Living with Risk: Life Beside The River with Elly Bird

The aftermath of catastrophic flooding reveals our deepest relationship with rivers. When waters rise unexpectedly, destroying homes and livelihoods, how do communities rebuild not just physically, but emotionally? Elly Bird, former Lismore City Councillor and Executive Director of Resilient Lismore, has dedicated years to answering this question.

This tension manifests in Lismore's physical relationship with the Wilson River (Marmon). Like many towns, Lismore has historically "turned its back" on its waterway, with buildings facing away and industrial uses dominating riverbanks. Now, as climate change brings more frequent and severe flooding, the community faces profound questions about its future.

Elly shares innovative approaches for flood-resilient communities, from "rewilding" flood-prone areas to mobile infrastructure that works with the river's natural patterns. She reflects honestly on the limitations and the potentials of both political action and grassroots activism in creating change.

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This podcast has been made possible with support from the Australian Government through the Emergency Response Fund, administered by NSW Reconstruction Authority's Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program 2022-23. Delivered by North Coast Regional Landcare Network through the Caring for Catchments project. Let’s work together, to make rivers swimmable, fishable and drinkable, worldwide. You, me, We Are The Riverkeepers