“Lismore High has entered the one-year countdown to its centenary celebrations in September 2020,” Chris Williams, Principal of The Rivers College Lismore High campus, announced today.

Lismore High School was officially opened in September 1920 after 7 years of lobbying from the local community for a secondary school in the town and moved into its new buildings in Lake St North Lismore in July 1920.

The laying of the foundation stone in November 1918 by local member George Nesbitt MLA was reported by the Northern Star then as “Today’s function at North Lismore will mark a step forward in the unending educational advance in these districts. The transition of Lismore from a remote country village to one of the most prosperous and up to date cities of this state has been rapid.”

Lismore High School quickly grew to be the first country based First Class high school in NSW by 1929, with students initially coming from as far north as Murwillumbah and later Mullumbimby and students travelling from across the district by bus or on the north coast mail train. 

“Lismore High School has played a dominant role in many people’s education and lives since its inception 99 years ago and it is hoped that past students in large numbers will attend the 3-day celebrations scheduled for 11, 12 and 13 September next year,” Williams said.

Lismore High School has had three location over its first one hundred years. Firstly, in Lake St North Lismore in the present Richmond river high campus until 1942, when it moved to the Keen St /Magellan St site for 27 years. Then in mid-1969 it moved to its present flood free location in Dalley St East Lismore.

The history of Lismore High School will be on display at Lismore High in Dalley St and tours of the three sites will take place on Saturday 12 September.

A gala dinner is planned for Saturday night and group reunions on Sunday with a special 100 year edition of The Lens, the school magazine also available.

All ex-students are encouraged to the attend the centenary celebrations in September 2020. One hundred years of our eminent country high school is a massive moment for Lismore and the celebrations will provide a great opportunity to catch up with old school friends and remember time spent at Lismore High School. 

Lismore High has a proud history of turning out well rounded students over the past 100 years, with many notable ex-students including a state governor, judges and lawyers, leading doctors and scientists, musicians, journalists, teachers, builders and other tradespeople, farmers, politicians and at least three Lismore mayors including Lismore’s present mayor Isaac Smith. 

Over the next year regular upgrades on the centenary celebrations will be issued and ex students are encouraged to register their names and reminiscences on the website https:/Lismore-h.schools.nsw.gov.au via the About Us/alumni tabs or make contact with the Lens centenary committee on LHS.centenary@gmail.com. You may also like to follow us on Facebook https/www.facebook.com/LismoreHighSchool.  

Media Contacts: Lismore-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au 66215185 

Prue Regan: Lens committee Prueregan@yahoo.com.au , 0430618699