Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Honours an Aussie Cricketing Legend

Jeff Gibbs

Lismore’s reputation as a premier regional sporting hub has reached new heights with the unveiling of the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion at the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub. Named in honour of Adam (Gilly) Gilchrist, one of Australia’s greatest cricketers, the pavilion is part of a $12.4 million upgrade to Oakes Oval and Crozier Field.

A Tribute to a Cricket Icon
Adam Gilchrist, renowned for his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping prowess, is deeply connected to Lismore, where he spent his formative years and attended school in Goonellabah. As a key member of three World Cup-winning teams (1999, 2003, 2007) and a Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2002), his contributions to Australian cricket are legendary. His induction into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame cements his place in cricket history.

Reflecting on the honour, Gilchrist said:
“It’s an incredible honour to have a pavilion named after you. Growing up in Lismore, I never imagined this day would come. I hope it serves as a reminder of the community that supported me and how much this place means to me.”

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg described the pavilion as a fitting tribute:
“Gilly brought joy and amazement to cricket fans across the world. It’s an absolute honour to have this high-quality facility named after one of Lismore’s most iconic sporting figures.”

A Multi-Purpose Sporting Venue

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is a modern, multi-purpose venue designed to host sporting and community events. Key features include:

• Function room with internal seating for 100
• Commercial kitchen and bar
• Office space and meeting rooms
• Viewing deck overlooking Oakes Oval and Crozier Field
• Modern amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, and a lift

The flexible space can be divided into three separate areas, making it suitable for meetings, private functions, conferences, weddings, and corporate events.

A Major Investment in Regional Sport

The $12.4 million upgrade to the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub has transformed the facility, delivering:

• New change rooms
• Upgraded grandstands
• Enhanced spectator areas
• Cricket training nets built to national standards
• Additional amenities blocks

Funded through contributions from the Australian Government ($6 million), NSW Government’s Regional Sport Infrastructure Fund ($4.5 million), Stronger Country Communities Fund ($400,000), and Lismore City Council ($1.5 million), the upgrades ensure that Lismore remains a top-tier destination for high-profile sporting events.

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is now available for hire, offering an ideal setting for community gatherings, corporate events, and social celebrations.

For bookings and more information, visit the Lismore City Council website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Two $30,000 Grants Awarded to Combat Senior Isolation in Lismore and Tweed

By Jeff Gibbs

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has announced that Beating Hearts of Lismore (auspiced by Northern Rivers Community Gateway) and Tweed Shire Council have each secured $30,000 under the NSW Government’s $840,000 Connecting Seniors Grant Program 2025. These grants aim to support innovative projects designed to reduce social isolation among seniors in the Lismore district and Murwillumbah area.

Supporting Seniors Through Innovative Projects

Ms. Saffin congratulated both recipients, highlighting the critical role these initiatives play in fostering community connections for older adults.

“They are among 28 organisations funded in this year’s Connecting Seniors Grant Program across categories including Aboriginal, Multicultural, Creation, Enhancement or Expansion, and Local,” said Ms. Saffin.

“I’m particularly pleased that the wonderful Beating Hearts of Lismore, coordinated by Lismore-based Geriatrician Dr. Rachel Jones and her dedicated volunteers, will be able to enrich the lives of more local seniors.”

Funded Local Projects

1. Northern Rivers Community Gateway (Beating Hearts of Lismore):
   • Expansion of the weekly volunteer-led singing group, connecting older adults facing social isolation, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease, along with their carers.
   • Introduction of evidence-based dance classes aimed at improving strength, balance, and social connections.
2. Tweed Shire Council – Age Well-Connect Program:
   • A diverse range of activities to combat senior isolation, including:
     • Technology classes to improve digital literacy.
     • Cooking workshops to encourage social interaction and healthy living.
     • Falls prevention and cognitive health initiatives to support physical and mental well-being.
     • A vibrant jazz festival to foster community spirit and cultural engagement.

A Broader Commitment to Senior Well-being

Since its launch in 2020, the Connecting Seniors Grant Program has funded more than 120 projects, engaging over 30,000 seniors across 82 Local Government Areas in NSW. This program aligns with the objectives of the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, showcasing the NSW Government’s dedication to building inclusive communities and addressing the growing challenges of isolation and loneliness among seniors.

For more details on the grants program and the full list of 2025 recipients, visit here.

For more local news, click here.

Lismore’s Oakes Oval Wins Prestigious State Footy Stadium Award, Eyes National Recognition 

Jeff Gibbs

Lismore’s Oakes Oval has taken out the NSW Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award, putting the premier sporting venue in contention for the national title. This accolade celebrates the best community football facilities across Australia and is a testament to Lismore City Council’s commitment to delivering top-tier sporting infrastructure.

Following a $12.4 million upgrade, Oakes Oval is now a leading contender for the national prize, having firmly established itself as the premier AFL venue in regional NSW.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg expressed pride in the community asset, emphasizing its role in Lismore’s identity.
“Local sports fans can now enjoy the best of the best playing right here in our hometown stadium,” Mayor Krieg said. “The award-winning upgrades position Oakes Oval as a prime destination for high-profile games and events, further cementing Lismore’s reputation as a regional sporting hub.”

World-Class Upgrades

The stadium’s transformation included a complete overhaul of the grandstand, featuring new seating, modern media and coaches’ boxes, and an extensive refurbishment of the Gordon Pavilion, which now boasts a function room, bar, and kitchen. The change rooms, amenities, and storage areas were also modernized, ensuring a first-rate experience for players and spectators.

Since its redevelopment, Oakes Oval has hosted AFL pre-season matches, local Australian Rules Football, Rugby League, and cricket games, as well as community events such as Carols in the Heart.

AFL Venue and Government Partnerships Manager for NSW, Samuel Thomson, noted that the award paves the way for exciting new opportunities.
“Now one of the premier AFL venues in all of NSW, we look forward to Oakes Oval becoming the centrepiece for the continued growth of our game across Northern NSW,” Mr Thomson said.

Tony Duffy, Lismore City Council’s Manager for Liveable & Active Communities, highlighted the design and planning excellence behind the redevelopment.
“This is not just a regional facility; it’s a multipurpose stadium for Lismore and Northern NSW,” Mr Duffy said. “We’re eager to see more local and elite-level content in the coming years.”

A Collaborative Effort

The refurbishment, delayed by the 2022 floods, was a joint effort across all levels of government. The project was funded by contributions from the Australian Government ($6 million), the NSW Government ($4.9 million), and Lismore City Council ($1.5 million).

With national recognition now in sight, Oakes Oval stands as a shining example of what’s possible when community, sport, and smart investment come together. Lismore’s future as a premier sporting destination has never looked brighter.

Measles Alert Issued for Lismore

By Jeff Gibbs

Northern NSW Local Health District Urges Community to Stay Vigilant

Health authorities have issued a measles alert for Lismore after a confirmed case of the highly contagious disease. The person, who recently returned from overseas, was infectious while visiting several public locations in Lismore.

Potential Exposure Locations and Times:

• Lismore Square Shopping Centre (Cnr Brewster and Uralba Streets)
  Date: Sunday, February 2 | Time: Between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
• Lismore Base Hospital Emergency Department
  Date: Thursday, February 6 (6:15 pm) to Friday, February 7 (2:20 am)

The Northern NSW Local Health District Director of Population Health, Dr. Valerie Delpech, advised residents who visited these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Measles

“Symptoms to watch for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and a persistent cough, typically followed by a red, blotchy rash that begins on the face and head before spreading to the rest of the body,” Dr. Delpech said.

Symptoms can appear up to 18 days after exposure, so people who were at the above locations should remain alert until Tuesday, February 25.

“If symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately. However, it’s important to phone ahead so that precautions can be taken to avoid further spread,” Dr. Delpech advised.

Protect Yourself and Others

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. It is administered free of charge to children at 12 and 18 months of age. It’s also available for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t received two doses.

“Anyone planning to travel overseas should ensure their vaccination is up to date, as outbreaks are currently occurring in several regions globally,” Dr. Delpech warned.

For children under 12 months traveling to high-risk areas, the first dose of the MMR vaccine can be given up to three months earlier than scheduled. Parents are encouraged to consult their GP for guidance.

Where to Get Vaccinated

The MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and from pharmacies for individuals over five years of age. Those unsure of their vaccination status should get another dose as an additional dose is safe.

For more information, visit the Measles Factsheet or contact your healthcare provider.

For more local news, click here.

HISTORIC AGP FEBRUARY 15 AT CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY

By Dennis Newlyn

The seventy-second running of the prestigious Australian Speedcar Grand Prix will be the centre stage highlight of the Saturday night February 15 fixture at Castrol Lismore Speedway.

There will also be racing for Wingless Sprintcars, AMCA Sedan Nationals, RSA Sedans Junior Sedans.

The world acclaimed Australian Speedcar GP, which this year pays $5,000 to win,  is a very special event steeped in magnificent history and tradition after it was first held in 1938 at the former Sydney Sports Ground venue.

For promoters Kim and Mick Sauer it’s a major coup to again host this annual race at the historic Lismore Showground Speedway venue which in more recent years has become the home of the AGP.

“It’s an absolute honour to have the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix here following on from 2023 and last year’s successful event,” Kim Sauer said.

“It’s what this race stands for in the history of Australian and world Speedcar racing. It really counts for something with its perpetual shield and the glory of winning one of oldest Speedcar races in the world.”

In addition to Australia’s all time greatest Speedcar drivers, competitors representing America, New Zealand and England have won.

The legendary four times Indianapolis 500 winner AJ Foyt is a two times AGP Champion (1975 and 1976), at Sydney’s Liverpool Speedway, while the ‘king’ of world Sprintcar racing 20 times World of Outlaws American Champion Steve Kinser has his name etched on the trophy after he won in 1986, also at the Liverpool circuit.  Englishman Bill  Reynolds was the 1956 winner at the Sydney Showground.

Ten times Australian Sprintcar Champion Garry Rush took out the event in 1977 (at Liverpool Speedway) and the Sydney Showground (1996) while Sydney’s late, great multi Australian Speedcar Champion and 1988 Australian Sprintcar titleholder George Tatnell won at the Sydney Showground in 1973.

In the decades of the fifties and ‘sixties the AGP was held in consecutive years at the world famous Sydney Showground venue.

Top drivers from New South Wales and Queensland dominate the 2025 Lismore entry list.

The defending AGP titleholder is Sydney’s Kaidon Brown who last weekend took out the Speedcar main event at the Perth Motorplex.

For more information on the February 15 fixture at Castrol Lismore Speedway log on to www.lismorespeedway.com.au

AUSTRALIAN SPEEDCAR GRAND PRIX WINNERS: 1938-2024

*The Australian Speedcar GP was held twice in 1978. The first was part of the 1977-78 season and the other in the early stages of the 1978-79 season.

** New Zealand’s Frank Brewer late became an American citizen.

For more local news, click here.