The Lismore TAFE site in the CBD has been fenced off for over three years, and most of it still is. However, the view from Keen Street looks more typical of its long history of serving the community, thanks to the renovation of Buildings C and E.

Building C was the old Ambulance Station, opened in 1933, and Building E was the old Trades School, which was opened in 1929.

(The plaque on Building E, the old Trades School)

When Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan and Steve Brady, the head of TAFE for NSW, joined Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin in January 2024, the discussion centred on the courses Lismore would offer to the community. With the risk of future flooding, the state government has been exploring courses where equipment can be easily and quickly relocated when a flood is imminent. In the past, ceramic courses that utilised heavy kilns were offered.

In 2024, Mr Brady said, "We're very keen to make sure we have got a vibrant campus here that supports the local community, but we don't want to be investing in heavy equipment which is then going to be ruined when there's another event. So, we're trying to get that right balance, but what we're probably looking at is a different mix of courses and looking at courses that don't require that heavy machinery investment."

Eighteen months on, TAFE students are returning to the CBD campus, but on a staggered timetable as renovation works continue on the rest of the campus.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says it is great to see TAFE students return to Lismore’s CBD, with a range of courses now on offer at the site.

“It has been a long road back since the devastation of the 2017 and 2022 floods, but the heritage buildings on the Keen Street campus are refurbished and TAFE CBD campus is open for business. 

The campus opened in Semester One this year with courses which included Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, Community Pharmacy, Retail and Auslan. 

In Semester Two, this has been expanded to include certificate-level courses in Visual Arts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts, Hospitality and Business. 

“I know that there is a lot of excitement about the return of Arts courses to the City, along with our own NORPA taking over the Joinery (former Hampton and Larson site) that is right in between The QUAD and TAFE.” 

TAFE Art teacher Steven Giese says the move of art courses back to Keen Street shows TAFE's determination to continue its support of creative industries in a town famous for its high levels of cultural energy and resilience. 

“The CBD is the cultural hub of Lismore with the Regional Gallery, the Serpentine Community Gallery and a host of other arts friendly places and events and it’s great to have our students relating directly to Lismore's art institutions and to the community in general.”  

Ms Saffin said it's wonderful to have students return to the CBD as every reopening speaks to our ability to thrive in the heart of the city and surrounds.  

“I encourage prospective students to look into what’s on offer at the CBD campus.  

TAFE has brought its mobile kitchen to the campus to offer the Cert II in Hospitality, and for anyone looking for a career in admin, reception of customer service, the highly regarded Cert III in Business is also now open for enrolment.”