Lismore City Council has unveiled the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion at the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub, a key feature of a $12.4 million stadium upgrade for the city’s Oakes Oval and Crozier Field.
Adam (Gilly) Gilchrist, a household name in Australian cricket, has deep ties to Lismore, having spent his formative years in the region and attended school in Goonellabah.
A dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s cricketing dominance, featuring in three consecutive World Cup-winning teams (1999, 2003, 2007).
He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2002 and was later inducted into the International Cricketing Council’s Hall of Fame. His legacy extends beyond the field, making him a fitting namesake for this state-of-the-art sporting facility, said Lismore City Mayor, Steve Krieg.
“Gilly brought lots of joy and amazement on our TV screens with his astonishing cricketing skills,” said Mayor Krieg.
“It is an absolute honour to have this quality facility named after one of Lismore’s most iconic sporting names.”
The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is a multi-purpose venue designed to accommodate a variety of sporting and community events. Featuring a function room, commercial kitchen, office space, amenities and a viewing deck overlooking both Oakes Oval and Crozier Field, the pavilion provides a premium space for teams, officials and spectators alike.
With an internal seating capacity of 100 people, the pavilion offers a flexible space that can be divided into three separate areas for meetings and private functions.
The venue includes modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, a lift and a fully equipped kitchen and bar.
Gilly said having a pavilion named after him is an honour he will never forget.
“It’s an incredible honour to have a pavilion named after you,” he said.
“Growing up in Lismore, I never imagined this day would come, and honestly, it’s a little overwhelming. I hope it serves as a reminder of the community that supported me and how much this place means to me.”
“Lismore played such a huge role in my journey and will forever be part of my DNA.”
The broader $12.4 million upgrade to the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub has delivered extensive improvements, including new change rooms, upgraded grandstands, additional amenities blocks, enhanced spectator areas and new cricket training nets built to national standards.
The new facilities were funded through a collaboration between the Australian Government ($6 million), the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Infrastructure Fund ($4.5 million) and the Stronger Country Communities Fund ($400,000), alongside Lismore City Council’s contribution of $1.5 million.
