Renowned for its physical beauty, frontier spirit and cultural diversity, Lismore is a thriving university City with world class sports facilities, branches of most Government Departments and an extensive shopping centre. Fringed by rainforests, it is just 40 minutes from some of the North Coast’s most spectacular beaches.
Known as the ‘Rainbow Region’, resulting from the area’s reputation for being at the forefront of new ways of thinking and alternative living, Lismore is also seen as the birthplace of ecotourism.
The Rainbow Region’s attraction lies with its cosmopolitan community which is determined to preserve the area’s natural charm. Protecting and enhancing the natural environment comes as second nature to most local residents, explaining why Council’s recycling and other environmental programs are so successful.
Later this year, world attention will once again be focused on Lismore City, when it hosts the 50th anniversary for Lions, the world’s largest service club.
Lismore is the birthplace of Lions. Established by Bill Tresise in 1947, the Lismore Lions Club started with 30 members. Today, around the world, there are more than 1.5 million male and female members.
In May, some 3,000 Lions are expected to converge on Lismore for the week long Convention to be staged in the Lismore City Hall. It is expected to provide a huge economic boost with an estimated $2 million being spent by delegates on accommodation and food, not to mention the boost for local arts and craft centres and other retailing outlets.
One of Lismore City’s more well known villages is Nimbin, home of the 1973 Aquarius Festival. Internationally renowned as a centre for alternative lifestyles and environmental awareness, people from around the world come to study permaculture, energy efficient housing and earth friendly technologies.
Others come to catch a glimpse of the ‘Spirit of Aquarius’. Nimbin’s main street, adorned with its famous psychedelic murals, has a range of cafes and restaurants providing healthy, natural, homemade products. A plethora of craft and other retail outlets showcase the many talents of local artists, craftspeople and designers.
