Stories
Below you will find some of our Vendors Stories.

Vendor Spotlight: Dutchies Delights
If you’re drawn to crystals, handcrafted jewellery, or pieces that feel like they carry a story, you’ll want to make time to visit Dutchies Delights at this year’s Lismore Gemfest. Behind the stall is Dutchie, a passionate creator whose journey with gems began in childhood. Growing up in the Netherlands,

Sponsor Spotlight: Harcourts Northern Rivers
At the heart of the Northern Rivers community, Natalie Leslie and her team at Harcourts Northern Rivers are all about helping people realise their property dreams — and doing it with genuine care. A proudly family-run business, Harcourts Northern Rivers has built a strong reputation on values, integrity, and relationships.

Herne’s Security – Protecting Gemfest with Local Pride
At this year’s Lismore Gemfest, we’re proud to welcome Herne’s Security as an official sponsor—helping ensure a safe and secure experience for all our vendors and visitors. Led by Joshua Herne, this locally owned and operated business has been serving the Northern Rivers community since 2019. Specialising in a wide

Bunyips Great Outdoors Centre – Supporting Adventure & Gemfest for Over 30 Years
When you think of long-standing local businesses that truly support their community, Bunyips Great Outdoors Centre is right up there. Run by Noel and Helen Bailey, Bunyips has been a proud supporter of Lismore Gemfest for more than 30 years—an incredible milestone that reflects both their commitment to the event

Walkabout Opals – From Childhood Curiosity to a Life in Gemstones
There’s something truly special about discovering a passion at a young age—and for Brenden Ball of Walkabout Opals, that spark was lit at just 12 years old. Learning alongside his Nan at the Chatswood evening TAFE Lapidary Club, Brenden was introduced to the fascinating world of opals and gemstones. What

Sweet Jewellery: Where Nature Shapes Every Piece
For Mark & Sue Storey of Sweet Jewellery, what began as a shared love of fossicking and creative hobbies has quietly grown into something truly special. Sue started making jewellery over a decade ago, never intending for it to become a business. But as her collection grew—piece by piece, stone

Mick Opals – Finding Light Through Stones
Behind every gemstone is a story—but for Mick and Jody of Mick Opals, their journey is one of love, loss, healing, and connection. What began as a shared passion for opals and sapphires slowly grew into something much deeper. Like many collectors, they were drawn to the beauty and uniqueness

Diamonds Plus Lismore
For the past two years, Diamonds Plus Lismore has proudly supported the Lismore Gemfest—and for Melanie Hancock, that support comes straight from the heart. A Family Business Built on Expertise and Trust Established in 2002, Diamonds Plus is a family-run jewellery store that has become a trusted name in Lismore.

Vendor Spotlight: Sea of Crystals
If you’re drawn to crystals that feel a little bit magical… a little bit rare… and completely one-of-a-kind — then Sea of Crystals is a must-visit at this year’s Lismore Gemfest. Run by Gabrielle and Ezy, this beautiful crystal business blends decades of experience with a fresh, evolving passion for

Duft Creations
For Barbara Lindberg of Duft Creations, a lifelong curiosity has blossomed into a creative passion spanning more than 30 years. What began as an interest back in high school has grown into a deeply rewarding journey of collecting, creating, and connecting with the beauty of stones. Since 2001, Barbara has

Kristallen Spotlight: Debbie & Peter Beckwith
If you’ve spent any time exploring the world of minerals and crystals, you’ll know that behind every beautiful piece is a story — and for Debbie and Peter Beckwith of Kristallen that story runs deep. Formerly known as Crystal Habit, the evolution into Kristallen marked an exciting new chapter. After

Juelles Gemstone Jewellery – A Family Legacy in Every Stone
For Vicki Scott, the journey into gemstones and jewellery design wasn’t just a career change—it was a continuation of a family story that spans generations. After more than 35 years in teaching, Vicki followed a long-held passion and stepped into the world of gemstones. It’s a path deeply rooted in

Bruce Whittaker
For Bruce Whittaker, a love of gems and minerals isn’t just a hobby — it’s been a lifelong passion that has grown into something truly special. Over the past 20 years, Bruce has immersed himself in the world of fossicking, collecting, and trading at gem shows across Australia. What started

Exhibitor Spotlight: Tony Dickfos – Tony D Design
If you love opals — the kind that stops you mid-sentence — then Tony Dickfos from Tony D Design is a stall you won’t want to miss at Lismore Gemfest. Tony’s journey into jewellery making began with a bit of brotherly encouragement. “My younger brother was a silversmith,” Tony says.

Sharon & Peter Downs – Bizzy Fingers 10
For Sharon and Peter Downs of Bizzy Fingers 10, gemstones aren’t just something to sell — they’re something to work with, treasure and share. Peter has always loved working with minerals — fossicking, finding fossils, tumbling stones and transforming rough material into beautiful cabochons. Sharon, on the other hand, has

Andy & Anne – Gems and More
If you love colour, sparkle and the thrill of discovering something truly special, make sure Gems and More is on your must-visit list at this year’s Lismore Gemfest. After retiring from the Public Service, Andy decided it was time to follow a passion — and that passion was gemstones. What

Exhibitor Spotlight: Craig Pullman – Paleo-Planet
If you’ve ever wandered through Lismore Gemfest and stopped in your tracks at a stall filled with handcrafted crystal wands, ritual blades, Viking-inspired axes and beautifully worked natural materials — chances are you’ve found Craig from Paleo-Planet. Craig’s journey began with a deep fascination for the natural world. Fossils were

Exhibitor Spotlight: Matt & Kerry Young – VJ Facet Pty Ltd
If you’ve ever been curious about how a gemstone transforms from rough rock into a sparkling precision-cut beauty, this is one stall you won’t want to miss at Lismore Gemfest. Matt and Kerry Young of VJ Facet Pty Ltd are not just sellers — they’re makers, cutters, manufacturers, and passionate