In a generous announcement this morning, North Coast National Society President John Gibson opened the gates to everyone to enjoy the 2022 Norco Lismore Show from Thursday October 20 to Saturday October 22. It is believed this is the first time that the Lismore Show has offered free entry.

"The show has been the heart of our community for 137 years and we understand that many people are under a lot of financial and emotional pressure," Mr Gibson said.

"We've all had a very traumatic six months since the natural disaster and we're still recovering. Our community needs a show where we can just get together with family and friends and forget this year - even if it is only for a day or two."

"We want people to come together in Lismore and enjoy the hospitality that this town can offer. The show has been about the community as it comes together and again that's what we hope will happen."

The generosity of North Coast National to open the gates to the public comes at a cost so John Gibson is searching for some financial support from sponsors.

"We need as much support as we can get but if anybody has $100 or $10,000 we'll talk to all of them. There is so many bits and pieces (involved), just the entertainment budget so far for putting on a show like this year, we're looking at spending something like $100,000."

This year's entertainment includes the usual agricultural and livestock displays, a rodeo, Monster Trucks, Woodchop which includes two state champions, FMX bikes, a lego competition for schools and a circus as well as trade displays from the likes of Lismore Nissan, Lismore Toyota, Norco and Lismore City Council. Plus, this year there will be a Grand Parade at the official opening, recognising the lifesaving work of the Tinny Army and emergency services during the February natural disaster.

The North Coast National Young Woman and Teen Showgirl Competitions are open for nominations today.

2021 Young Woman winner Jenna Robinson encouraged all young women and teenage girls to nominate saying you don't have to live on a farm you just have to be passionate about your community.

"It's about being real ambassadors," Jenna said, "Please go online , come to our Facebook page, you'll see the entry forms and hand them in. I am looking at organising some information sessions so you're not going into it blind and I can give you tips, ideas and ways to go through the interview process and hopefully represent the North Coast National like I did in Sydney and represent our area."

This is the first Lismore Show since 2019 due to COVID-19 and John Gibson said their insurance company told North Coast National, they wouldn't be putting on a show in 2022 either. However, they were not going to let this happen.

This was acknowledged by major sponsor Norco's Mark Myers. "Thank you to John, his committee, staff and volunteers for making this 2022 Lismore Show after the catastrophic flooding and weather events earlier this year."

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan echoed these remarks, "We all know the pain the trauma, and everything this committee has been through for the last six months and the North Coast Nationals has always been a highlight, especially for Lismore but the surrounds. So, to have free entry to this, obviously to encourage participation for families who'd like to come but they're a bit stretched at the moment, they can now come in, walk in for nothing and can experience the wonderful celebration that the show is about, not just our agricultural sector, but our community as a whole."

Local Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin mentioned the "courageous act of generosity" by John Gibson and the North Coast National Committee.

"We saw over the weekend, there were a few events around Lismore. There were families, friends, neighbours, you know diverse events but everybody was happy because they were able to come out and enjoy themselves. That's what it will be with the show. It will be the three days where people can come out and have some traditional, along with some of our more modern events, that we have at the show and to honour the Tinny Army will be terrific."

So, the stage is set and the countdown is on for another major community event that will bring us together over three days in October (20, 21 and 22).

The Lismore App is proud to be a media sponsor of the 2022 Lismore Show and acknowledges the support of other sponsors like Norco, Hurford Hardwood, Thearle Electrical and Lismore City Council.

If you can be a sponsor contact North Coast National's Mark Sollom on 0436 306 364.