Awaken the past. Empower the future.
Celebrate NAIDOC week with one of two films presented by the Great Southern Reef Foundation, directed by Stefan Andrews.
Sea Country
One of the oldest and most resilient human cultures on earth, Tasmanian Aboriginal peoples grapple with recent centuries of adversity and turn to sea- country to awaken the past and empower the future.
Dean, Vicki, Rob and Maddie share a deep connection to the ocean. It connects them to the past, enriches the present and inspires their futures. Dean is an artist, scientist and custodian who turns to sea-country for inspiration in his work. Vicki creates sculptures from kelp – evolving a traditional artform into contemporary designs that depict the beauty and fragility of sea-country. Rob teaches his daughter Maddie the cultural importance of catching a feed – always mindful that sea-country is traditionally women’s country and she must learn when to turn back. This is their connection to sea country.
Echoes of Goonminyerra: Embodied Custodianship
Echoes of Goonminyerra brings viewers into the powerful world of Uncle Bunna Lawrie, a respected Elder of the Mirning People of the Nullarbor and Great Australian Bight. Uncle Bunna, a Marban bai, Medicine man and Whale Songman, provides a firsthand account of his life and duty as a protector and custodian of his ancestral womwoum, home and belonging.
The film explores Uncle Bunna’s role as the protector of the whale and voice for marine life, showcasing his deep connection to Goonminyerra, the Mirning friendly laws and customs that respect and honor Land, Sea and Sky Country and all that lives there as one family.
Against the backdrop of the stunning Great Australian Bight and Nullarbor coast, Uncle Bunna highlights the exceptional level of unique marine biodiversity found in the region. He describes the rich ecosystem of the reefs, home to a myriad of fish species, and the importance of binyidie, kelp as a resource for Mirning People and for the marine creatures.
The short not only captures the ecological richness of the region, but also illuminates the sustainable practices of the Mirning People, who only take what they need from the sea, ensuring its bounty continues for all creatures and generations to come.
Echoes of Goonminyerra is a moving testament to the importance of tradition, the strength of custodianship, and the profound bond between humans and nature. As Uncle Bunna upholds his duties to protect the whales and the Great Australian Bight, he embodies the time-honored values of the Mirning People, showing us what it truly means to be a guardian for Yoola, Mother Earth.
About the Great Southern Reef Foundation
Who are we? The Great Southern Reef Foundation is a team of scientists, storytellers and educators working to promote the recognition, stewardship and longevity of Australia’s kelp forests.
Our vision is to connect, educate and inspire society to become active stewards of Australia’s kelp forests.
Our mission: The Great Southern Reef Foundation are knowledge brokers representing the Great Southern Reef in key areas of Education, Community, and Science. We’re here to deepen your understanding and recognition of the Great Southern Reef (GSR).
What is the Great Southern Reef? The Great Southern Reef (GSR) is an interconnected ecosystem of kelp forests, spanning 8000kms across Australia’s southern coast.
About Stefan Andrews
Stefan Andrews is an accomplished marine biologist and filmmaker with over a decade of experience in the field of underwater cinematography. His passion for marine ecology and conservation has been the driving force behind his work, which focuses on communicating scientific research and environmental issues through compelling storytelling and stunning visuals.
As a filmmaker, Stefan is known for his ability to combine scientific rigor with artistic vision, resulting in films that are both informative and visually captivating. Through his work, Stefan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to raising awareness about the urgent need to protect our oceans, the creatures that inhabit them and the cultures that live with a close connection to them.
As the co-founder and Director of Education and Impact at the Great Southern Reef Foundation, Stefan's influence extends beyond the realm of filmmaking. He is also a passionate advocate for environmental education and outreach. He believes that by inspiring the next generation of scientists and conservationists, we can create a brighter future for our planet and all its inhabitants.