From local libraries and playgrounds to sporting facilities, community events and cultural experiences, Lismore City Council's draft budget continues to invest in things that bring people together and make the region a great place to live.
The draft budget supports community facilities and services across Lismore including aquatic and sporting facilities, arts and cultural programs, the regional gallery, libraries, parks and playgrounds, community venues and a year-round calendar of events and festivals.
Together these investments help strengthen the region's reputation as a great place to live, support the local economy, and continue Lismore's recovery and growth.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said liveability was more than 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."
Backing another year of regional and national events, Council's investment will also help attract people into the region to visit, stay and spend as the city continues building momentum, confidence and opportunity.
"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," Mayor Krieg said.
Council will continue supporting a diverse calendar of community, cultural and sporting events including the Lismore Lightn Up Lantern Parade, Tropical Fruits New Year's Festival, LisAmore!, Nimbin MardiGrass, the Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout, GEMFest, PRIMEX and the Lismore Show, helping create year-round opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, celebrate and experience the unique character of the region.
Lismore Regional Gallery will also host the 2026 Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award, one of the country's leading national awards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Highlights 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 U12 Cricket Carnival at Oakes Oval.
Now approaching four decades in Lismore, the annual U12 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.
Lismore is also working with Sports Marketing Australia to attract larger sporting and entertainment events to the region, including a proposed women's W-League football training camp later this year.
September's events calendar will include the annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout, a three-day carnival drawing close to 10,000 people and the Lismore Cup, with the Darrel Chapman Fun Run in August.
Plans are also underway for Rumble on the River and Groovin the Moo to return in 2027 following the recent resounding success of these 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 .
