Southern Cross University will be shining bright at the Lismore Lantern Parade as students and longstanding staff members march with a custom lantern celebrating 30 years of higher education in Lismore.
Taking place on Saturday 22 June, the Lismore Lantern Parade is held annually around winter solstice, the longest night of the year. The iconic event is renowned nationally and internationally, drawing over 30,000 attendees each year.
The Parade's theme this year, 'Celebrating 30 years of bringing light to the heart of our community', also coincides with Southern Cross University's 30-year celebrations.
Vice-President (Future Students and Outreach), Anna-Maree Shaw, said the Lismore Lantern Parade is a wonderful event for the local community.
"Southern Cross University has strong ties to our Lismore community, providing world-class education and research for 30 years. As the Lismore Lantern Parade also celebrates its 30-year milestone, it feels fitting to have long-serving staff members and students represent the University in the parade with our custom 'SCU' lantern," she said.
"The winter solstice, a time of rebirth and new beginnings, encourages us to reflect on how our University continues to change lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. These new beginnings couldn't be more evident than the revitalisation of our Northern Rivers campus through the Lismore Master Plan."
Library Officer, Libby Pownall, is one of the staff members carrying the Southern Cross lantern in the parade. Mrs Pownall said she is delighted and honoured to represent the University.
"I started as a casual in the Library in 1999 when my second son was just nine months old; he will be turning 26 this year," she said. "To be asked to participate in the parade as a staff member is very special. I have watched the University change in many ways over the years, especially the Lismore campus."
Southern Cross is also a supporter of the Heartbeats Festival Stage which showcases a line-up of musical performances. Southern Cross University Contemporary Music students Leo Hooker and Kaliya Alldridge will perform with students also gaining experience working backstage. The stage is powered by the Southern Cross University Solar Sunflower.
The Lismore Lantern Parade is organised by not-for-profit organisation, LightnUp Inc. CEO and creative director, Jyllie Jackson, said she was delighted to continue the longstanding partnership with Southern Cross University.
"Southern Cross University has been involved in the Lismore Lantern Parade for many years and it is wonderful to both be celebrating our 30th birthdays with our Lismore community," she said.
Parade participants will assemble in Magellan Street outside the Library and march through the main streets of Lismore to Riverside Park for a finale of performances, fireworks and a bonfire.
The Lismore Lantern Parade will take place on Saturday 22June, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
