Rising Tide Northern Rivers Gains Momentum with Film Nights and Action Initiatives

Rising Tide Northern Rivers, a dynamic climate defence movement, has officially launched in Hastings Point and Lismore, galvanising local communities to address Australia’s significant contributions to the global climate crisis. As one of the world’s largest exporters of coal and gas, Australia faces crucial challenges, which Rising Tide aims to confront by targeting coal exports, especially through Newcastle, the world’s largest coal port.

The formation of Rising Tide Northern Rivers was inspired by a significant turnout at the World’s Largest Blockade of the Port of Newcastle in November 2023. Over 2,000 activists, including more than 100 locals from Northern Rivers, participated in the 32-hour blockade using hundreds of kayaks. This monumental event led to Australia’s largest mass arrest for climate action, with seven locals among the 109 detained.

At the movement’s Hastings Point launch, attendees took to Cudgera Creek in kayaks, discussing motivations behind their climate activism and exploring strategies to expand the network. The Lismore launch featured heartfelt welcomes from Uncle Roy Gordon and musical contributions from Terri Nicholson and Paul Paitson, who performed songs echoing themes of resistance and environmental stewardship.

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Emma Briggs, who attended the Lismore event, expressed her commitment to challenging the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels within Australia. “Despite international promises to move away from coal and gas, domestic practices remain largely unchanged. It’s crucial that we implement the environmental safeguards we needed decades ago,” she stated.

Upcoming Events: Rising Tide Northern Rivers continues its outreach with upcoming film screenings of ‘The First Wave: The People’s Blockade’. These events aim not only to educate and inspire but also to support crucial environmental campaigns:

• Brunswick Heads Picture House: Join us on Sunday, 5 May at 5:00 PM for a screening that will benefit the Save Wallum campaign. Tickets are available in advance through the Brunswick Heads Picture House website.
• timbre in Lismore: Another opportunity to engage will be on Friday, 24 May at 5:00 PM. To attend this event, please RSVP at The First Wave Lismore Screening.

These film nights are excellent opportunities for community members to come together, learn about the impacts of coal and gas, and take actionable steps towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Rising Tide Northern Rivers is at the forefront of local climate action, urging residents to join in their ongoing efforts to protect our planet.

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Lifeline Northern NSW Seeks Volunteers to Join Crisis Support Team Amid Rising Demand

Lifeline Northern NSW is inviting community members to become volunteer crisis supporters, responding to the growing need for emotional and crisis support across the region. The call for volunteers comes as Lifeline has observed a 35% increase in demand for its services since the COVID-19 pandemic began, further exacerbated recently by economic pressures.

On Thursday, May 2, Lifeline Northern NSW will host an information session from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at their Lismore centre, for those interested in learning about the volunteer opportunities.

Potential volunteers can register for the session at Lifeline Lismore Information Session.

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Volunteering as a crisis supporter involves undergoing extensive training to prepare individuals for handling sensitive calls, offering hope and empathetic listening to those in distress. The training, which initially takes place online over eight to ten weeks, equips volunteers to manage a range of challenging situations with calm and effective responses.

Kathryn Russell, a youth program worker and volunteer crisis supporter, shared her transformative experience with Lifeline. “The training was unexpectedly life-changing. It taught me deep listening, empathy, and how to maintain composure during intense situations,” Russell said. She recalled a poignant moment when she helped a caller develop a safety plan, providing them with a renewed sense of hope.

Crisis supporters typically commit to one four-hour shift every fortnight, with flexible training schedules and volunteer hours to accommodate varying lifestyles. Lisa Barnes, a team leader at Lifeline, emphasized the inclusivity of the program. “We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and experiences. You don’t need to have prior counselling experience; we’re looking for empathic individuals eager to make a difference,” Barnes stated.

Lifeline Northern NSW is one of the 43 Lifeline centres nationwide, where over 4,000 volunteers answer close to one million calls each year. The organization provides 24-hour support, including phone calls, text messages, and online chats, addressing the critical need for suicide prevention and crisis intervention.

This opportunity not only offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to the community but also provides volunteers with invaluable skills and experiences in the mental health field.

For more information on becoming a crisis supporter and other ways to help, visit northernNSW.lifeline.org.au.

If this story or any personal issues raise concerns for you, please reach out to Lifeline at any time by calling 13 11 14, texting 0477 131 114, or engaging in an online chat at lifeline.org.au.

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Laboratory of Light Families Show Announced

By popular demand NORPA is making our original school production, Laboratory of Light, open to families, for one night only.

Welcome to the curious and wonder-filled world of Luminous — a backyard scientist and inventor. Luminous never wants to be in the dark again, so is on a mission to understand and capture light.

Luminous spends all night conducting experiments in the Laboratory of Light in the hope that one day this will lead to recognition and fame. Darkness is lonely and needs a friend but Luminous is afraid of the dark!

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One full moon night, as an electromagnetic wave travels through the Milky Way, Luminous’ most ambitious invention traps the smallest unit of light, a photon! This leads to an unlikely trio setting off on an adventurous discovery.

Join us for an engaging and magical night of wonder for the world around us, featuring light play experiments and original live music.

For ages 5-12 years and their families.

Laboratory of Light – Families Show
Star Court Theatre, Lismore:
Thu 6 Jun, 6pm

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