The clock is ticking for two major events in October. The first being Daylight Saving this Sunday, and the second the 2025 Elders North Coast National Lismore Show being held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 16, 17 and 18.

Under warm blue skies with the sprinkler on in the main arena, North Coast National A & I Society President John Gibson said the popular Show would return with all the usual favourites, including a rodeo on the final night.

“It is not long until the Show, so now is the time to get ready for the return of our regular popular competitions and exhibitions. We already have some great attractions booked, including the HLB Mann Judd Ashton Circus that will perform throughout each day and Monster Trucks on Thursday and Friday,” he said

“Again, this year also have the Chill and Charge zone, which is a quiet zone for people to relax over a coffee and recharge themselves and their phones.

“The very popular FMX bikes will return, along with Jet Packs, a petting zoo, reptiles, fireworks and a community stage with a range of local acts, plus Dave Graney & the Coral Snakes on Friday night.

“The Show has been at the heart of our community since 1885 and is where memories are made.

“Once again, I would like to thank our naming rights sponsor, Elders, and all our regular sponsors. Without them, the Show could not go on.

“This year we also welcome new major sponsors, including Northern Rivers Ford and North Coast Petroleum Liberty Service Stations, with the latter running an Elders Lismore Show promotion through its four Lismore Liberty Service Stations.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said Lismore was lucky to have such a great range of community events.

“The Lismore Show is one of my favourites. Now in its 140th year, the show has always brought our community together to catch up with old friends and make new ones,” he said.

The mayor also confessed to the Led Steers being his favourite part of the Lismore Show.

"I'm an old school teacher. I worked in agricultural schools in a past life, and was involved when I was a school teacher in helping the kids train their steers, and to see the love and the care. The public sees these kids for one day, there's eight, nine or ten months of work that goes into getting these steers prepared for the show. It's not always the best ending, but, for me, to see the joy on the kids' faces, to see them develop and grow with their animals, is what I love.

"I love everything that goes on in the ring as well. I love just sitting in the stand, eating some fairy floss and watching everything that goes on. I'm excited that the rodeo is here. I think that's huge as well. They've tried a few times to have the rodeo in Lismore, and for whatever reason, mainly weather, that hasn't eventuated. So, fingers crossed for a dry three or four days, and we'll get it all in."

While it is too far out for any weather predictions for the three Show days this year, preparations are underway to make the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore the best they can be for the expected 25,000 to 30,000 visitors.

John Gibson said that entries across the board are strong, so the pavilion for art, vegetables and baked goods, horses and beef cattle.

"We've got entries from Tamworth, the Southern Tablelands and South East Queensland, so they travel a long way to get a win at Lismore."

State Member for Lismore and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said she was honoured to be opening the 2025 Elders Love Lismore Show, representing Minister for Lands Steve Kamper.

“The North Coast National is an iconic event because it has been bringing the best of the country to town for 140 years,” Ms Saffin said.

“A rodeo will be a highlight of Saturday’s program and will add plenty of excitement for the crowd.”

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, said events like the North Coast National support local businesses, highlight our farmers and producers, and give our community a real economic boost.

“The Lismore Show has always been about bringing people together. It’s a place where families come back year after year, where our kids get their first taste of the rides or the show ring, and where the whole community takes pride in showcasing the best of the Northern Rivers,” Mr Hogan said.

“I encourage everyone, whether you live locally or further afield, to come along, support our community, and enjoy everything this great event has to offer.”

Nominations are also now open for the 2025 North Coast National Young Woman and Teen Showgirl Competitions, but hurry, they close this Friday.

If you're between 13 and 25, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and make a difference. The Young Woman competition is for those aged 18 to 25 and Teen Showgirl for girls aged 13 to 17.

This is your chance to be an ambassador for your community, showcase your passion for agriculture and promote Lismore and the Lismore Show.

For more information about how to apply for the Young Woman and Teen Showgirl competitions, go to https://northcoastnational.com.au. Entries close this Friday, 3 October.

The gate prices for 2025 are $25 for single tickets, children (12-17)/pensioners and concessions $15, family pass (2 adults/3 children) $45, and children 11 and under are free. Parking is $5.

At the end of each Elders Lismore Show night, around 9pm, there will be a fireworks display.

See you at the Show.