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

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, Dan Etheridge, Emma Ridings 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.  

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.

The City We Make
Friday 2 October 2026
11—12.30pm

The Joinery
Hampton Lane, Lismore NSW 2480

Introduced by Nicole Gurran, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Sydney.

Panel speakers include:
Angharad Wynne-Jones, Co-facilitator, Creative Climate 
Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers
Rosie Dennis, Executive Director, Arts Northern Rivers
Mark Cora, Bundjalung Elder and Artist 
Tristan Schultz, Founder and Director, Relative Creative
Emma Ridings, Director, Maeve Collective 

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

Register now.

This event is 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.