GRANDSTAND NAMED AFTER CRAIG FOSTER
Lismore’s place as a breeding ground for Australian sporting champions has been celebrated once again, with Council naming the third and final grandstand at Oakes Oval in honour of one of the city’s most respected sporting sons, Craig Foster AM.
The Craig Foster Grandstand features as part of the Lismore Regional Sports Precinct $12.4 million stadium redevelopment and stands as a tribute to Foster’s outstanding contribution to football and his ongoing legacy as a respected civic and sporting leader.
The official naming took place just before kick-off at last weekends preseason A-Leauge clash at Oakes Oval between the Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar in front of more than 3000 fans (cover picture).
A former Socceroo and celebrated football broadcaster over many decades, Foster’s football journey began in Lismore, where he grew up and attended Kadina High School.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said Foster’s name is synonymous with excellence, integrity and leadership.
“He is a homegrown talent who didn’t just represent Australia on the world stage, he became a national leader in sport. Craig has never forgotten his roots, and Lismore is proud to honour him,” he said.
Throughout his career, Craig Foster earned 29 caps for the Socceroos, represented Australia in World Cup qualifiers, Confederations Cup tournaments and OFC Nations Cup victories.
Foster’s international playing career included stints with clubs across Australia, Asia and England with Crystal Palace FC, before retiring in 2003. He later became one of the country’s most recognisable football voices through his 18 years as chief analyst with SBS, covering multiple FIFA World Cups and shaping national conversations about the game.
Craig Foster said the honour was deeply meaningful: “I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to have this grandstand named after me in my hometown. Football has given me so much throughout my life, and it all started right here,” he said.
ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF GROWTH OVER LAST SIX MONTHS
The Lismore CBD continues to show signs of renewal and economic resilience, with an 81% occupancy rate recorded across audited business premises as of June 2025 representing a 3 percentage point uplift from December 2024.
Council’s twice-yearly CBD audit monitors the occupation rate of shopfronts and upper-level premises across the Lismore CBD to measure business growth and community confidence.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the data helps track business and organisational trends within ‘The Block’.
“This increase is great news as Lismore continues to rebuild and shows the confidence our local businesses have in Lismore’s future as they continue to invest in the CBD and create local jobs,” he said.
“The current rate highlights the vibrancy of the CBD and the collective investment of local businesses, event organisers, creative industries, sporting groups and major infrastructure initiatives.”
Despite some variation, occupancy rates remain on an upward trend compared to previous post-disaster audit figures.
The Lismore CBD audit covers central portions of Keen, Molesworth, Woodlark, Conway, Magellan and Carrington streets.
Below are the street-by-street occupation rates at June 2025, compared with December 2024.
• Keen Street occupancy rate – 88% (up 3% since December 2024)
• Magellan Street occupancy rate – 82% (up 7% since December 2024)
• Conway Street occupancy rate – 67% (no change since December 2024)
• Carrington Street occupancy rate – 82% (up 4% since December 2024)
• Molesworth Street occupancy rate – 83% (down 3% since December 2024)
• Woodlark Street occupancy rate – 70% (up 10% since December 2024)
This is the sixth Lismore CBD audit following the 2022 natural disaster. The same area of the Lismore CBD has been audited by Council staff each year since 2017.
It’s important to note that fluctuations in total premises due to amalgamations or subdivisions can affect the baseline data used in each audit.
CELEBRATING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
PJs Fruit and Veg has been named Business of the Year at the 2025 Lismore Excellence Awards.
Hosted by Business Lismore (Lismore Chamber of Commerce) at the Lismore Turf Club, the event brought together more than 320 people to celebrate excellence, innovation and resilience in the local business community. The events Master of Ceremonies was Steven Bradbury OAM.
Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended.
Picture: PJ's Brendan Garred, Business Lismore President Michael Ackrell and PJ's Natasha Garred - Paul Tuthill Photography
Excellence in Health, Care & Wellness Industries
Winner: Rainbow Roos
Highly Commended: Northern Rivers Hemp
Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under DUAL WINNERS
Winner: Joel Jensen Constructions
Winner: Terania Consulting
Employer of Choice –21 Employees and Over
Winner: Social Futures
Highly Commended: Summerland Bank
Excellence in Agriculture & Primary Industries
Winner: Mountain Blue
Outstanding Visitor Experience
Winner: 187 Cantina
Highly Commended: The Levee Lounge and Bar
Excellence in Innovation
Winner: Boost My Business 247
Outstanding Young Business Leader
Winner: Corbyn Michael Johnston - Beyond Barriers Support
Highly commended: Joel Jensen - Joel Jensen Constructions
Outstanding Employee
Winner: Cameron Webster - The Levee Lounge and Bar
Highly Commended: Carrie Smith - Newton Denny Chapelle
Highly Commended: Elyse Dallinger - Itchyfoot
Excellence in Trade, Construction & Manufacturing
Winner: Joel Jensen Constructions
Highly Commended: O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
Winner: Indigo Rose Disability Support Services
Highly Commended: Women Up North
Excellence in Micro Business (DUAL WINNER)
Winner: Evolve Healthcare
Winner: Halray Brake Reconditioning
Highly Commended: Mel’s Melting Moments Gift Shop
Outstanding New Business
Winner: Beyond Barriers Support
Highly Commended: Silt Studio
Excellence in Small Business
Winner: Joel Jensen Constructions
Winner: PJs Fruit and Veg
Winner: Terania Consulting
Excellence in Business & Professional Services
Winner: South Lismore Post Office
Excellence in Creative Industries (DUAL WINNER)
Winner: The Levee Lounge and Bar
Winner: Silt Studio
Excellence in Retail and Personal Services
Winner: PJs Fruit & Veg
Highly Commended: South Lismore Post Office
Excellence in Sustainability
Winner: Summerland Bank
Outstanding Community Organisation
Winner: Our House
Highly Commended: Northern Rivers Community Foundation
Excellence in Large Business
Winner: Newton Denny Chapelle
Outstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Daniel Winkler-Maloney - Newton Denny Chapelle
Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees and Under
Winner: Tracy Anne Ward - South Lismore Post Office
Highly Commended: Natasha Garred - PJs Fruit & Veg
Highly Commended: Brendon Garred - PJs Fruit & Veg
Highly Commended: Jarryd Wilson - JMW Finance
Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over
Winner: Damian Chapelle - Newton Denny Chapelle
Business of the Year
Winner: PJ Fruit & Veg
LOCAL MATTERS IS MOVING WITH THE TIMES
Lismore City Council first published the fortnightly Local Matters community newsletter in January 2014.
Almost 300 issues later, the world had significantly changed, as has how people consume information, particularly post COVID.
Local Matters is responding to the community-driven demand and after this issue will move to an online-only distribution method. This means it will no longer be printed and mailed to every household, saving Councill a significant amount of money.
The new online Local Matters will still have the same feel and publish all the regular and popular features keeping the community up to date on projects and what Council is doing for our community, but with the benefit of being timelier without the long print deadlines.
It will now be published every second Wednesday from Wednesday, 3 September 2025.
Community members can either use the online flip book to read the publication or download it from our website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au
WHAT’S ON AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARIES
Dying Matters Cafe
Monday, 18 August: 10am-11.30am at Goonellabah Library
Join us for a facilitated discussion over a cuppa to talk – or sometimes, just listen, whatever feels right – about death, grief or end-of-life planning. It might sound morbid, but the experience can be uplifting, freeing and even help participants embrace life and change in a new way. Bring your questions and thoughts - be they practical, funny, scary or spiritual.
Free Tax Help
By appointment. Tuesdays at Goonellabah, Wednesdays at Lismore and every second Thursday at Nimbin (Mobile Library).
Need a hand lodging your tax return? If your tax affairs are simple and you earn around $70,000 or less, you could be eligible for free help from a Tax Help Community Volunteer! Talk to library staff or call your selected branch to discuss whether you are eligible and to make a booking.
Laughter Yoga
Thursdays: 3.30pm-4.30pm at Lismore Library in the Function Room
Laugh! Clap! Breathe! Creative, exhilarating and calming. No floor exercises. Free, all welcome.
Women’s Health Week Pop-Up
Wednesday, 3 September: 10am – 2pm at Lismore Library
Come along and meet staff from the Women’s Health Northern Rivers (WHNR) and BreastScreen NSW to chat to about all your women’s health needs. Learn more about health checks, nutrition, emotional and physical wellbeing, supportive groups and holistic women’s health.
FATHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY
The perfect gift for Dad – plus your chance to win!
Not sure what to get Dad this Father’s Day? A Loving Local Gift Card is the perfect choice and when you buy online, you’ll go in the draw to win one of three bonus $300 gift cards!
There are loads of amazing local retailers and great places to dine where Dad can use his card.
All online purchases are automatically entered. Offer ends at midnight on Sunday, 7 September 2025.
Purchase your Loving Local Gift Card online today and give Dad a gift he’ll love.
For more information and to purchase a Loving Local Gift Card go to: www.visitlismore.com.au/fathers-day or scan the QR Code.
DUNOON ROAD/TWEED STREET
CORRIDOR UPGRADE
Council is applying for funding to upgrade the Dunoon Road /Tweed Street corridor.
These upgrades will significantly improve road access and safety in the area, as well as support a range of important community assets and future developments.
As part of this application, Council is undertaking community engagement to gather supportive feedback for the application.
Council has started assessments and preliminary scoping on the proposed upgrades, which include:
• Upgrades to the Tweed Street and Terania Street intersection
• A new shared path along Tweed Street
• Widening and upgrading of Tweed Street
• Upgrades to the Lake Street entrance
• A new roundabout at Alexandra Parade/Tweed Street/Dunoon Road
• Sealing of Alexandra Parade and Dunoon Road sections
• Design for future car parking at the south-west corner of Tweed Street/Alexandra Parade.
• Shared path and road improvements along Dunoon Road to the second roundabout
These works are eligible for the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP). To support the funding application, community feedback is sought via a five-minute online survey available on Your Say Lismore or by scanning the QR Code. Council officers will be speaking directly with businesses and organisations in the area to secure feedback on the social and economic benefits of these upgrades.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Lismore City Council is working with the Clunes community to create a plan for the future of the village.
As Clunes continues to grow, Council wants to ensure that any changes reflect the needs and shared community vision of the people who live here.
The Clunes Master Plan will focus on preserving the unique character of the village while addressing important issues like infrastructure, housing, traffic and sustainability.
Lismore City Council is now seeking a final round of community feedback on the draft Clunes Master Plan before it is submitted to Council for adoption towards the end of the year.
Consultation period ends on 15 September 2025.
The community can access the draft Clunes Master Plan and complete the feedback survey via Council’s ‘Your Say’ page or by scanning the QR Code.
Alternatively, people can attend an in-person drop-in session at the Clunes Coronation Hall. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for the community to connect directly with the project team, including Council’s Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Water and Sewer teams, as well as the civil engineer. The draft Clunes Master Plan will be available and the community can complete the feedback survey.
Two sessions are being held:
Thursday, 4 September | 3pm – 6pm
Saturday, 6 September | 9am – 12pm
After the consultation period, community feedback will be incorporated into the draft plan before it is submitted for final adoption towards the end of the year.
COUNCIL DECIDES
At their Ordinary August Council meeting, Councillors resolved to:
• Receive minutes of the Local Traffic Committee and adopt the recommendations, and footpath lighting is considered by the Local Traffic Committee as a priority along Ballina Road, Goonellabah, between Kadina Street and Pindari Crescent, including the overpass, and a recommendation or report be brought back to the September Council meeting.
• Confirm its original determination and maintain the refusal of DA23301 in accordance with the independent consultants’ findings
• Support the Planning Proposal for 92 Dunoon Road, North Lismore for amendments to the Local Environmental Plan as detailed within the Business Papers and that the Planning Proposal be finalised in accordance with the delegation issued to Council by the Gateway Determination
• Publicly exhibit the draft Clunes Master Plan for a period of 28 days and submissions received be reported to Council for consideration and adoption of the plan
• Receive and note the July 2025 Investments Report.
• Approve the delegation of authority to the Mayor for the use of a corporate credit card with a monthly limit of $1,500 and (2) require all expenditure incurred under this delegation: comply with Council’s Procurement Policy, Credit Card Policy, and Code of Conduct, be submitted for approval and acquittal through the same process required of Council employees and be included in regular internal reports and the annual public report on councillor expenses and facilities in accordance with the Office of Local Government Guidelines
• Send three voting delegates to the 2025 Local Government NSW Conference. They are Councillors Krieg, Hall and Rob. Councillors Bing, Battista and Jensen attend as non-voting delegates
• Council submit the following motions: (1) That LGNSW lobby the State Government to establish a NSW Disaster Ready Fund, to assist local government to restore or improve essential public assets in a timely manner, and to support local government disaster mitigation and preparedness projects, so NSW is better prepared for future disasters
• Receive the Mayoral Attendance Report for July 2025
• Use funding for a new upgraded footpath through the Sports precinct, linking the CBD to Lismore Square approved, the Walk of Honour, already resolved by Council to progress, incorporating the current footpath in the future design, (2) establish a committee of interested Councillors, with the Mayor as chair, (3) hold a workshop to develop terms of reference and eligibility guidelines and be brought back to Council for adoption, and (4) call for Expressions of Interest from the community for potential honourees following this process
• Prepare a Developer Offsets Policy
• Withdraw policies 1.4.2, 1.5.1, 5.17.5, 5.2.1, rewrite policy 8.5.1 as a Sport, Tourism, Culture and Art Policy and review the Biodiversity Strategy with a report to come to Council before Christmas
• Undertake community consultation for those properties whose boundary areas have changed from rural to village, the findings of this consultation be brought back to Council’s October meeting, and no green bins are rolled out in the rural areas until the 2030 EPA mandate until all exemptions are known
• Briefings to be recorded and made available to Councillors and staff upon request
• Approve 12.1 Tender T532425RTC - Quarry Crushing and Screening Services at Blakebrook Quarry
• Approve 12.2 Recommendation for Award: Casual Plant Hire Panel
• Approve 12.3 Supply and Delivery of Bulk Fuel, Fuel Cards and Lubricants
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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