Lismore and Northern Rivers residents will take their adaptation stories to the big screen this week and over the next seven weeks as part of the Adaptation Stories short films initiative.

Produced and curated by Living Lab Northern Rivers, in partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA), Adaptation Stories captures eight Northern Rivers locals as they navigate real change in response to the shifting climate.

Each film captures personal journeys of resilience and creativity, showcasing how individuals are thinking about what adaptation can mean for themselves and their communities.

From farmer-led strategies in Richmond Valley, to arts-based perspectives in Lismore, youth engagement in regenerative futures in Tweed, and lessons we can learn from Country in Byron, each film explores diverse approaches to adaptation across the region.

Adaption Stories is part of the Community Conversations engagement initiative supporting the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) currently being developed by the NSW RA, with the films aiming to spark conversations among the community.

The screenings will be free, and the schedule is:

• Woodburn at the Memorial Hall this Thursday, October 23 at 5:30pm. Click here for tickets.

• Byron Bay at Palace Cinemas on Thursday, October 30 at 5:30pm. Click here for tickets.

• Grafton at the Saraton Theatre on Thursday, November 6 at 5:30pm. Click here for tickets.

• Lismore at Living Lab Northern Rivers on Thursday, 13 November at 5:30pm. Click here for tickets.

• Uki at the Uki Public Hall on Wednesday, November 19 at 5:30pm. Click here for tickets.

• Ballina at the Ballina Surf Club on Thursday, 4 December at 6:30pm. Click here for tickets.

At each screening, a Q&A session will be held with local community leaders.

You can learn more about the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan including how the community can get involved at www.nsw.gov.au/reducingrisk/NRdap.

Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “We need to shift the dial to properly focus on adaptation and resilience to ensure communities are better prepared for and can recover better from disasters. 

“We are creating the first ever Disaster Adaptation Plan for the Northern Rivers and sharing stories and experiences is vital its success.  

“I encourage everyone – young and old, to please attend a screening and listen and share your thoughts and ideas, because it’s too important not to.”

Living Lab Northern Rivers: Engagement Director Dan Etheridge said, “We don’t adapt alone, we adapt together. These short films have been made to get people talking with each other. I want to know what other people in my community are thinking about climate change adaptation and this is especially true when our government is developing a new plan to drive adaptation and reduce our exposure to disasters.” 

Filmmaker and director Poppy Walker said, "These stories reveal the thoughtful and diverse ways people are engaging in climate adaptation. When audiences hear their neighbours — Traditional Custodians, farmers, artists and business owners — sharing their perspectives on what adaptation could look like, it helps shape thinking and conversations around what we can do in our communities.”