Climate adaptation isn't an abstract or future concept—it's happening right now in our communities. Adaptation Stories captures eight Northern Rivers locals as they navigate real change in response to our 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 and business owners in Ballina, the stories span diverse approaches to adaptation across our region.

We're hosting six screenings of these short films across the Northern Rivers, creating spaces for local conversations about what adaptation means here. Post-screening Q&As with community leaders and audience members will explore what’s most important for local resilience and adaptation.

This project supports community engagement for the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan, being developed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority. It's about starting conversations that matter—about how we adapt, together, to the changes ahead.

Adaptation Stories in Richmond Valley

Thursday 23 October
5.30 – 7.00pm

Woodburn Hall
127 River Street
Woodburn NSW 2472

Free. All welcome
Places are limited and registration is essential.
Book tickets now.

Q&A discussion

This screening will be followed by a Q&A with local community members:
Florence Dagan, Richmond River Cane Growers Association
Lyuba Zarsky, Evans Head Resilience Network
Hosted by Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers.

Adaptation Stories in Byron Bay

Thursday 30 October
5.30 – 7.00pm

Palace Cinema Byron Bay
108 Jonson St
Byron Bay NSW 2481

Free. All welcome
Places are limited and registration is essential.
Book tickets now.

Q&A discussion

This screening will be followed by a Q&A with local community members.
Nickolla Clark, Arakwal Bundjalung woman and interdisciplinary artist.
Delta Kay, Bundjalung woman, Byron Shire Councillor and owner of Explore Byron Bay.
Zerina Millard, trauma-informed climate adaptation consultant and producer of Adaptation Stories.
Hosted by Elizabeth Mossop, Academic Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers

Adaptation Stories in Clarence Valley

Thursday 6 November
5.30 – 7.00pm

The Saraton Theatre
99 Prince St
Grafton NSW 2460

Free. All welcome
Places are limited and registration is essential.
Book tickets now.

Q&A discussion

This screening will be followed by a Q&A with local community members:
Cara McLeod, Fire to Flourish Clarence Valley
Glen McClymont, Caringa Australia and Bent Bridge Brewing
Claire Aman, writer, environmentalist and former Regional Environmental Planner. Founder of Clarence Valley's children's short story competiition.
Hosted by Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers

Adaptation Stories in Lismore

Thursday 13 November
5.30 – 7.00pm

Living Lab Northern Rivers shopfront
11 Woodlark Street
Lismore NSW 2480

Free. All welcome
Places are limited and registration is essential.
Book tickets now.

Q&A discussion

This screening will be followed by a Q&A with local community members:
Alex Tourney, multi-disciplinary queer artist
Bruce Parry, Community and Sustainability Manager, Summerland Bank
John Stewart, Conductor, Living School Australia.
Hosted by Elizabeth Mossop, Academic Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers.

Adaptation Stories in Tweed

Wednesday 19 November
5.30—7.00pm

Uki Hall
1462 Kyogle Rd
Uki NSW 2484

Free. All welcome
Places are limited and registration is essential.
Book tickets now.

Q&A discussion

This screening will be followed by a Q&A with local community members:
Carmen Stewart, Regenerative Futures Practitioner, Imagine Northern Rivers
Rosie Stewart, student
Amy Colli, The Tweed Tourism Co & Women's Giving Circle Coordinator, Northern Rivers Community Foundation
Hosted by Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers.

Adaptation Stories in Ballina

Thursday 4 December
6.30 – 78.00pm

Ballina Surf Club
65 Lighthouse Road
East Ballina NSW 2478

Free. All welcome
Places are limited and registration is essential.
Book tickets now.

Q&A discussion

This screening will be followed by a Q&A with local community members:
Joel Orchard, Wardell Core and Young Farmers Connect
Lisa O'Meara, CEO, Screenworks
Hosted by Elizabeth Mossop, Academic Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers
Please get in touch with us at livinglabnr@scu.edu.au or on 02 6626 9188 if you have any accessibility requirements.  

Adaptation Stories have been created by Living Lab Northern Rivers, and funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Creative team

Producer
Zerina Millard

Zerina is a trauma-informed climate adaptation consultant, creative arts therapist and performing artist. She supports organisations and communities to engage with climate adaptation through trauma-informed, participatory approaches that integrate mental health and ecological resilience.

Director
Poppy Walker
Poppy Walker is a film director and writer based on Bundjalung Country, whose award-winning work has screened in Australia and abroad. Poppy collaborative practice spans documentary, narrative film and theatre, crafting stories to illuminate our shared humanity.

Cinematographer/Editor
Paul Daley

Paul Daley is a Border Ranges based regenerative storyteller and founder of A Lush Forest Media. He creates cinematic, place-based films focused on themes of community, regeneration and connection to the land. 

Composer
Andy Walker
Andy Walker is a Northern Rivers based musician. He is widely known for his kids rock'n'roll project Bunny Racket.