the Lismore community’s long-term vision for a transformed Wade Park has been realised, with Lismore
Councillor Gianpiero Battista and State Member for Lismore
The Hon Janelle Saffin MP on hand to officially open the park’s new accessible amenities block.
Wade Park is located on the corner of Military Road and Ann Street in East Lismore, and has long been a drawcard for young families, pet owners and nearby residents.
Creation of this much-needed public asset was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Public Amenities Resilience Upgrades program at a cost of $520,000.
Bookended by two sheltered picnic areas, the elevated amenities block comprises ten unisex toilets, including ambulant and wheelchair accessible cubicles, and is now better located for access to the playground facilities.
The new space is a key element of the wider Wade Park Masterplan, which has been developed through extensive community consultation and lists priorities such as BBQ facilities, sensory play areas, multi-purpose sports courts and a designated fenced dog exercise area.
Councillor Battista said: “It’s great to see this first piece of the Wade Park Masterplan completed. I know it’s something the community has been wanting for a long time and look forward to helping see it to fruition”.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin echoes the sentiment, describing the new amenities block as a significant upgrade designed with families and parkgoers in mind.
“It is so important to have toilet facilities near the play areas, so parents or grandparents don’t have to trek to the end of the park with all their children when just one wants to go to the toilet,” Ms Saffin said.
“With the new facilities, this all-weather space is destined to be a popular meeting point for birthday parties, play dates and other social gatherings. I’m proud to open this for the community, on behalf of the NSW Government.”
Council is working hard to secure more grant funding to deliver the Wade Park Masterplan.
The completed amenity is part of Lismore City Council’s broader effort to maintain and improve public amenities. Twenty-three public toilet upgrades are planned across the LGA, which are currently underway, ensuring access to clean and comfortable public amenities at local parks and rest stops for our residents and visitors.
ROUS ROAD ROUNDABOUT UPGRADE
Works are nearly complete at the Rous Road roundabout.
Since updating the design to further improve traffic flow, Council can proceed with finishing the works. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-August, once the scheduled works below are finished.
Construction on the concrete medians on the northern side of Rous Road has commenced and is expected to be completed by Wednesday, 6 August.
Following this, the final layer of asphalt will be laid on Friday, 8 and Saturday, 9 August. During the Saturday, the southern leg of Rous Road will be closed at the roundabout from 7am to 5pm, with a detour via Hamley Road and Philip Street.
Jubilee Avenue will be re-opened on Monday, 11 August and line-marking works are scheduled as night works for Sunday, 17 August, to minimise disruptions.
Interruptions to traffic are expected over the scheduled works days. Please follow traffic management officers and use detours as required.
If you require any support, please contact Council’s Contact Centre on (02) 6625 0500, or visit us between 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, at 43 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah.
For further information, simply scan the QR Code.
Council would like to thank the local residents and the wider community for their patience while we undertake this important work.
LISMORE SKATEPARK GRAND OPENING
Saturday, 16 August 2025
REZONING UNLOCKS 60 HA FOR NEW HOMES AND JOBS
Lismore City Council’s long-term plan for new homes and jobs in Goonellabah has been cleared by the NSW Department of Planning officially approving the rezoning of 60 hectares of land at 1055 and 1055A Bruxner Highway.
The state approval means the site can now progress as a new mixeduse precinct, paving the way for more than 400 new homes and over 100 commercial and industrial lots to support Lismore’s future growth.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the rezoning was a major step forward for the community.
“This is about creating diverse housing options and creating space for families, businesses and services in a safe, flood-free spot,” he said.
“With varied lot sizes throughout the site, this is about giving people more choice for a range of homes such as detached houses, townhouses or medium density living, all with parks, paths and green corridors right on their doorstep.”
Over 4,000 ongoing jobs are expected once the precinct is fully developed, alongside hundreds more during construction.
All lots are located well above mapped-flood zones, ensuring new homes and businesses are protected from future disasters. Buffers will be included to protect neighbours and local farms, and environmental protections will be built into every stage.
The new precinct will also focus on community connection and amenity. Parks, playgrounds and walking and cycling tracks are planned throughout the area, including the regeneration of Tucki Tucki Creek as a green corridor for people and wildlife. Dedicated areas are set aside for shops, childcare and recreation, making this a future-focused neighbourhood with jobs and services close to home.
Council’s Acting Head of Planning and Environment, Jamie van Iersel, said the project will deliver a genuine mix of housing and new jobs, as well as protecting local character and the environment.
“This is a long-term project, but it sets up Lismore for decades to come,” she said.
“We’re building a neighbourhood where you can walk to the park, cycle along Tucki Tucki Creek, and have local shops and childcare close by. Plus, every block sits above the flood zone, which is a must for our community’s future.”
While the land has now been rezoned, major upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure, costed at around $15 million are needed before development can begin.
Ms van Iersel also said Council is actively seeking grants and State or Federal support to deliver this critical infrastructure.
“We’ll keep the community updated as the project progresses,” she said.
ARCHIBALD PRIZE A HIT WITH PUBLIC
More than 4000 people have visited the Lismore Regional Gallery to view the Archibald Prize in the first fortnight since it opened, making it one of the most popular exhibitions the gallery has hosted.
Spread across three of our major galleries, the exhibition consists of all 57 finalist works from the 2024 iteration at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Judged by the trustees of AGNSW, the prize is awarded to a notable portrait painting annually.
Entries to the Archibald Prize must be painted in the preceding year from at least one live sitting. Since 1921, it has highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting the personal and intimate stories of our times.
The Archibald Prize 2024 features works by northern NSW artists Matt Adnate (winner of the Packing Room Prize), Angus McDonald and Ben Smith.
The exhibition is on display until 31 August 2025.
Ticket information
We encourage you to plan your visit and book tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be booked by scanning the QR Code.
General entry $15
Concession $10
Children free (under 16 years old)
The following session times are available for ticket purchase: Wednesday to Sunday 10.00am - 12.00pm | 12.00pm - 2.00pm | 2.00pm - 4.00pm
CAREERS EXPO CONNECTS LOCALS
WITH FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
The Northern Rivers Careers Expo was held last week at the Lismore Showgrounds, bringing together a wide range of employers, education providers and training organisations.
Lismore City Council was proud to take part once again, showcasing the many career paths available across our organisation, from engineering and planning to outdoor fieldwork, administration, arts, tourism and more. A strong turnout included local high school students and job seekers exploring their next career steps.
Thanks to Connect Northern Rivers Inc. for hosting another great event. To stay up to date with job opportunities at Council, subscribe to Job Alerts at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au
HAVE YOUR SAY
Council is seeking the community’s feedback on the proposed additional permitted land uses to certain E4 General Industrial zoned land within South Lismore.
The objective of this Council-led Planning Proposal is to amend Schedule 1 of Lismore Local Environmental Plan 2012 (LEP) to enable additional permitted with consent land uses, being community facilities, entertainment facilities, information and education facilities and retail premises, on certain mapped E4 General Residential zoned land surrounding the rail corridor in South Lismore.
The Proposal will allow for appropriate commercial and cultural activities to support the Northern Rivers Rail trail and is intended to strengthen Lismore’s visitor economy and support revitalisation of the Lismore urban area.
Council wants to know what you think about the Proposal before it proceeds.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure have determined Council may exercise Local Plan Making Authority functions in relation to this proposal; meaning Council will make the final sign-off.
Visit ‘Your Say’ on the Lismore City Council website to view the proposal: www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au .
Submissions are welcome via the methods below quoting 4.2025.947.1:
Online: The submission box on the Your Say page.
Email: council@lismore. nsw.gov.au
In Writing: Lismore City Council, PO Box 23A, Lismore NSW 2480
Submissions close 4:30pm Monday, 1 September 2025.
WHAT'S ON AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Free Tax Help
By appointment. Tuesdays at Goonellabah, Wednesdays at Lismore and Thursdays at Nimbin (Mobile) Libraries.
Are your tax affairs simple? Do you earn around $70,000 or less? Get free help with your tax return from a Tax Help Volunteer. Talk to library staff or call your selected branch to discuss whether you are eligible and to make a booking.
Lismore Baby & Toddler Clothes Swap
– with Bop it Tots
Saturday, 9 August, 9.30am at Lismore Library in collaboration with PBB Media and Lismore Toy Library
Browse and swap baby and toddler clothes. Kids play while parents connect. The Toy Library will be open and Bop it Tots will be on for free from 9.30am. Come along, bring your little ones and help us build something special in the heart of Lismore.
Northern Rivers Craft Group
3rd Tuesday of each Month, 10.30am – 12.30pm at Lismore Library
If you enjoy working on fabric projects, we have the perfect group for you! Knitting, crochet, patchwork and cross stitch. Join us for a relaxed and social morning.
Fibre Craft Group
2nd Sunday of each Month, 1.30pm – 3.30pm at Lismore Library
Lismore Spinners and Weavers for lovers of knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning and felting. Spinning Wheels are welcome.
Craftism
Saturday August 2 and 16, 10am – 1pm at Lismore Library
A craft gathering for neurodivergent individuals, aged 17 – 25. Bring your current project and hang with us!
SISTER CITY EXCHANGE STUDENTS ARRIVE IN LISMORE
Four students and their chaperone from Lismore’s Sister City Yamato Takada arrived in Lismore last week to take part in this year’s student exchange program, an ongoing legacy of the Sister City Agreement signed in 1963.
The program allows high school students from both Lismore and Yamato Takada to experience daily life in another culture, with the students hosted by local families.
The students will enjoy a full range of activities showcasing the best of Lismore and the surrounding areas during their nine-day visit. Key highlights this year include a tour of Rocky Creek Dam, a visit to Mountain Blue Orchards blueberry farm and packing facilities and the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, along with a private tour through the Lismore Regional Art Gallery.
Regular favourites, such as spending a day at Kadina High School, an excursion to Nimbin and participation in a cross-cultural art project, are also featured on the itinerary.
Late September five local students and their chaperone will travel to Yamato Takada for a 13-day exchange. The students, who range in age from 14 to 17, attend Summerland Christian College, Richmond River High, St John’s College Woodlawn and Northern Rivers Conservatorium.
HAVE YOUR SAY: FOOTPATH ACTIVATION TRIAL SURVEY
Lismore City Council recently ran a Footpath Activation Trial (January – June 2025) aimed at enhancing business activity, street ambience, and public accessibility. We’re now inviting feedback from local businesses and the community to evaluate the trial’s impact and consider possible improvements to the current Footpath Trading and Community Fundraising Guidelines. Your input will help shape how footpath use in Lismore evolves going forward.
Scan the QR Code to take the short survey
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
Find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.