About Business Lismore
Promoting Lismore as the regional hub: a great place to live, work, and do business.
The Lismore Chamber of Commerce has a long history, having originally been formed around 1900 or possibly earlier (trove.nla.gov.au). It’s interesting to note the issues that were of great interest even then included, amongst other things, the poor state of the roads, an extension of the railway service, and discussion about the construction of the ‘new’ post office (on the corner of Molesworth and Magellan Streets) and how it could be made flood safe. It would seem that Lismore Chamber encompassed a wide area including Byron Bay, and down to Coraki and over to Grafton.
Fast forward to today – In 2021, we refreshed our affiliation with Business NSW, to become Business Lismore. We continue to be Lismore’s peak business body and despite the challenges the COVID-19 has thrown at us all, and especially this year post-flood, our goal has always been to create a strong, united and thriving business community. Our alliance partnership with Business NSW allows us to give you a powerful membership voice and greater value for your membership fees.
We work with all levels of government – local, state and federal and we represent our members on a range of forums and working groups as diverse as flood management, safety, employment issues, CBD activation, disability, and affordable housing. All issues that impact investment in the 2480 LGA. We also provide updates to groups including RDA Northern Rivers, and are able to provide letters of support for grant applications, speak at Council meetings in support of DA’s and represent members in media interviews.
Lismore leads the region in many areas such as education, medicine, culture and arts, law, finance and construction. It has the largest workforce and the highest median income on the far north coast making it the powerhouse of local economies. The local business community has shown continual strength and resilience, recovering from 2017 Cyclone Debbie, and in 2022, the most damaging floods in our recorded history. Despite all, we won Best Regional Chamber and then went on to win ‘Outstanding Local Chamber’ at the Business NSW State Awards in November 2022. A highlight for the year!
Lismore is strategically placed within range of Byron Bay, Ballina, Grafton, Casino, Kyogle, Nimbin, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads. We are 2 hours from Brisbane and 2 hours from Coffs Harbour.
Our Board
Our board is made up of a passionate group of business owners who volunteer their time and expertise. From business management, marketing, financial, event, retail, industry and social welfare, we represent the business community every day and own, manage or are employed in businesses from micro to large. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday each month.
You can read a brief profile for each Board member below. and you can see previous board members here.
Board elected at AGM 15 November 2023
Paul Murphy
Treasurer
Paul has been running his own Financial Planning Business “AdvicePlus Financial Solutions” since 1991. A local, born and bred and still living at Caniaba, Paul has seen a lot of changes to the local area in his lifetime, some good, some not so good.
Paul is a former Board Member of the Casino Chamber of Commerce and the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. and has also served on Industry Association Boards. Paul is well qualified to work in a team environment and is prepared to support our local businesses in making Lismore great again!
Sharnette Josephs
Board Member
Sharnette has lived in the Northern Rivers for over 30 years and has been part of the business community, in particular as an owner of an accounting firm (Biztax Services Pty Ltd) since 2007. She understands business and is passionate about helping business owners grow their ventures whilst being part of a vibrant regional centre. Sharnette has been treasurer for this board since 2019.
Greg Krarup
Board Member
Greg Krarup has resided in Lismore since 2016 and is the owner of Kemp Agencies in East Lismore. Although having only spent just a short time in the region compared to most, Greg comes with a wealth of experience living in and working with other regional cities and major towns. His career has predominantly been in corporate agribusinesses with major international companies though currently working for himself not only in Kemp Agencies but as a consultant for many major pastoral houses, international agribusiness companies and government bodies. Greg has a broad understanding of the challenges small and large businesses endure through seasonal and climatic conditions and will endeavour to help local businesses remain competitive and efficient.