What happens when the old rules of city-making no longer apply?

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Across Australia, communities are grappling with the impacts of climate change, economic transition and shifting social needs. As traditional models of urban development come under increasing pressure, new opportunities are emerging to imagine different futures for our cities and regions.

This conversation is inspired by Dan Etheridge’s essay Our biggest challenge AND our greatest opportunity, a blue-sky exploration of Lismore’s future potential and the role art and artists can play in shaping place, defining identity and strengthening community.

Join Angharad Wynne-Jones, Tristan Schultz, Mark Cora, Emma Ridings, Dan Etheridge and Rosie Dennis, for a conversation exploring how constraints can become catalysts for innovation and what conditions are needed for creative industries, businesses, service organisations and communities to thrive. Hosted at NORPA’s emerging new home, The Joinery, one of the Northern Rivers’ most exciting cultural projects, the session will open with insights from NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis.

Looking beyond adaptation and rebuilding, this discussion considers what Australian cities and regional centres could become by 2050, and the role artists, designers, thinkers and communities can play in shaping that future.

A free morning conversation.

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Event Details:

Friday 2 October 2026
11am - 12.30pm
Onsite at NORPA's The Joinery
6 Hampton Lane, Lismore NSW 2480

All welcome.
Free, inclusive and locally hosted.
Limited places — registration essential.
Refreshments provided.

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Speakers:

Mark Cora, Bundjalung Elder and Artist

Rosie Dennis, Executive Director, Arts Northern Rivers

Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers‍

Emma Ridings, Director, MAEVE Collective

Tristan Schultz, Founder and Director, Relative Creative

Angharad Wynne-Jones, Co-facilitator, Creative Climate

Click here for more info about the speakers.

Accessibily Info

The Joinery has accessible, step-free entrances, accessible toilets and disability parking. Accessible seating and wheelchair spaces are available. The Joinery has uneven ground and surfaces, and visitors should take care when moving through the space.

This event is presented by Living Lab Northern Rivers and Arts Northern Rivers as part of The Festival of Urbanism, presented by the Henry Halloran Urban & Regional Research Initiative, The University of Sydney. The annual Festival is a series of conversations where researchers, practitioners, community advocates and industry leaders come together to debate the threats and opportunities facing our cities.

Proudly supported by NORPA.

We respectfully acknowledge Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Githabul Country, the lands we work and create on. We appreciate the unique and vibrant array of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders artists and cultural practitioners from here and living here. We strive to strengthen self-determination, promote presence, and support cultural continuation.

Contact the host of The City We Make

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