MEDIA RELEASE // 11 September 2026
Federal grant boosts The Joinery as a key part of Lismore’s cultural future
NORPA has secured $944,724 in Australian Government funding to progress The Joinery in Lismore, taking the ambitious project a significant step closer to becoming a flood-resilient cultural, creative and community hub for Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers. The funding has been awarded through the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, funded through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
The grant will support major feasibility, business, design and infrastructure planning and development work required to transform the historic Hampton & Larsson joinery factory in Lismore’s CBD into a flood-resilient performing arts, training and community hub, while considering The Joinery’s important role within the broader Lismore cultural precinct.
For NORPA, the funding provides the strategic foundations to ensure The Joinery is investment-ready, building the case for future government investment, philanthropy and partnerships.
Janelle Saffin MP, State Member for Lismore and NSW Minister for Recovery, said she strongly advocated for the Albanese Labor Government to make this terrific investment in Lismore’s future.
“The Joinery is much more than a new home for NORPA; this ambitious adaptive project will lead to the establishment of a cultural precinct in the Central Business District with other leading regional arts facilities and organisations,” Ms Saffin said.
“Restoring a former industrial building into a fit-for-purpose flood-resilient cultural hub for the Northern Rivers is setting a benchmark for how the arts in regional areas can assist preparation and recovery from climate disasters.
“The Joinery has the potential to become an important part of the cultural and economic renewal of our city. I continue to champion NORPA at the State level.”
Kevin Hogan MP, Federal Member for Page, said the grant demonstrated the Australian Government’s commitment to Lismore’s regeneration and growth.
“Lismore has been through a lot over the past few years. Projects like this are about getting people back into town, supporting our local businesses and continuing to rebuild a CBD that people want to spend time in.”
NORPA Chair Damian Kassabgi said the funding was particularly significant because it takes The Joinery beyond being a building project and positions it as part of a much bigger vision for Lismore and the Northern Rivers.
“This funding allows us to do the important strategic work that will look at the enormous potential of The Joinery’s location and the precinct around it,” Mr Kassabgi said.
“We continue to build a compelling case for future investment and partnerships not just for The Joinery, but for what this precinct can contribute to the future of Lismore.”
Building the case for the next stage
The Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program funding will deliver a comprehensive suite of research, planning and development work to underpin future development and investment in The Joinery. This includes economic and community research, a business case and cost-benefit analysis, precinct master-planning and governance, creative and design development, First Nations consultation, detailed design and a Development Application, specialist consultancy and project development support.
The resulting research and documentation will provide NORPA with the evidence, strategic framework and approvals required to advocate for future government investment, philanthropic support and partnerships.
The Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program is designed to help projects move towards being investment-ready or “shovel-ready”, with a second stream of the program providing a potential pathway for future major construction funding.
NORPA Executive Director Libby Lincoln said the funding was a strong endorsement of the potential of The Joinery and the opportunity it represents for the arts and Lismore.
“Beyond the building, we are already seeing what The Joinery can be for the life of the city – attracting people to Lismore, creating opportunities for artists and the community, supporting local businesses and contributing to a more vibrant, connected and resilient future.” Ms Lincoln said.
A project for Lismore
The Joinery is being developed by NORPA as a flood-resilient creative hub, training centre and incubator for artists and ideas, with flexible spaces designed to support performing arts, creative development, community participation and new partnerships.
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Leigh McGrane | [email protected]