Experience the Magic of Christmas at Lismore Delights!

Lismore comes alive in the days leading up to Christmas with Lismore Delights. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and Back Lismore by enjoying free activities and events around the block on Saturdays, 16 and 23 December, from 10am to 3pm.

Lismore Delights is a celebration of our community and culture. Join us and enjoy the vibrancy of Lismore’s arts and music scene, explore unique local shopping and food experiences, wander through cosmopolitan laneways and discover this amazing city nestled in the heart of the Northern Rivers. Bring your friends and family to the Lismore CBD and immerse yourselves in a day of festive activities.

Extend your stay into the evening to bask in the brilliant dining and entertainment experiences that Lismore has to offer, illuminated by sparkling Christmas lights and decorations. Everyone is invited to eat, shop and be merry at Lismore Delights. With renowned musicians and festive fun scattered throughout the city, join together to Back Lismore this Christmas!

The Lismore Delights lineup includes:

• Americana, country, rock band Hussy Hicks

• Gomeroi/Maori singer/songwriter Blakboi

• Folk,blues, soul & jazz singer/songwriter Kelly Brouhaha

• Culture sharing with Ros Sten and Gilbert Laurie

• ‘The Colours’ roving performers Roundabout Theatre

• Caroling songbirds

Christmas Belles

• Youth cultural dancers Widjabul Wia-bal Dance Group

• Local good-vibe DJ The Who’s Who

• Local old school hip hop DJ Beatdusta

• Yoga, Craft and Storytelling plus other exciting activities for kids and grownups

• Community orchestral sounds Lismore Concert Band

• Surprise singalongs with The Flashbang Choir

• Free Facepainting with Spotty Girl

• Create your own Back Lismore tees and totes at a screen-printing station with Nedlands Studio.

For updates on the Lismore Delights program and details on other ways to Back Lismore this Christmas, visit www.visitlismore. com.au.

It comes amid a nationwide boom in pet ownership, with Animal Medicines Australia reporting an estimated 30.4 million pets across the country, with 69 per cent of households now owning a pet, up from 61 per cent only two years ago.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Animal Care Kathy Teall said with new pets being welcomed into many local homes as gifts this Christmas, and with the holiday season disrupting the routines of existing pets, there were some simple ways to ensure a stress-free holiday season for your furry friends.

Her top tips include:

• Keep pets away from your festive feast: Fatty meats can cause your pet life-threatening diseases

• Be tick aware: Paralysis ticks can cause serious illness and death in your beloved pet. Speak to your vet about the risks in your area and the best preventative measures.

• Beat the heat: Pets are at high risk of heat stroke during the summer months. Make sure your pet has access to fresh, cool drinking water and shade at all times. Avoid exercising your pet during the hotter parts of the day.

• Never leave your pet in the car: A car’s interior temperature will skyrocket in summer, even if you leave the windows open. This can cause heat stroke and death within a matter of minutes.

• Know what’s normal for your pet: This is the most important tip as it helps you recognise emergencies. Help your pet become comfortable with being examined by you so you can check their ears, eyes, mouth, paws and skin without them being concerned. Contact your vet if you notice changes in your pet’s appetite or behaviour.

Ms Teall said for those attracted to a career in animal care, TAFE NSW was offering a host of courses in 2024 to ensure students could get the practical, in-demand skills and real-world experience to make a running start into the industry.

“There’s such a high need for jobs like vet nurses, vet receptionists, pet groomers, animal attendants and kennel hands, and there will be an even higher demand for those jobs in future,” Ms Teall said.

She said many TAFE NSW animal studies students secured work shortly after graduating, or even during their work placement.