LISMORE City Council has committed to exploring funding opportunities and investigate options for a safe, accessible and long-term home for the world-renowned Hannah Cabinet.<\/p>\n
During its 2026-27 budget deliberations, Council adopted a Notice of Motion to include a $0 line item that allows it to seek external funding and explore potential locations for the cabinet.<\/p>\n
Crafted by Lismore master craftsman Geoff Hannah OAM over six-and-a-half years, The Hannah Cabinet is widely considered one of Australia’s most significant pieces of contemporary decorative furniture.<\/p>\n
Standing at more than two metres high, the piece incorporates 34 types of timber, four rare shells, 17 precious and semi-precious stones, 18 doors, 140 drawers and detailed marquetry panels.<\/p>\n
The cabinet entered the Lismore Regional Gallery collection after a community fundraising campaign to keep the work in Hannahs hometown.<\/p>\n
Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said the adopted motion acknowledged the cabinet’s cultural significance and its importance to the city’s identity.<\/p>\n
“I recently had the pleasure of visiting Geoff Hannah and seeing this amazing creation as it continues through the restoration process,” Krieg said.<\/p>\n
“The amount of time, effort and love that has gone into the Hannah Cabinet is extraordinary. This is a Lismore asset, but it is also a world-class piece of craftsmanship.<\/p>\n
“Geoff’s work is held in important collections around the world and includes two artefact boxes made for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Coach.<\/p>\n
“His skill is exceptional, and this cabinet deserves to be protected and celebrated.”<\/p>\n
The Hannah Cabinet was damaged in the 2022 floods and is currently undergoing restoration by Hannah, local craftsman Colin Fardon and specialist conservators, with the project expected to be completed by late 2027.<\/p>\n
Krieg said discussions with Hannah highlighted the need to consider the cabinet’s long-term future.<\/p>\n
“We want the Hannah Cabinet to be accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy, but we also need to ensure it is safe and protected after many years of careful restoration,” he said.<\/p>\n
“This motion allows Council to explore funding opportunities and consider all options, including whether future investment could support flood-resilient cultural storage and display space.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LISMORE City Council has committed to exploring funding opportunities and investigate options for a safe, accessible and long-term home for the world-renowned Hannah Cabinet. During its 2026-27 budget deliberations, Council adopted a Notice of Motion to include a $0 line item that allows it to seek external funding and explore potential locations for the cabinet. […]<\/p>\n