Lismore, situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, is a city with a rich history and an evolving future. The city, which has a population of 28,816 as of the 2021 census, is located on a floodplain along the Wilsons River, at the confluence with Leycester Creek. It is 734 kilometers (456 miles) north of Sydney and 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Brisbane.

Founded as a grazing property in the 1840s, Lismore grew into a timber and agricultural town, later developing into an inland port due to its river access. By the mid-20th century, as road and rail networks expanded, the river's importance for transport declined, but Lismore had already solidified its position as the largest urban center in the region. The city was officially granted city status in 1946 and has since been a vital regional hub, offering services to the surrounding areas.

Lismore is also home to one of the three campuses of Southern Cross University, adding an educational dimension to the city. However, its low-lying position makes it vulnerable to flooding, especially after heavy rainfall in the region. Despite the risk, flood mitigation measures, including levees and flood gates, have been implemented to protect the city. The worst flooding occurred in 2022, following previous events in 1974 and 2017 after Cyclone Debbie. In response to these recurring challenges, the government announced a budget for additional flood mitigation projects in 2018.

Today, Lismore continues to face both the challenges of its flood-prone location and the opportunities that come with being a regional center, balancing its historic roots with modern development.