With a population of approximately 45,500, Lismore is the business centre of this region. It has branches of the major Government departments, including health, education, social services, justice and employment. Lismore is also the commercial centre of the north east of NSW, with two major shopping centres, a thriving and ever growing CBD, an airport with daily flights to Sydney, and many small industries in two main industrial estates.

Lismore is in the heart of Northern NSW, a district renowned for its physical beauty, diverse cultural life and its frontier spirit. A thriving city with high quality sporting facilities and extensive shopping choices, not to mention a university that brings people from all around the world every year to study in the highly rated facilities provided by Southern Cross University. With the Hospitality, Teaching and Nursing students having one of the highest percentages of gaining employment after completing their study in the state, it’s no wonder Lismore brings in thousands of uni students every year.

Located on the doorstep of three world heritage rainforests, near two of the top 5 tourist destinations in Australia (being the culturally diverse Nimbin and the beautiful Byron Bay), only 40 minutes inland of spectacular beaches of Byron Bay and only a 2.5 hour drive from Brisbane, Lismore has become a major tourism destination based on the beauty of its environment. People travel from throughout the country and world to see rare flora and fauna, the remains of the region's volcanic history and lush rainforests. In the centre of the city itself lies a few hectares of rainforest, Rotary Park and only a 60 minute drive away is Mount Warning.

Lismore's attraction also lies in its cosmopolitan communities of residents who are passionate in preserving its natural resources. Lismore is a cultural town, with many arts and craft centres, a variety of and dance, and various entertainment ventures. Drop in to any one of the cafes and restaurants and enjoy the social ambience.