Last week, UCRH hosted the second annual Northern Rivers Disastrous Writing Retreat at its Lismore campus, a two-day face-to-face gathering that brought together researchers, community leaders and disaster recovery practitioners for focused writing, peer review and shared inspiration.
Presented by UCRH, with catering support from Natural Hazards Research Australia and a heart-led registration model – attendees donated up to $30 to a charity of their choice – the retreat welcomed around 20 writers representing a diverse mix of organisations including Gender and Disaster Australia, Uniting, Regional Australia Institute, Wilsons Creek Huonbrook & Wanganui Community Association, and universities such as UNSW, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Southern Cross, Griffith, and King’s College London.
From reviewing flood stories for a book, to sharing lunch and treats, to connecting across sectors and disciplines, participants described the retreat as a rare opportunity to write alongside others, build new collaborations, and reconnect with the purpose behind their work.
One participant summed it up beautifully:
“I would say the writing retreat was great for PhD students, especially those who work remotely … I am taking away a wonderful injection of connection and the shared experience of being a student in the disaster research space. As well as some stronger connections with researchers I see online and meeting new people from interstate.”
The retreat highlighted the value of cross-sector fertilisation, with community organisations, NGOs and academics working side by side. It also reinforced UCRH’s commitment to fostering collaboration, creativity and care in the disaster research space.
