Climate of the Nation is the country’s longest continuous survey of community attitudes to climate change.

As the Northern Hemisphere experiences extreme heatwaves and Australia prepares for a "horror summer", and the new RBA Governor Michelle Bullock warns climate change poses a "particularly acute" challenge for the Australian economy, join us for the launch of the 2023 Climate of the Nation Report with Polly Hemming, Director Climate & Energy program, Jenny Dowell OAM, former Mayor of Lismore City Council, and Dr Graeme Palmer, Lismore small business owner.

Speakers:

• Jenny Dowell OAM served more than 12 years on Lismore City Council, including eight as the city's mayor (2008-16). During that time Jenny was also president of Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC) for four years and sat on various national committees, including the infrastructure taskforce and the high-speed rail advisory group. Since retiring in 2016, Jenny has become a mayoral mentor with Local Government NSW, assisting mayors around the State with their challenging roles. She is a member of Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers board and deputy team leader with Red Cross emergency services in Lismore. Jenny also serves on the Board of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium.
• Dr Graeme Palmer is a small business owner in Lismore with his wife Janice and he is a lecturer in the faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University. Six weeks after Graeme and Janice took ownership of their shop the 11.59 metre 2017 flood hit Lismore, and the shop was flooded again in 2022. 
• Polly Hemming is the Director of the Australia Institute’s Climate & Energy program. She has extensive experience working in policy, marketing and engagement roles in both not-for-profit and public sectors. Her current work focuses on carbon and environmental markets, climate integrity and greenwashing. Having previously led the development of a government eco-label recognising voluntary climate action by the private sector, she maintains a strong interest in non-state climate ambition and the policies and regulation that interact with this. Polly’s previous roles have included academic publishing, remote Indigenous education, refugee advocacy and science communication, bringing a range of perspectives and experiences to her work.

Verity Lane Market is open for drinks and dinner from 5pm. Please come early to enjoy delicious foods from authentic and diverse vendors, as well as a finely curated list of wines, beers, and cocktails.