The day was jam-packed with local performances, powerful speakers and a range of workshops on the themes of climate justice and sustainable futures.

"It was overwhelming to see such a positive response from the community," MLS media spokesperson Dr Ella Dixon said.

"The morning panel took everyone on a journey from anger and despair to hope through action.

"It was such a positive and inspiring day, where new connections were forged and passions ignited for projects such as community energy.

"The forum succeeded in inspiring the community to be bold in reimagining a better future, one where sustainability and climate justice is at the heart.

"The broad range of hands-on workshops empowered people by giving them the skills and tools to make change happen here and now, ensuring the ripple effects will continue to flow on for the benefit of the Macleay Valley.

"Young Dunghutti musician Joey Leigh Wagtail delivered a powerful speech and set the tone of the day with his take on the song From Little Things Big Things Grow, adding a musical dimension to the incredibly important First Nations contributions to the day."

Experienced moderator Dr Tim Cadman was an excellent match for the expert panellists.

Among these, ecologist Mark Graham argued that though we have limited time, we have the capacity "to totally shift our trajectory towards one where our future is assured", pointing out that "forums like this serve as a platform to catapult us into that future".

"At question time the focus was clearly on how to make our voices heard in the upcoming local government elections to ensure we have strong local leadership on sustainability and climate action", Dr Dixon added.

"The forum provided a space to explore a range of solutions in working together towards a sustainable future in the Macleay from deep ecology to community energy projects, the circular economy, to regenerative farming, cultural burning and more.

"Amanda Cahill, CEO of The Next Economy, who featured in the 2014 film, discussed the economic tools and practices we can use to ensure the long-term wellbeing of both people and planet, but also to support communities across Australia to implement these approaches to strengthen and stimulate local economies.

"Several panelists, including myself, told stories of hope, renewal and community resilience about surviving and overcoming the 2019-2020 blacksummer bushfires and 2020 floods, which has impacted our community heavily.

"MLS organisers were left with the unmistakable impression that the combined energy generated by the Sustainability Fest, has created an unstoppable momentum among the growing number of people in the Valley who are channeling their anger into action."

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