As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this festive season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible spirit of our Lismore community.

This year has brought its share of challenges, but it has also delivered many achievements and shown the strength, kindness, and generosity that define us.

I find it hard to believe that it was nearly twelve months ago that we recognised Neville Graham as our Lismore Citizen of the Year, for his outstanding and tireless work through the SES and other organisations over many decades.

It was almost fitting then that we had to call on Nev and all of our emergency services to deal with Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which revived the trauma and stress that is still so raw from the 2022 floods. Fortunately, we didn’t bear the full force of Alfred, but it was very pleasing to see everybody enact their flood plans and to be so well prepared.

This is also a wonderful opportunity to recognise and support our local businesses. From the Business Lismore Awards night, hosted by Stephen Bradbury, to celebrating the second anniversary of the reopening of Norco in Lismore, there is no question that our business community, along with our primary producers, are both strong and vibrant.

By shopping locally, dining at our cafes and restaurants, and choosing local products and services, we help keep our economy growing and our community thriving. Every purchase makes a difference. I would also like to make special mention of the relaunch of the Lismore Cinema, after nearly four long years. What a great time it is to invest in Lismore and its villages.

So much has happened in the last year, from the Legends of Cricket game to the return of the much-loved Eat the Street, 2025 has offered up something for everyone. With big things planned, 2026 is shaping up as an even bigger year, with the first Primex to be held in Lismore, along with some huge yet-to-be-announced new events coming to our city.

Tied in with all of this, our recovery and rebuild continues. City Hall is due to be completed by Easter; record urban drain clearing, pothole filling, and road repair will continue, as well as pump station upgrades and other capital works projects. 

I would like to take a moment to thank our emergency services personnel and volunteers, who work tirelessly over the Christmas and New Year's period to keep us safe, often sacrificing time with their own families during the holidays. While many of us are taking a well-deserved break, spare a thought for those on the front line, in the hospitals and care facilities, or looking after those in need. Your commitment and courage are deeply appreciated by all of us and don’t go unnoticed. And it is these acts of unrecognised kindness and service that is truly the essence of Christmas. A time to reflect on what it means to love and be loved.

The atrocities at Bondi earlier this month should serve to strengthen our resolve to do good in the world and to defeat evil at every opportunity.  

On behalf of Lismore City Council, my fellow councillors, and my family, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year.

Let’s look forward to 2026 with optimism and continue building a strong, connected, and vibrant Lismore together.

Steve Krieg

Mayor of Lismore