Essential Stories: Creativity, Community, and Collective Identity was presented by Southern Cross University and NORPA.

A sold-out discussion moderated by Professor David Heilpern that brought together national and local voices to explore how community storytelling and place-based cultural practices can support recovery, resilience and a renewed sense of collective identity.

This discussion formed part of NORPA’s wider creative development project 'Dinner Party at the End of the World', a bold multi-artform response to the 2022 floods that supports regional recovery through local stories, connection and reflection.

SCU academic Jeanti St Clair contributed key research and community insights, reinforcing the University’s commitment to regionally relevant research and meaningful community partnerships.

The musical introduction to this podcast was written and performed by Alako Myles.