Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.
Ms Saffin will speak on an important issue, and one that is close to her heart – tackling domestic violence in our community.
The Convenor of Conversations in the Pub, Lismore City Cr Jasmine Knight-Smith, said this would be the first of a series of events featuring a range of guest speakers talking about subjects of particular interest to the Lismore community.
‘Conversations in the Pub is all about big ideas, good food and great company,’ Cr Knight-Smith said.
‘Lismore has been missing a regular “politics in the pub-style” event to bring people together and foster intelligent discussion of topical issues.
‘We’re thrilled to have someone of Janelle Saffin’s profile and status in our community to kick things off as our first speaker. It’s going to be a relaxed and engaging event – giving everyone a chance to ask a question or have their say.’
Q&A
Jasmine Knight-Smith said Ms Saffin’s talk would be followed by a Q&A session with Ms Saffin and a panel including representatives of local domestic violence organisations.
The panel will be moderated by local lawyer and former Byron Shire Cr Mark Swivel.
Apart from being a minister in the NSW state government and the member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin is also a long-time advocate on domestic violence issues and was a founding member of the Far North Coast Domestic Violence Liaison Committee.
‘I’m looking forward to being a part of the first-ever Conversations in the Pub event, and the opportunity to speak on an issue that I am very passionate about,’ Ms Saffin said.
The event is free, and will be held in the function room at the Sherwood Hotel in Lismore on Friday 19 June 2026. Doors open at 6.30pm, and the event will run from 7pm to 8.30pm.
For more information follow the Conversations In the Pub Facebook page.
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