After Disaster Film Event Press Release

The After Disaster Project is the creation of local musician and teacher Janet Swain of Song Dynasty Music. Working with kids from both the Pocket Primary and Upper Main Arm Primary in the aftermath of the 2022 floods, Janet saw a need to support these kids, many of whom had experienced the full force of the floods not once but twice. Some lost family homes, property, they were displaced from their school, these kids were directly affected. Having many years of experiencing the healing and connective nature of music, Janet set about to create a program to help explore and express some of the traumatic impacts left on our young people, and with funding through the NSW Government, Reconnecting Regional NSW Grants program, The After Disaster Project was born.

The project consisted of four local songwriters – Harry James Angus, Emily Lubitz, Ash Grunwald and Janet Swain, working with the kids to create a song cycle about the floods, climate change and future action – what can we do?

Composer and Percussionists, Michael and Samaya Askill mentored the Main Arm Years 5/6 percussion ensemble to create a sonic reflection on the flood event.

Culminating in one big free concert for our community with the 200 kids, along with these fabulous musicians performing the songs they had created together. The outcomes far exceeded expectations, – the songs were deeply moving, uplifting and they also highlighted the incredible resilience and creativity of our wonderful community.  There was not a dry eye in the house. These are the stories of our kids; these songs are their songs.

This whole project was documented by our own award-winning filmmaker, Sharon Shostak and has resulted in the much awaited After Disaster Documentary. We are excited to premier the film at the Byron Shire Council’s month of reflection on the Flood Events of 2022, put on for the community through one the hubs of the recovery effort, the Mullumbimby Neighborhood Center.

This is a free event and there will be 4 screenings over two days at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club, March 27th and 28th, along with performances by Emily Lubitz and Janet Swain with the Upper Main Arm Primary and Pocket Schools combined choir and the Big Voice Community Choir. Check poster for details.