Book launch and workshop

When systems are under pressure, what helps communities hold together?

Heatwaves, storms, floods and the disruptions that flow from extreme weather is increasingly affecting the places we live and the services we rely on.

But what does this mean for our local community? What happens when the organisations people depend on are themselves stretched? And how can we strengthen our collective capacity to respond without adding another overwhelming responsibility to already busy lives?

Join author and disaster resilience expert Jean Renouf for a conversation inspired by his newly released book Unspeakable: Facing up to the climate catastrophe and its consequences in Australia.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience in disaster management and community resilience, including work with Plan C, Safer Future and Fire and Rescue NSW, Jean will explore what climate disruption means for communities, the challenges we face, and the role of relationships, collective action and shared responsibility when established systems are under pressure.

The event will combine a book launch and facilitated discussion with an optional practical workshop focused on our local context.

Together, we will explore:

• What climate-related disruption could mean for our community and local services.

• Where vulnerabilities exist, and which people may be most affected.

• What strengths, relationships and capabilities we already have.

• What we could realistically strengthen together, and where broader support is needed.

This is an opportunity for community service organisations, council staff, community leaders and interested residents to connect, think honestly about the challenges ahead, and identify practical ways forward.

You don't need to have all the answers, or take responsibility for solving everything. You just need to be willing to join the conversation.

Book launch & refreshments from 5pm. Optional workshop with catered dinner 6.30-8pm