Lismore City Council has resolved to explore external funding opportunities to support a safe, accessible and long-term home for the world-renowned Hannah Cabinet. The decision was made during the Council’s 2026/27 Budget deliberations through a Notice of Motion that added a $0 line item, allowing Council to investigate suitable future locations without allocating additional Council funding at this stage.
The Hannah Cabinet was created by Lismore master craftsman Geoff Hannah OAM over six-and-a-half years and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most important pieces of contemporary decorative furniture. Standing eight feet high, the cabinet includes 34 types of timber, four rare shells, 17 precious and semi-precious stones, 18 doors, 140 drawers and detailed marquetry panels.
The cabinet became part of the Lismore Regional Gallery collection after a major community fundraising campaign ensured the work remained in Geoff Hannah’s hometown. Mayor Steve Krieg said the cabinet is both a major cultural asset and a symbol of Lismore’s creativity, craftsmanship and resilience.
The Hannah Cabinet was damaged during the 2022 natural disaster and is currently undergoing restoration. The restoration work involves Geoff Hannah OAM, local craftsperson Colin Fardon and specialist conservators, with completion expected by late 2027.
Mayor Krieg said Council has a responsibility to carefully consider the cabinet’s future once restoration is complete. He noted that the cabinet should be accessible to residents and visitors while also being safely protected after years of careful restoration work.
The Council’s adopted motion allows it to seek external funding and consider future options, including whether investment could support flood-resilient cultural storage and display space. This would help ensure the Hannah Cabinet can be preserved, protected and celebrated for future generations.
No additional Council funding has been committed at this stage. The $0 line item simply gives Council the authority to pursue funding opportunities and investigate the best long-term solution for one of Lismore’s most significant cultural treasures.
