Business Lismore – March Wrap-Up
What a Month! March has been an exciting month for Business Lismore and our wider community. Momentum across the LGA continues to build, with businesses connecting, new members joining, and important conversations shaping the months ahead.
A Warm Welcome to Our New Members
We are thrilled to welcome nine new members to Business Lismore this month:
- Lyn Youngberry Property
- Lismore Legal Pty Ltd t/as Bolt Findlay Solicitors
- Northern Rivers Toxicology Pty Ltd
- Bobby Goldsmith Foundation
- Northern Rivers Lending
- Brian Henry Business Consultants
- Bolt Barn
- F-Fitness
- Family Support Network
It’s fantastic to see our network growing and businesses choosing to be part of a connected and supportive local community.
Business Lismore Awards – Coming Soon
Planning for the 2026 Business Lismore Awards is underway. These awards recognise and celebrate the resilience, innovation, and success of businesses across our region. Stay tuned, more details will be shared in April!
March Business After Hours
Primex hosted us at the Lismore Showgrounds, where over 120 people joined for a standout evening. We were honoured to hear from Bruce about Primex, it’s new home at the Lismore Showgrounds and gain insights from him and his sponsors, who bring the whole event together. Tickets on sale here
Advocacy & Representation
Business Lismore continues to actively represent our members across key forums:
- Premier Chris Minns Event: We received strong recognition for the progress being made in Lismore, particularly around housing and recovery efforts.
- Monthly Lismore City Council Meeting: Collaboration on initiatives supporting local business continues, with a focus on an upcoming April event helping businesses prepare for major events this year. Book here for the April Event: Leveraging Events
Community & Business Engagement
In March, we strengthened connections with organisations across the region:
- Family Support Services: Exploring membership and improved access to grants and funding.
- Living School: Attending the opening and touring their new facility.
- SCU Veterinary Network: Supporting partnerships connecting students with local clinics.
- Tavola LisAmore Italian Long Lunch: A delightful networking opportunity in a relaxed community setting.
- Business NSW Chamber Day at Ballina RSL: An educational day hearing from local chambers, sharing concerns, and participating in a short AI-focused workshop.
These conversations highlight the importance of collaboration and the role Business Lismore plays in bringing people together.
Community Safety & Wellbeing
- Community Safety Precinct Committee: Updates showed improvements in enforcement and support services across the Richmond Valley.
- Rural Adversity Mental Health Meeting: Discussions focused on developing a large-scale community forum to better support mental health — a vital priority for our region.
Celebrating Community Milestones
We were proud to attend the Northern Rivers Community Gateway 50th Anniversary, celebrating five decades of meaningful support for individuals and families across the region. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of long-standing organisations and the strength of our community.
We have much more to come.
Our next Board Quartly Strategic Planning Session is this week and will ensure the Chamber delivers on its 10 year strategic plan. Remaining proactive and aligned with the needs of our members and the broader business community.
Our Focus
Goal:
To be the most effective business support and advocacy organisation for the Lismore LGA fostering growth, connections, and success across all businesses and sectors.
Purpose:
We exist to progress the profile of all businesses, the community and the LGA, because strong businesses positively impact the community. Successful businesses ensure a thriving economy which ultimately improves the lives of every individual within our community.
Core Value Spotlight: Community Minded
This month, we highlight our value of being Community Minded. We think about the bigger picture and the impact of what we do, ensuring it positively affects the wider community.
Our focus this month is support. Supporting all businesses and the community. If we can’t provide that support directly, we will endeavor to provide you with someone who can
Michael Ackrell
Business Lismore President
