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Local Matters: Issue 299, 25 Februray 2026

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AUSTRALIA’S BEST SKATERS SET TO COMPETE IN LISMORE

Lismore will take centre stage in Australia’s skateboarding scene this April when it hosts Rumble on the River, an official Skate Australia Olympic pathway event.

Running from 16–19 April 2026, the competition is a key stop on the Rumble Pro Tour and one of only four national events to feature both Street and Park disciplines, showcasing Lismore’s world-class skatepark as a premier venue for rising talent.

As part of Skate Australia’s recognised Olympic pathway, competitors at Rumble on the River will earn points towards national team selection, an important stepping stone for athletes working toward future Olympic Games.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said securing an Olympic pathway event showcases the city’s emergence as a destination for toptier sporting events.

“Our skatepark is one of the best in Australia and now sits alongside Lismore’s growing suite of world-class sporting facilities.

Hosting an Olympic pathway event is a proud achievement for our city and reflects the success of our investment in Lismore’s future,” he said.

“Events like Rumble on the River also showcase a city that has turned challenge into opportunity. Lismore is demonstrating a national model for how resilient cities are built, through community strength, clear vision and smart investment,” he said.

Rumble on the River will put Lismore on the national stage, with livestreamed competition showcasing elite athletes, drawing visitors to the region and celebrating the city’s passion for sport and community.

Rumble General Manager, Matt Wilson said: “The park itself is absolutely worldclass and I know the skaters love it! I Also want to acknowledge and thank the local community for welcoming us and we look forward to spreading the stoke as far and wide as possible. Super excited to get this going in April.”

More than 150 competitors from across Australia are expected to compete across multiple divisions including U9, U12, U16 and Open categories for both men and women. The event also features a significant $20,000 in cash and prizes, split equally across Street and Park, with equal prizemoney for men and women.

High-profile skaters will headline the four-day event, showcasing elite talent while also inspiring emerging athletes. Spectators can enjoy live music, food trucks and a festival atmosphere across the weekend, with the Rumble Roadshow offering learn-to-skate clinics and pro demonstrations for all ages and abilities.

Competitor registrations open in March, with all ages encouraged to enter.

GROOVIN THE MOO TO BRING A MASSIVE ALL-STAR LINEUP TO LISMORE

Lismore is absolutely buzzing with the announcement of the all-star lineup for Groovin The Moo at Oakes Oval on Saturday, 9 May.

From Baker Boy, Denzel Curry (US) Cover, Dope Lemon, Matt Corby, Tones And I, The Chats, The Terrys, Ninajirachi, Kath Ebbs and Maple’s Pet Dinosaur, this is a massive national and international line up heading to our city.

What makes it even more special is seeing Northern Rivers talent shining on the bill. Huge congratulations to local favourites The Colliflowers and rising star Angel White joining the line up, and there’s still one more local spot up for grabs through the Planet Music Homegrown Hero competition. If you’re a local artist, this is your moment.

Groovin The Moo – Lismore

Saturday, 9 May 11am–10pm Oakes Oval, Lismore

All ages

Tickets on sale Tuesday, 3 March 2026

• Homegrown Groovers Presale: 9am AEDT

• Presale: 10am AEDT

• General Public: 12pm AEDT

Lismore Locals get exclusive access to the Homegrown Groovers Presale - simply select “I’m a Lismore Local” when you sign up.

Sign up for presale access, enter the Planet Music Homegrown Hero competition and find full event info, click here

We can’t wait to welcome music lovers from across the country and celebrate an incredible day of live music right here in Lismore.

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH US

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together, we can forge gender equality. Get ready for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026.

Now in its 115th year, the theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Give to Gain.’

Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. Celebrate women’s achievements. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity.

Lismore City Council will once again host a series of events throughout the week in the lead up to 8 March. All community members, regardless of gender and age, are invited to come along.

Council will also be running a series of profiles on our LinkedIn page featuring many of the women who make our organisation vibrant and inclusive. Each has been interviewed and photographed by Denise Alison of Humans of Lismore. Access their inspiring journeys, unique perspectives and everyday achievements

Celebration in The Quad Thursday, 5 March from 3.30 pm

As part of International Women’s Day, Lismore Library and the Lismore Regional Gallery present a special Storytime in the Quad, celebrating storytelling, creativity, and community.

Join Margeaux from Lismore Library for a relaxed and joyful session of stories and songs, designed for pre-school aged children and their carers. The session sits alongside the Gallery’s Collage Club (4pm – 6pm), offering families the option to stay and take part in hands-on creative activities led by a local artist Nunez Rojas. Collage Club is open to all ages.

Our Backyard Music Program live music will follow in the Quad from 6.00pm, rounding out an afternoon of shared programming between the Library and Gallery in recognition of International Women’s Day.

Womb with a View

Lismore Library / Thursday, 5 March 5.30-6.30 pm

Join Mel Bampton, broadcaster and storyteller, for a unique blend of spoken-word, women’s wellness and humour. This is a keynote with clout, a peri-powered presentation created to educate Gen Z, motivate Millennials and celebrate Gen X.

Free The Nipples and Vulva La Revolution!!

Mel Bampton is a well-known media personality and advocate for social impact. She brings a wealth of experience from her time at triple j, as a long-term ABC talkback presenter, creator of Like A Version, author and her work in the music industry. Beyond media, Mel is a certified therapist and the Founder of The Prana Project, an innovative initiative that integrates environmental care with mental health practices, specialising in women’s hormonal health and changing neural patterns that keep us languishing in negative loops. Bookings essential. Click here.

Weave with Widjabul-Wiabul women

Lismore Regional Gallery / Sunday, 8 March 1-3pm

Light refreshments will be provided

Locally renowned WidjabulWiabul weavers, Val Smith and Penina Welch, will hold a special weaving workshop at the Lismore Regional Gallery. This free community event invites participants to learn how to create a small basket using locally sourced natural fibres. Bookings essential. Click here

RURAL ROAD REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Council is committed to applying for grants for State and Federal government funding to assist with the construction costs of some roads.

At present, four road upgrades are eligible under the ‘Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP)’ grant.

We are asking for the community’s assistance in completing a short survey on any or all of the roads listed below. The feedback we receive will provide essential information to support the grant applications.

Rotary Drive

An important collector road in our network, Rotary Drive, accommodates a large volume of vehicular traffic to and from the CBD, including emergency vehicles. Consideration for future works will be from Dixon Place to the Uralba Street roundabout.

Skyline Road

The lower eastern gravel section and the sealed western sections of Skyline Road, where it meets Wyrallah Road, are currently in poor condition, and the small bridge in the flooding zone is closed to traffic. The road is often used as an alternative route during flooding, further degrading it.

Simeoni Drive

The full length of Simeoni Drive is a consideration for funding. A significant route in our network that provides access to the main supermarkets for the Goonellabah community.

Rosehill Road, Blakebrook

Consideration will be given to Rosehill Road for approximately 1.4 kilometres from Nimbin Road. This section of road caters for Blakebrook School and is considered an important route for agricultural and quarry products. It is also an important route during times of flooding. Click here to fill out the Your Say survey.

LET’S GIVE OUR CBD A LITTLE LOVIN’

Clean Up Australia celebrated 36 years this year, a milestone in which we recognised the achievements of our community of incredible volunteers who each year, don their gloves and head outside to pick up litter.

Last year, more than one million volunteers around the country participated in an event. Clean Up Australia Day 2025, which was the largest Clean Up ever, with over 800,000 volunteers taking part during the campaign period.

This year to support Clean Up Australia Day 2026, Lismore City Council is supporting a call from local businesswomen, Felicity Hyde (pictured) who owns Scoop and Candy on Keen Street, to “Clean Up The CBD” from 10am to 1pm on Sunday, 1 March.

“Let’s give Lismore the love it deserves!. Come along and help us tidy up the CBD,” Felicity declares inviting everyone to come along, grab a bag and a pair of gloves.

“We will do a ‘blockie’ and help give the town a good tidy! Bring your friends and family along and get Lismore shining again.”

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg thanked Felicity and the other local business owner who have already come on board.

“It’s inspiring to see so much civic pride among our CBD business owners,” he said.

“I encourage everyone business owner or not, from children to seniors, to came along on Sunday, 3 March and give our town an extra bit of love.”

Council will remove and dispose of the collected waste as well as provide cleaning items such as bags and gloves.

To register for the event, click here.

TRAFFIC CONTROL DURING SAMSON CHALLENGE

The popular annual Samson Challenge returns to push competitors through a gruelling, yet fun and challenging obstacle course from Friday, 6 March to Saturday, 7 March.

To support the participants, Traffic Controllers will be positioned between Hepburn Park and Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre (GSAC) to ensure their safety.

This event is a significant fundraiser for Our Kids, a charity dedicated to purchasing paediatric equipment for the Children’s Ward and Special Care Nursery at Lismore Base Hospital.

There is a range of categories in 2026, including ranging from male open, female open, mixed, masters (over 40), Platinum (over 50), juniors and teenagers. There is also a solo option with limited spots available.

To register, head over to www.lismoresamson.com/registration.html to register.

LIVE LIFE IN COLOUR AT THE SENIORS FESTIVAL

The 2026 Seniors Festival (formerly Seniors Week) runs from Monday, 2 March to Sunday, 15 March 2026, featuring the theme ‘Live Life in Colour’ with hundreds of free or low-cost activities to celebrate older community members.

Council is marking the occasion with several events across our facilities

Film Afternoon – Sense and Sensibility

Friday, 6 March 2 – 4pm

Goonellabah Library will host a special screening of Sense and Sensibility, the much-loved 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel.

Memoir Writing Workshop

Thursday, 12 March 10am – 12pm

Local writer and journalist Sarah Armstrong will lead a warm, welcoming Memoir Writing Workshop designed to help participants capture their memories and experiences on the page at Goonellabah Library.

Reading that works for you

Every weekday during Seniors Festival 10am – 11.00am

Lismore Library will hold daily sessions for seniors to explore available online reading materials, with text size, colour contrast and dyslexiafriendly fonts adjustable.

Art and Ageing Enrichment Program

Fridays, 6 March to 17 April 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

Facilitated by artist River Mueller at Lismore Regional Gallery, this award-winning program enriches the lives of older adults and enhances social interaction and community through engagement with the arts and hands-on, creative activities in an accessible, inclusive and supportive setting.

Seniors’ classes at GSAC

Monday – Friday weekly, various times

GSAC offers low-impact, medium-intensity classes specifically designed for seniors, including aqua aerobics, chair yoga and slow flow.

NSW OVER 70S STATE CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING TO LISMORE

Lismore is set to host a major state sporting event this March, with the NSW Over 70s State Cricket Championships coming to the region for a week-long competition.

Hosted by the Far North Coast Veterans Cricket Club, the Championships will run from the week commencing 9 March, bringing 11 teams from across New South Wales to Lismore, Ballina and Lennox Head.

Matches will be played across some of the region’s premier sporting facilities, including Oakes Oval, Mortimer Oval and Nielson Oval in Lismore, as well as Fripp Oval and Kingsford Smith South Oval in Ballina and Megan Crescent Oval in Lennox Head. Games are 40-over matches, starting daily from 10am, with modified playing conditions adding a unique element to the competition.

This multi-day, state-level event highlights the strength of Lismore’s sporting infrastructure and its ability to host large-scale competitions across multiple venues. It also delivers a strong boost to the local economy, with visiting players, officials and supporters staying locally and supporting accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants and retailers throughout the week.

Far North Coast enter the Championships as defending back-to-back title holders and will be aiming for a third straight win on home turf.

Beyond the competition itself, the Championships provide an opportunity for players to reconnect, relive memories from previous tournaments and enjoy everything the Northern Rivers has to offer.

We look forward to welcoming teams from across NSW and showcasing our region’s outstanding facilities, community spirit and hospitality.

FOUR YEARS ON IN LISMORE’S REBUILD

Since the 2022 natural disaster, Lismore City Council has remained focused on Lismore’s recovery and future, ensuring critical infrastructure is restored in a way that supports long-term growth and resilience.

While Lismore’s restoration has been a collaborative effort across all levels of government, Council has led the charge, establishing a dedicated, award-winning team which has set industry leading standards in program management and is delivering the largest capital program of any local council across the state.

Since 2023, Lismore City Council has governed a $1 billion, state and federally funded flood-restoration portfolio — the largest capital program of any local council in NSW — spanning 338 projects across water, roads and bridges, buildings, waste and resilience infrastructure.

At this anniversary milestone:

✓ 133 flood restoration projects are complete

✓ 142 projects are currently in active delivery

✓ 135 contracts have been executed

✓ $145 million in works are underway

✓ More than $200 million has flowed directly into local and regional businesses, supporting jobs and economic recovery across the Northern Rivers

Major milestones include:

✓ Full restoration of key community assets with resilient upgrades, including Lismore City Library, Lismore Memorial Baths, Lismore Municipal Building and Lismore Regional Gallery

✓ Completion of 82 road restoration projects across the LGA

✓ Award of the $119 million Lismore Reconstruction Program contract on time and within budget

✓ Construction of 10 new flood-resilient amenities blocks

✓ Major landslip stabilisation works on Nimbin Road and Woodlawn Road

✓ Early completion of the new landfill

✓ Rollout of a new fibre-optic network for wastewater pump stations

Rather than treating recovery as a temporary surge in activity, Council made a deliberate decision to lift its institutional capability while rebuilding physical assets.

We thank the community for its patience as we continue the future-proofing of Lismore.

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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Local Matters: Issue 299, 25 Februray 2026 by Lismore City Council - Issuu