CREATIVE NORTHERN RIVERS
A special feature focusing on the thriving local arts scene.
ON March 31 in 2017 the city of Lismore was devastated by a catastrophic flood in the aftermath of subtropical Cyclone Debbie. At 4am the Wilson’s River breached the city’s levee for the first time since it was constructed in 2005, flooding the city’s CBD and surrounding residential areas.
Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes, many from their submerged houses. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed and a community was left in shock by the intensity and destruction of the event.
To mark the third-year anniversary an interactive, audio storytelling project, Flood Stories, will be installed in Lismore’s public creative space, The Quad. The project highlights the importance of sharing stories in recovery and explores community resilience and preparedness in the face of climate events.
Flood Stories is a Plein Air Residency at the Lismore Quad created by audio documentary maker, sound artist, Southern Cross University lecturer and City of Lismore resident Jeanti St Clair. Following a public call out and storytelling workshop sessions, St Clair recorded interviews with those who wanted to share what the impact of the disaster had on their lives and businesses.
St Clair said that many participants felt good about sharing their story.
“People were extremely generous and open about what they had experienced and continue to feel as a result of this natural disaster.
“Listening to these stories while walking to some of the flooded locations in Lismore is a powerful experience. It is also an important opportunity for us to reflect on the lessons we have learned.”
Each story takes the listener on a walking tour to different locations within the CBD.
Flood Stories is a free event which will run from March 31-April 9 (see below for operating times) at the Lismore Quad, 110 Magellan St, Lismore
OPERATING TIMES:
Tuesday March 31, 5-7pm OPENING Wednesday April 1, 10am-2pm
Thursday April 2, 10am-2pm, 4-6pm
Friday April 3, 10am-2pm, 4-6pm
Sat April 4, 10am-2pm*
Sunday April 5, 12pm-2pm
Monday April 6 closed
Tuesday April 7, 10am-2pm
Wednesday April 8, 10am-2pm
Thursday April 9, 10am-2pm, and 4-6pm *Closing event at 5.30pm
*Additional events:
Tuesday March 31:
5-7pm Opening Night Event
Saturday April 4:
10.30-11.30am, Discussion Panel: Community preparedness and resilience – what the 2017 flood taught us.
11.45am-12.45pm, Flood Preparedness CBD Walk. Numbers are limited. Please book on event’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ lismorefloodstories
Thursday April 9:
5.30pm Closing Night Ritual: Lismore farewells Cyclone Debbie