Jarrah was raised in Kyogle, on Bundjalung country, where he has returned after a city stint to work, write and raise his kids. His debut novel Hey Brother, published by Allen and Unwin in 2018,was shortlisted for the Australian/Vogel Literary Award. As well as being an author, he has worked in the areas of mental health support, drug and alcohol harm minimisation, and disaster recovery across the Northern Rivers region. Jarrah worked as the lead creative consultant and project manager for Fire Stories, conducting and recording interviews, co-editing the book and website, and producing and editing the podcast. 

Anastasia is a grass-roots journalist, qualified ecologist, and published author. 

Her home-schooled childhood exploring the forests and streams of Gumbaynggirr country set her on the path to becoming a passionate conservationist and environmental advocate. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing in 2001, and in 2020 graduated with an Associate Degree in Environmental Science. Before releasing her first book, “Rapture” (2016), she collaborated on several book projects in Tetun, the language of East Timor. Her second book “Gondwana Burning” was published in 2020, following the 2019-20 bushfires. Anastasia worked as a creative consultant on Fire Stories, co-editing the book and website, collating photos from community members, and conducting and recording interviews.  When not writing she works as a bush regenerator and leads citizen science teams.

Jodie graduated with a BA of Photography from Queensland College of Art. Jodie has exhibited widely in Australia and Internationally.  Specialising in Social Documentary, Jodie describes her work as a mixture of political comment and a personal interpretation of the world as presented to her.  Jodie has a number of other long-term series including one which explores her Indigenous heritage, by placing herself and her work within the context of historical ethnographic imagery. You can contact Jodie at hello@6acrestudios.com

Ben is a professional photographer from the Northern Rivers of NSW. His work seeks to depict the tonality of life’s everyday moments, places and faces. Ben’s work showcases a unique perspective of the many, and varied, people and places he has encountered throughout his journey as a photographer. He loves experimenting with light, tone and subject matter while seeking to portray the mystery, intrinsic beauty and alluring nature of the world around us. You can check more of his work out on instagram @bennybelle_photography

Jimmy Malecki is an award winning photographer and filmmaker from Seattle, Washington USA and has called the Northern Rivers home for the past 22 years.  He started using his camera to tell stories with the 2009 Repco Rally in the Tweed and Kyogle Shires interviewing event patrons and protestors. This is when he realised the power of citizen journalism and peaceful protest to achieve positive outcomes for community.  His recent work with writer and producer Susanna Freymark, ‘Tinnie Heroes’ won the Flicker Fest 2023 Byron All Shorts audience award for best short film this year with a warm reception from around the region.

Embodying a vibrant zest for life, I thrive at capturing those precious moments. With a camera in hand, I capture the fleeting moments, bringing out untold narratives with empathy and authenticity. I spend a lot of time watching movies that inspire my style and love for storytelling. For me, photography is all about watching and waiting, cherishing the expressions and intimacy people share. Rooted in empathy, connection and creativity, my photography unfolds with a vibrant tapestry of experiences and a deep appreciation for the wonders of people’s emotions and connections.