Community
11 July, 2025
New event to promote Lismore
LISMORE will be hosting a new festival in a bid to promote community connection and allow new residents the opportunity to meet others.
The Lismore Midwinter Festival will be held on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, with a number of activities on offer for all ages.
Lismore Progress Association president Val Lang said the event came from discussions within the progress association about ways to welcome new residents and integrate them into the community.
“We were thinking about doing something at Christmas time, but we decided there was too much on at that time and thought we’d do it in the middle of winter,” she said.
“We were thinking of doing a Christmas in July, but we turned it into this, which is broader.
“What we want to do is bring people together, celebrate being where we are, and have some fun.
“It’s quite hard to get together – the sporting clubs do a good job, and we have the Western Plains Machinery Day.
“We’ve got several things that are really good to get people out and getting together, and we wanted to add to that.”
Part of the festival includes an art exhibition, which will feature works from people with a connection to Lismore, whether they have simply visited the town or are current or former residents.
Entries have opened with forms available online at lismore.vic.au/coming-events or at businesses in Derrinallum and Lismore.
Works are to be no larger than a postcard with $5 per entry and a maximum of three entries.
School students get one free entry into the competition.
Entries close at 12noon Wednesday, July 23 and can be personally delivered to the Lismore Craft Shop at 19 High Street or posted to 46 Gray Street.
The exhibition at the Recreation Reserve on Seymour Street will kick off festivities from 5.30pm on the Friday, with entry free for exhibitors and $15 per adult and $5 per child.
Mrs Lang said the Saturday will see a number of activities run by members of the community.
“In the afternoon (3pm) people are going to have a walk with the Heart Health Walking Group, which is a nice way to get to know the town if you’re new,” she said.
“The Derrinallum people have been helping us – they’ve been helping us with advertising and welcoming newcomers.
“The Lions Club have been fantastic and there are a number of businesses in the town who will supply the catering.”
Saturday morning will see Lismore local Eleanor Lang give a talk on local birds at the Lismore Golf Club from 9am, with a bird spotting walk following the talk.
The main festivities will be held in the evening, beginning at 5pm alongside the continuation of the exhibition.
Activities planned include a barbecue cooked by the Lismore Lions Club, face-painting, star gazing, music, a raffle, lucky dips and an opportunity to try LED fire twirling.
New residents will be gifted with a welcome pack by the Derrinallum Progress Association before a fireworks display rounds out the evening.
Mrs Lang said the format of the main event was to appeal to every age and work alongside the local clubs to provide entertainment to non-members.
“We’ve got quite a lot of new people, and we want this event to be somewhere they feel welcome at,” she said.
“The middle of winter is a bit difficult because of the weather, but we’ve got good facilities – we’ve got good wheelchair access for those who aren’t fully mobile.
“We’re making it earlier in the evening.
“Anyone who can’t come to the event can at least see it from elsewhere.
“This is an opportunity to enjoy an outing, welcome newcomers, invite friends and past residents, join in festival events.”
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