From local libraries and playgrounds to sporting facilities, community events and cultural experiences, Lismore City Council’s draft budget proposes continued investment in services and facilities aimed at supporting community connection and enhancing the city’s liveability.
The draft budget includes funding for community facilities and services across the local government area, including aquatic and sporting facilities, arts and cultural programs, Lismore Regional Gallery, libraries, parks and playgrounds, community venues, and a year-round calendar of events and festivals.
Council says these investments will support the local economy, strengthen community wellbeing and contribute to Lismore’s ongoing recovery and growth.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said liveability extended beyond roads and infrastructure.
“Liveability is about having places to meet, play sport, learn, celebrate, connect with community and enjoy life close to home,” he said.
“These are the things that help build strong communities and support wellbeing and social connection, particularly during times when many families are facing cost of living pressure.
“Whether it’s a free library program, a local sporting competition, a community festival or simply spending time in a beautiful park, these experiences matter.
“These investments get people out to support local jobs and businesses, but just as importantly they create opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.”
Council will also continue funding regional and national events, which it says help attract visitors to the region and support local businesses.
“Lismore has built a strong reputation as a key destination for events, sport, arts and culture, and that activity delivers real benefits for the local economy and community, while making the region a more attractive place to live,” Krieg said.
Council will continue supporting a diverse program of community, cultural and sporting events, including the Lismore Lantern Parade, Tropical Fruits New Year’s Festival, LisAmore!, Nimbin MardiGrass, the Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout, GEMFest, PRIMEX and the Lismore Show.
Lismore Regional Gallery is also set to host the 2026 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award, one of Australia’s leading national awards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Major events scheduled over the next 18 months include Eat the Street, the 2026 NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event at Lismore Golf Club, the 2027 Swimming NSW Country Regional Meet at the Lismore Memorial Baths, and the return of the State Under-12 Cricket Carnival at Oakes Oval.
Now approaching its fourth decade in Lismore, the annual Under-12 Cricket Carnival attracts more than 16 teams from across NSW each year and has previously featured future Australian cricketers Usman Khawaja, David Warner and Steve O’Keefe.
Council is also working with Sports Marketing Australia to attract larger sporting and entertainment events to the region, including a proposed women’s A-League training camp later this year.
September’s events calendar will include the annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout, a three-day carnival that attracts close to 10,000 people, and the Lismore Cup. The Darrel Chapman Fun Run is scheduled for August.
Plans are also underway for the return of Rumble on the River and Groovin the Moo in 2027 following the recent success of both events in Lismore.
“This dedicated $20 million livability budget focuses on maintaining important community facilities, spaces, activities, programs, events and services, which provide access to free and affordable ways for our community to connect, participate and make the most of living in this unique part of the world.”
The Draft Budget by Program 2026-2027, Draft Operational Plan 2026-2027, Draft Revenue Policy 2026-2027, Draft Fees and Charges 2026-2027, and Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026-2027 are on public exhibition until Thursday, 11 June 2026, and can be viewed on Your Say Lismore.
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