East Lismore Housing Estate Masterplan

Project overview
The East Lismore project is a Landcom-led residential development supporting the region’s long-term recovery and resilience following the 2022 flood events. Spanning approximately 72 hectares, the project aims to deliver at least 400 new homes and a diverse mix of affordable housing options for the local community, including people impacted by the 2022 Lismore floods. The project delivers flood-aware housing that responds to local environmental conditions and community needs, creating a sustainable and well-connected neighbourhood. Mawambul is engaged to lead the Connecting with Country process, working with local community to identify cultural values, understand Country-led risks and opportunities, and translate these into practical planning and design considerations.

Our approach
Our role centres on leading the Connecting with Country workstream. We work with Knowledge Holders to identify cultural values and translate these into practical principles that inform planning and design. Our approach goes beyond standard design considerations — embedding Country-centred principles into planning, engagement and delivery. This has included facilitating an In Country education session and providing ongoing input through workshops, site visits and design review.

Cultural approach
The work focuses on identifying cultural values, understanding Country-led risks and opportunities, and translating these into practical planning and design responses. This includes embedding First Nations knowledge, values and ways of working into decision-making, ensuring the project remains grounded in Country.

Collaboration
The project is delivered in collaboration with Landcom, the NSW Reconstruction Authority and the broader project team. The focus is on building strong relationships, fostering cultural capability and supporting shared understanding across the team. We’d also like to acknowledge Nathan Brennan who has partnered with us on this project. His contribution has been invaluable, helping to strengthen the cultural foundations of this work.

Outcome
The project is supporting the long-term recovery of East Lismore, contributing to the delivery of a neighbourhood that is safer, more resilient and responsive to Country. By embedding Country-centred principles into planning and design, the work supports development that responds to environmental conditions, meets community needs, and strengthens connection to place over time.