The climate crisis is on the agenda at tomorrow’s Rural Health and Research Congress in Lismore. 

Lismore City Councillor Elly Bird will be one of the speakers on a panel discussing the climate crisis, along with health professionals from a wide variety of disciplines. 

The free event, hosted by the University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH), will be held at Lismore Workers Club, and the whole community is invited to attend.

UCRH director of research Associate Professor Megan Passey, said the UCRH were invited to convene a session on the health impacts of a changing climate, as a result of the Community Recovery After Flood project. 

Speakers will share their knowledge and experience on the topic ‘Future proofing rural health in the climate crisis: what are we learning about inequity?’ 

“Rural communities across New South Wales are already facing many health challenges and exposure to vulnerability,” Ass Prof Passey said.

“We want to use this opportunity to have important conversations about how the climate crisis is adding to these challenges and how communities are responding.” 

Other speakers include Professor Melissa Haswell from Queensland University of Technology, Dr Jo Longman from the University Centre for Rural Health and Jen Haberecht from the Department of Primary Industries.

 “We hope this session will motivate attendees to start thinking about the communities they work and live in, and how they can adapt and build resilience to the impacts of a changing climate,” Ass Prof Passey said.

“Given that many communities are experiencing more frequent and severe weather events such as drought, floods and bushfires, we believe this is a critical conversation to have right now.”

professionals, researchers and service providers from across New South Wales. 

“The congress will be an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience, and build networks across the state. 

Community members are welcome to attend this session, held from 10.45am – 12.15pm free of charge. 

Limited places available, so contact Isabella Mee on 0420636 757 to register your interest.