Lismore Nestled between the rainforest and the sea in the Northern Rivers of NSW; 45 km inland from Byron Bay and 100 km south of the Gold Coast; Lismore is the cultural and economic capital of the Northern Rivers region, covering 1267 square km.
Lismore is the birthplace of the Aboriginal people’s Bundjalung nation.
Lismore’s population is comparatively young, with the median age being just 37 – the youngest median age in the region. The population continues to grow at a sustainable level with the City’s residents maintaining the highest household income for the region. The population of Lismore is expected to rise by 21.4% in the next 15 years to 53,680 people. (more)
Lismore is the commercial centre of the Northern Rivers region of NSW. With several major shopping complexes and fast growing suburbs . It is also the hub for a range of regional Government services
For sports enthusiasts, Lismore has excellent facilities such as Oakes Oval, a magnificent sporting ground hosting many major events; dozens of playing fields, baseball stadium, tennis courts, several gymnasiums, horse and greyhound racing tracks, and a very popular Speedway circuit, which is also the largest in the region.
Summers are characterised by warm nights and warm to hot days, and late afternoon rain is common. Autumn is generally warm with some rain showers. Winter brings cool nights with warm sunny days, while spring has cool-warm nights with warm, occasionally hot days. Rainfall in the region is relatively high – higher than in Sydney and Brisbane. (more)
Lismore is well serviced by quality private and public schools, pre-schools and TAFE colleges; in addition to a Conservatorium of Music and a range of Adult Community Education programs. It is also the proud home to the main campus of Southern Cross University, one of Australia’s most progressive and contemporary Universities.
Primary & Secondary
- 8119 school age children.
- 27 government Primary schools, and 9 non-government Primary schools
- 4 government Secondary schools, and 3 non-government Secondary schools
Higher Education
- Southern Cross University
- Lismore TAFE Campus
Farming & Industry
Lismore has a proud rural tradition, which began in forestry; graduated to dairy and has grown to include macadamia nuts, coffee, tea -tree plantations and bush foods.
The growth of industries such as medicinal herb production, health, transport, education and tourism continue to thrive.
The three largest industries by employment are:
- Retail
- Health care
- Education
- Agriculture
Notable Identities
- Con Colleano; the noted tightrope walker was born in Lismore in 1899
- Nigel Roy; a rugby league player, was born in Lismore in 1974
- Adam Gilchrist, cricketer, lived in Lismore from the age of 13, and was also the captain of his high school team
- Grinspoon; a popular rock band originated in Lismore
- Craig Fostera famous Socceroo star was born in Lismore in 1969
- Christian Layland ; football media personality lived in Lismore in his youth and also attended Southern Cross University
- Andrew Barr; Capital Territory MLA was born in Lismore
- Margaret Olley; the famous Australian Artist was born in Lismore
- Paul Glynn; Marist missionary priest and writer was born here in 1928
- David Mead (rugby league) NRL Player was educated here
- Tony Smith; Rugby League Coach
- Julian Assange; once lived in Lismore