Expo highlights ways to reduce our footprint

Visitors to the Norco North Coast National - the region’s premier agricultural show running from October 16 to 19 - are in store for some wonderful surprises this year thanks to Southern Cross University.

The University has thrown its weight behind the event, showcasing its considerable knowledge and expertise in the area of sustainable living by supporting the inaugural Southern Cross University Sustainable Living Expo, being held in conjunction with what is traditionally known as the ‘Lismore Show’.

Highlighting practical ways to reduce our footprint on the earth and finding solutions to the challenges ahead is the focus of the Expo, which will showcase Australia’s finest thinking in carbon neutral living, the Green economy, renewable energy, sustainable buildings and art, and better ways for us to manage our resources.

Whether it is from an environmental science perspective, art, music or business, the University is taking a leadership role in its sustainability initiatives and many of these will be highlighted at the Expo, being held at the Lismore showgrounds in North Lismore.

Visitors will be able to experience paper-making by hand, using recycled fabrics, at workshops run by University staff and advanced Visual Arts students.

“The advanced hand papermaking techniques being taught in visual arts leads the field,” said associate lecturer Tim Mosely. “Plants for papermaking are grown on campus and samples of these will be on show.”

The visual arts program is also looking forward to showcasing some exciting artworks made from recycled materials. Some of the pieces on display, including a huge horse made of recycled metal, will be the highlights of their upcoming graduate art exhibition, TRANSIT, and the Lismore Show will provide a sneak preview of them.

The Southern Cross University Sustainable Living Expo will showcase a number of interactive displays, offer practical workshops and feature the SCU Talking Tent.

A wide range of topics featuring Southern Cross University experts are on the agenda, including the Green Economy and Carbon Credits, with Professor Ian Eddie; Preparing Australia for a Post Carbon Future, with Dr Leigh Sullivan; NSW Emission Targets and Carbon Trading Explained and also Biofuel Curse or Cure, with Professor Jerry Vanclay; Tourism and Food, with Rose Wright; Living with Whales and Dolphins, with Associate Professor Peter Harrison; and Sugarcane and Carbon, with Dr Jeff Parr.

Also featuring in the Talking Tent are many other Northern Rivers experts including Dr Jacquie Boustaney, who will speak on Energy Medicine; Michael Walsh, speaking on Ethical Investment; and Robyn Francis from Djanbung Gardens, who will speak on Permaculture Solutions for a Sustainable Region.

During the day the main show ring will feature dog trials, horse judging and camp drafting, while from 6pm each night there will be a smorgasbord of entertainment including the rodeo spectacular, stunt bikes, and fireworks, followed by various ticketed events including The Space Cowboy and the Garnished Burlesque Show at the circus tent.

Southern Cross University contemporary music bands will showcase their talent on the SCU Stage from Thursday to Saturday from 9pm and the Cock&Bull tent will feature a variety of entertainment until late in the evening.

The show opens at 10am every day and closes around 11.30pm, except for Sunday when it closes at 5pm.

Tickets can be purchased from the Unibar at $18 for adults, $10 concession. Students and concession holders will be able to gain entry to the show grounds and see a ticketed event for $20 ($25 adults). Four-day show passes and family passes are also available. Tickets are also available on the day at the gate.

See the full Southern Cross University Sustainable Living Expo program at www.livingexpo.com.au

Photo: Students Ben Shepherd, left, and Nick Miller, work on an aquoponics display that will be on show at the Expo.

Media contact: Brigid Veale, Southern Cross University communications manager, 02 66593006 or 0439 680 748.