Lismore was first settled in 1845 by William Wilson and understood to be named by his wife after her Scottish Island home of Lismore in Loch Linne, near the island of Mull.

Lismore was proclaimed a village in 1856, a municipality in 1879 and a city in 1946.  The latest population figures (1995 census) suggest that 29,280 people reside in the urban area and a further 16,160 reside in rural and village areas within the Lismore City Council area which covers 1,267 sq kms.

The Coat of Arms granted in 1947 recognises Lismore's Scottish origins, and belief in the progress of the city.  The legend reads in ancient Gaelic; "Am baile rach teid air adaigh theid e air ais."  These sentiments are transferred in Latin to the Seal of the City of Lismore, "Qui non proficit deficit" meaning He who does not advance retrogresses.

Lismore's latitude 28.81 South 153.27 East provides a sub tropical climate and is the centre for regional offices of major government departments administering health, education, social services, police, justice and employment for the greater north coast area.  It is also the commercial centre for the north eastern area.

The Southern Cross University attracts thousands of students from all over Australia and overseas and is a major employer in the city.  Rural industries such as Avocado, Macadamia Nut, Tea Tree Oil, low chill orchards, dairy and beef farms dot the surrounding countryside.  The head office of Norco a major producer of dairy products is located in Lismore.

With a relaxed lifestyle and environment ideally placed between the inland rainforests and the sea, Lismore is well suited to outdoor activities and offers visitors year round access to World Heritage areas and other natural and man made features.

Lismore was first settled by Europeans in 1845 and land sales first conducted 1856.  By 1870 the township was rapidly growing but there was no church building of any description or denomination even though church services had been conducted over the years in private homes and other