Lismore

With a nominal population of 28,000 people, Lismore is the largest urban centre in the north east corner of New South Wales. Outside the immediate city limits however it serves the needs of perhaps an additional 40,000. It gives every appearance of being a prosperous, go ahead place but it DOES have its difficulties.

Influenced by the close approach of Cyclone Debbie, last year, the town experienced a near record flood. In extra one, Steve (not exactly looking like the sober university professor, that he is) pantomimes his stance next to a sign indicating the height of last year's inundation. Like all traditional "high streets", Lismore's CBD competes with the big modern shopping mall (on high ground) just to the east. Floods don't help.