
As the impact of climate change continues to make communities vulnerable to heat, drought, flood and fire as the planet heats up communities are looking to come together and plan for the future. The second monthly Main Arm Resilient Communities group is coming together this Sunday and will be looking at the issue of Fire and Ecosystem Resilience. Free Resilience Workshops are also being held throughout the region including Uki, Lismore, Byron Bay, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, and the Byron Hinterland
Main Arm facilitator Peta Best said that attending the meeting helped people feel supported in a safe environment where they were able to envision change and begin to move together towards collective actions to build community resilience for the future.
Following the first module ‘at least one person who came feeling hopeless, left with a feeling of being supported and able to plan and take action,’ said Peta.

The group dynamic of the workshop series is based on Deep Listening and strives towards Sociocracy. Deep Listening being respectful, contemplative, heart-based listening based on loving acceptance instead of judgment.
‘Sociocracy, also called dynamic governance, is based on equality in group decision making and consent about the best way to achieve an aim,’ Peta explained.
‘A number of great ideas, plans and actions came from the groups first session and these are being edited and a more detailed list will be available soon.
‘Actions aiming to address food, water, biodiversity, creek erosion, psychological and physical care and safety for front line workers and activists, local economy, political change and housing were all flagged. There are plans to give free practical workshops on composting toilets, renewable energy, water harvesting, food forests, renewable agriculture, growing food and system and governance change,’ she said.
The next Main Arm Resilient Communities group meeting this Sunday 18 July Durrumbul Hall 2 till 4pm and will focus on Fire and Ecosystem Resilience. Participation is free (though a donation towards hall hire is appreciated). All Main Arm and nearby residents are welcome. If interested please register at Humanitix events or call Peta Best on 0447 005 996 for more information.
Free Workshops are being held throughout the region including Uki, Lismore, Byron Bay, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, and the Byron Hinterland and can be booked through the humanitix. Check out the Resilient Byron Facebook page or website for other contact details.


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