About this project

In 2024, we embarked on a project we called Living Memory to document the history of North Lismore, a suburb is transitioning from a vibrant residential neighbourhood to a new future. Many residential properties in North Lismore are part of the buyback stream of the Resilient Homes Program, the largest residential buyback program in Australian history. Through portraits, reflections and historical materials, we celebrated the people and place of North Lismore.

The work revealed how the people of North Lismore have valuable insights to share with a growing number of communities as climate change brings more hazards.

Building on what we learned, we're now taking Living Memory to four more communities across the Northern Rivers: South Murwillumbah, Coraki, Ulmarra, and the communities along lower Marshall's Creek (South Golden Beach, New Brighton and lower Ocean Shores).

We're exploring and documenting the history of the rivers and stories of place, taking community portraits, and talking about what it means to live with risk. These stories become public archives, environmental histories and potential resources in each community.

We're doing all this based on a simple premise: if you know about the history of hazards in your area, you're more likely to be prepared for what might come. By sharing and listening to stories from your fellow community members, you contribute to awareness, prepare yourself, and strengthen the whole community.