National Indigenous Disaster Resilience Gathering
24- 26 September 2024
Lismore Showgrounds, Bundjalung Jagun (Country)
The Gathering welcomes participants from all backgrounds interested in engaging in Indigenous-led conversations on disaster resilience and preparedness.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
A multi-day, immersive event, the NIDR Gathering is a showcase for Indigenous leadership and excellence in disaster resilience, emergency management, community recovery and Caring for Country.
This unique gathering will bring together representatives from disaster resilience and emergency management sectors, government, researchers, non-government organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Indigenous ranger groups, Native Title groups, and other land and water management organisations to build awareness, share knowledge, connect, and support an Indigenous-led conversation on disaster resilience.
Across the three days, guests will be invited to join keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops and have the option of participating in on-Country activities.
We encourage representatives from disaster resilience and emergency management sectors, government, researchers, non-government organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Indigenous ranger groups, Native Title groups, and other land and water management organisations to register.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who would like to attend the NIDR Gathering but don't have the financial means, please email NIDR@monash.edu
Healing Baluun
an afternoon of connection, yarning, film, food and music
Feat / Bundjalung rapper, artist, activist and advocate, JK-47 & Madi King
Wednesday, 25 Sep | 3:30pm - 7:30PM
Lismore Showgrounds
Tickets are $30 or Complimentary for NIDR delegates
As part of the immersive multi-day NIDR Gathering event, showcasing Indigenous leadership and excellence in disaster resilience, emergency management, community recovery and Caring for Country, HEALING BALUUN, is an afternoon of connection, yarning, film, food and music.
Featuring guest speakers sharing story and knowledge about the river, films from Healing The River and Jagun Alliance, and a range of musical performers including Madi King and Bundjalung rapper, artist, activist and advocate, JK-47.
Enjoy dinner together before JK-47 takes to the stage under the Bunyas.
This event is supported by Heal the Rivers, funded by the Australian Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program 2022-23 administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
On Country Activities
On Wednesday 25 September attendees will have the option of choosing an On Country activity.
This is an optional add on to the standard program.
Tour 1 – Explore Byron Bay Tour - Walgun (Cape Byron) - Cost $100 per person
Visit Byron Bay for a swim or shop before learning about the Arakwal people. For those who are interested in learning about local Indigenous History or are visitors to the area for the first time wishing to explore and swim in Byron Bay.
Led by Delta Kay as part of Explore Byron Bay Tours
Tour 2 – Dorrobbee Grass - Cost $70 per person
Join us for an immersive experience, where you’ll learn about traditional Aboriginal practices, including cultural burnings, with guidance from Oli Costello, Executive Director, Jagun Alliance. The reserve not only showcases remarkable biodiversity but also provides a window into the land’s deep cultural roots.
Includes morning tea or afternoon tea
Tour 3 - Rocky Creek Dam with Rous County Council Water - Cost $60
Hosted on this visit by Rous County Council Water staff who speak about the dam and it’s catchment and recent challenges during extreme climate events, view the results of Rous’ 40 years of rainforest regeneration at the site, and learn about Rous’ Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan..
Patient nature lovers may spot a platypus at Rocky Creek Dam. The dam wall is 27 metres high, 187 metres above sea level and, when full, the dam holds 14,000 mega litres of water. The 29 square kilometres of catchment area includes sections of Nightcap National Park, Whian Whian Conservation Area and revegetated farmland.
Picnic Morning Tea and Lunch provided
Tour 4 – Lismore Floodplain and the CBD
Led by Resilient Lismore-Elly Bird
Embark on a deeply meaningful adventure through Lismore on this 1.5-hour journey, where you’ll engage with the profound aftermath of one of Australia’s most severe natural disasters. Under the expert guidance of Elly Bird, whose personal connection to the community offers rich, insightful perspectives, you'll explore the resilient heart of Lismore and witness the dramatic heights of the recent floods and the community’s inspiring recovery.
This adventure is perfect for those eager to understand the flood’s impact, connect with Lismore’s River story, and support the local economy.
Activity 5-Guung Butherun/Riverkeeper Project
Embark on a deeply enriching adventure through the vibrant cultural landscapes of the Ballina area with an extraordinary guide: Uncle Marcus Ferguson. As a respected Nyangbal elder from the Bundjalung nation, Uncle Marcus brings a wealth of knowledge and a profound connection to the land, especially around the Lower Richmond River and Bingal Creek.
Explore and understand the active cultural landscapes of Ballina through the eyes of a living custodian
Activity 6 - Silk Scarf Making Workshop : Discover Art & Sustainability with Norton Fredericks!
Join Norton Fredericks, a talented queer visual artist and workshop facilitator with a rich background in European and Aboriginal Australian heritage, for an engaging workshop that merges art, science, and environmental care.
Norton, who lives on Kombumerri Country, Gold Coast, explores the intersection of environmental sustainability, queer ecologies, and First Nations knowledge in their work. They use historical techniques and modern practices to create site-specific art that deeply considers natural materials and their environmental impact.
Explore sustainable art practices and deepen your connection to the natural world.
Accommodation
On-site accommodation is available at the Lismore Showgrounds for an additional cost to the Full Gathering Ticket.
On-site accommodation includes:
Tent with a single mattress, pillow and sleeping bag.
Continental and self serve cooked breakfast
Light meal upon arrival Monday night
Camp Warden on-site
There are a couple of accommodation options we would suggest locally:
AZA Motel is in the heart of Lismore CBD and has been locally owned by the Volpato family since opening in 1971. Catering to visiting sporting groups and travellers alike.
Invercauld House just outside of Lismore is Invercauld House, which is in a beautiful setting in amongst the gum trees.
Location
Lismore Showgrounds
116 Alexandra Parade, North Lismore NSW 2480, Australia
National Indigenous Disaster Resilience Gathering
24- 26 September 2024
The NIDR Gathering is led by National Indigenous Disaster Resilience, a research program within Fire to Flourish at Monash University, Jagun Alliance is working in collaboration with local organisations, Koori Mail, and Resilient Lismore to deliver the project on Country.