Grant allows lanterns to relocate

IN THE wet weeks leading up to the recent Lismore Lantern Parade, volunteers constructed paper creatures in pools of water.

BIG DREAM: Plan for new Lantern Parade workshop in Keen Street, Lismore.

IN THE wet weeks leading up to the recent Lismore Lantern Parade, volunteers constructed paper creatures in pools of water - their dilapidated Orion Street workshop was neither watertight nor safe.

But Lantern Parade director Jyllie Jackson said that would be the last time the parade would operate from its old waterlogged shed, thanks to an injection of government funds.

On Tuesday night, Lismore City Council agreed to grant LightnUp Inc $10,000 in its Annual Community Grants Scheme. The funds come soon after Page MP Kevin Hogan's pre-election announcement of $5000. The organisation also scored $2500 from federal volunteer grants in May.

The recent funding injections will fund renovations required at the new premises on Keen Street , such as a wheelchair accessible toilet, plumbing for the kitchen, and fire alarms.

"We're just waiting for approval for the construction certificate with council," Ms Jackson said.

"All being well, we will be able to start work after we get the certificate and be moved in at Christmas."

It's been a long time coming. In February 2014, LightnUp Inc exchanged contracts on Keen St to ensure the ongoing security of Lismore's signature event.

However, according to Ms Jackson, the process was drawn out because LightnUp Inc were not granted the full loan amount.

"We've got big dreams ... we'd like to thank council for getting us closer to our dream," she said.