“The time is nigh”: Jenny Dowell embraced by Lismore’s creative community as she prepares for voluntary assisted dying

IT was an emotional evening at Lismore’s Star Court Theatre on Saturday night as the town’s creative community gathered to celebrate former mayor Jenny Dowell, with tributes ranging from a drag performance to a video message from the Prime Minister.

Dowell, who has terminal cancer and is choosing Voluntary Assisted Dying, sat in the front row surrounded by family.

Much-loved local comedian Mandy Nolan hosted the event, which was attended by more than 300 people and ran for nearly three hours.

“I wouldn’t have expected that I would have stayed but I was buoyed by the energy, performances and the love in the room,” Dowell said.

“It gave me the strength to be there. I was in no pain; I was just really floating from the sheer joy.”

Dowell said it was wonderful to see musicians she has admired for years performing for her, and to see the room filled with friends from across her life – from her book club to fellow Red Cross volunteers.

“The outpouring of love and the work involved in putting it together was just astounding,” she said.

 

“I just felt surrounded by squishy gorgeous feelings.”

The event was organised by the theatre’s Sara-Jane Loxton and Amanda Shoebridge, who first met Dowell during the anti coal seam gas protests in 2014, when Dowell was serving as mayor and Shoebridge was helping organise rallies.

“I saw the way she stood up for all of us,” Shoebridge said.

“She was one of the few politicians who truly did represent us.”

The event, which sold out in less than three days, included a rendition of What a Wonderful World by local singer Andrea Soler, a performance by drag artist Maude Boate and an original song performed by comedy rock outfit The Humans of Lismore.

Local singer-songwriter Luke Vassella also performed an adapted version of a song he wrote about Dowell during the coal seam gas campaign.

“Everyone was in tears,” Shoebridge said.

 

Dowell is a longtime member of the Labor Party and was honoured with a video message from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

She was also on the board of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, and the Northern Rivers Community Choir and Youth Jazz Orchestra also performed at the event.

“Everyone contributed something, which made it so incredible,” Shoebridge said.

“A local woman had picked fresh flowers and put them at both entrances so when we entered we walked through a garland of fresh flowers. Jyllie Jackson from the Lismore Lantern Parade brought a glowing red heart and artist Kate Stroud painted a portrait of Jenny live on the side of the stage all through the night.

“People laughed and they cried and everybody had a moment to be able to express their love and gratitude for Jenny and all she’s done for the community.

Jenny has had an impact in so many different corners – arts, local government, the environment.

 

“It was really beautiful and I think it really filled people’s cups.”

Ticket sales from the event went towards local charity Jodie’s Inspiration, which raises funds for local oncology units, and the Dowell Red Hearts team taking part in the Cancer Council’s Lismore & Villages 2026 Relay for Life event this weekend.

Dowell also plans to attend at least part of the Relay for Life, but said it would be her last big event, revealing her end of life medication has arrived.

“I won’t see the end of March,” Dowell said. “At a time of my choosing I will exit this life. The time is nigh. I feel that everything is in place and that will be that. No regrets.”

To donate visit jodiesinspiration.com.au or relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/dowellredhearts