Lismore City Council will explore external funding opportunities to help secure a safe, accessible and long-term home for the internationally recognised Hannah Cabinet.
As part of its 2026–27 Budget deliberations, Council adopted a Notice of Motion to include a $0 budget line item, allowing it to pursue external funding to investigate a suitable future location for the cabinet.
Created by Lismore master craftsman Geoff Hannah OAM over six and a half years, the Hannah Cabinet is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most significant works of contemporary decorative furniture. Standing eight feet (2.4 metres) high, it features 34 timbers, four rare shells, 17 precious and semi-precious stones, 18 doors, 140 drawers and intricate marquetry panels.
The cabinet joined the Lismore Regional Gallery collection following a community fundraising campaign to keep the work in Geoff Hannah’s hometown.
Mayor Steve Krieg said the adopted motion recognised the cabinet’s significance as both a major cultural asset and a symbol of Lismore’s creativity and resilience.
“I recently had the pleasure of visiting Geoff Hannah and seeing this amazing creation as it continues through the restoration process,” Krieg said.
“The amount of time, effort and love that has gone into the Hannah Cabinet is extraordinary. This is a Lismore asset, but it is also a world-class piece of craftsmanship.
“Geoff’s work is held in important collections around the world and includes two artefact boxes made for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Coach. His skill is exceptional, and this cabinet deserves to be protected and celebrated.”
The Hannah Cabinet was damaged in the 2022 floods and is currently undergoing restoration by Geoff Hannah OAM, local craftsperson Colin Fardon and specialist conservators. The work is expected to be completed by late 2027.
Krieg said Council had a responsibility to consider the cabinet’s long-term future.
“After speaking with Geoff, it is clear there is a need to explore the most suitable long-term home for this remarkable work,” he said.
“We want the Hannah Cabinet to be accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy, but we also need to ensure it is safe and protected after many years of careful restoration.
“This motion allows Council to explore funding opportunities and consider all options, including whether future investment could support flood-resilient cultural storage and display space.”
No additional Council funding has been allocated. The $0 budget line item simply enables Council to seek external funding and investigate options for a suitable long-term solution.
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