August 7, 2025
At Climate Adaptation 2025, we completed day one by rolling out the red carpet for bold ideas for a changing climate. AdaptFest, our third film festival on climate adaptation, invited conference attendees to grab a snack pack and take in the showcase of short films from across the country.
Hosted by the NESP Climate Systems Hub’s Tanya Wilkins, this year’s AdaptFest had a different energy—less panel session, more community cinema. The collection of videos highlighted real-world adaptation in action, spotlighting communities, councils, scientists and Traditional Owners stepping up to meet the climate challenge with innovation, care and collaboration.
Here’s what we screened:
🎬 In the Path of Fire: Country, Culture and Care
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
A world-first Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) brought Aboriginal rangers into emergency control rooms to help protect Country and cultural heritage during bushfires. This powerful film shows what happens when cultural knowledge and emergency response go hand in hand.
🎬 Bringing Dry Country to Life
WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Farming in WA’s drylands is tough—but local producers are adapting with resilience. This short film showcases how farmers are building climate-smart practices for soil health, livestock, and long-term sustainability.
🎬 The 2024 National First Peoples Gathering on Climate Change
National First Peoples Platform for Climate Change (NESP)
Held on Tubbah-Gah Country in Dubbo, this Gathering brought together Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists and community leaders to respond to climate change with strength and unity. The video captures the spirit and impact of this landmark event.
🎬 Look Ahead: Community Design for Lismore
Living Lab Northern Rivers
How do you rebuild after repeated floods? This film follows a community-led project where locals co-designed five bold strategies for a stronger, more resilient Lismore—one that’s not just rebuilt, but reimagined.
🎬 Power to the Future
NSW Waverley Council
What happens when you pair up school students and local seniors to talk about climate action? Magic. This intergenerational program fosters knowledge exchange and inspires grassroots solutions at the community level.
🎬 Animating Our Future: Climate Change Explained
Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board
Two short animations explain how climate change is reshaping the Riverland region—and how both local species and communities are adapting to these changes. Accessible, educational, and visually engaging.
🎬 The Heat is on: A Climate Adaptation Role-Playing Game for Schools
University of Tasmania
Students become council members in this immersive, classroom-based game that challenges them to protect a fictional island from climate threats. Created as part of Curious Climate Schools, this fun approach to climate literacy empowers young people to explore real-world challenges.
🎬 Waterwise Program
WA Department of Water, Environment and Regulation
With South-West WA facing a drying climate, this cross-agency program is creating waterwise, greener, more climate-resilient cities—through smart urban design, water conservation, and deep community engagement.
🎬 Greenlink
Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
In Dimboola and Jeparit, forgotten riverfronts are being transformed into shady, green community spaces. Over 700 native plants, rainwater systems, and cultural heritage design make this a shining example of climate adaptation and local pride. To view the video, visit https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/supporting-local-action-on-climate-change/adaptation-stories.
🎬 BE CALM: Connecting Nature and Community to Navigate Climate Anxiety
Huon Valley Council, Tasmania
Sometimes the most powerful adaptation is emotional. BE CALM explores how connection to Country, community and place can ease climate anxiety—and spark conversations that lead to action.
AdaptFest 2025 reminded us that climate adaptation isn’t just policy or science—it’s stories. It’s people working together, experimenting, listening, healing, and preparing for an uncertain future. Each film shared a different approach, but together, they offered hope and inspiration.