Adaptation Stories capture personal journeys of local resilience, showcasing how eight Northern Rivers locals are thinking about what adaptation means 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 the Northern Rivers region. 

"There are many ways to think about adaptation, and hearing our neighbours’ stories helps us shape what’s possible in our homes and communities. Shared stories are central to our humanity, forging bonds so we can imagine, build and strengthen together. ”

Poppy Walker, Director

"We all have a role to play in how we adapt to a changing climate, from preschool teachers to policy makers. It’s about recognising the urgency as well as the possibilities and then utilising our personal and collective strengths in ways that have the most impact.” 

Zerina Millard, Producer

Created by Living Lab Northern Rivers in partnership with NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA), these compelling short films are part of Community Conversations, a program supporting the NSWRA’s development of the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan. 

Learn more about this Disaster Adaptation Plan.

Watch the 8 short films below.

Nickolla

Byron Shire

Nickolla Clark, an Arakwal Bundjalung artist, shares her perspective on adaptation in the face of a changing climate - and what we can learn from Country.

Joe

Richmond Valley LGA

Cattle farmer Joe Leven shows how adaptation means coexisting with climate impacts by working with natural landscape function - awakening the ecologist within every farmer to support both productivity and stewardship.

Alex

Lismore LGA

Theatre maker Alex Torney shows how the arts, community and creativity help us adapt to climate change, helping people feel and invest in a changing world.

James

Ballina LGA

Environmental consultant James Foster shows that adaptation means building backup plans into business strategy—applying lessons from sailing and disaster recovery to help Northern Rivers businesses navigate climate change and bounce back from crisis.

Carmen & Rosie

Tweed LGA

Regenerative futures practitioner Carmen and her daughter Rosie explore adaptation beyond infrastructure; helping young people imagine and create resilient futures, by transforming climate fear into inspired possibility.

Sprung!

BALLINA LGA

In the aftermath of climate disaster, Northern Rivers' Sprung ensemble share what adaptation looks like, by reimagining the news.

Greg

KYOGLE LGA

Nursery owner Greg Daley shows that adaptation to climate change means working together, planting together, and reconnecting with nature's wisdom.

Cara

CLARENCE VALLEY LGA

Community leader Cara McLeod shows how co-design and deep listening strengthen the social fabric that helps communities care for each other.

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.