The documentary Our Place, Our Species will give viewers the opportunity to delve into the world of native plants in the Northern Rivers and understand the relationship of local First Nations people as caretakers in the Bundjalung region.
The free launch of Our Place, Our Species at the Lismore Quad is an outside screening on Friday 21 April at 5pm and will be shown alongside live music and performances by Nini Nahri Gari dance group. There will be an elders’ space will be provided and everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, bring a picnic or enjoy the food trucks on site and enjoy the family-friendly event.
The documentary was co-produced by local presenter and sound artist Mitch King and directed by Karenza Ebejer. Mitch travels on country to learn from each of these caretakers and shines a light on First Nations people within the Northern Rivers doing incredible work to preserve and protect native plants in this region.
Connection to Country
The caretakers interviewed are each working in ways to benefit the land. They share stories of the plants they have knowledge of and reflect on their own connection to Country. Each bring a range of perspectives to the topic of ecology while also joining together in acknowledging and valuing the importance of First Nations practices.
‘Making this film has been inspiring and educational for us both. We’ve felt so honoured to spend time with the Bundjalung elders who are continuing to do amazing work in preserving and protecting the environment,’ said filmmakers Mitch and Karenza.
‘We hope the viewers get a sense of connection to the beautiful and unique native species here and a deeper understanding of the First Nations cultural knowledge that comes from being part of the land. We also hope people are inspired to learn more about and support the range of First Nations-led projects that exist here.’
The caretakers featured include Aunty Jenny Smith who helped set up the bush tucker educational garden at the Jarjum Centre preschool in Goonellabah; Aunty Thelma James and Uncle Mick Roberts who both have a long history in the region of working to protect country and have been involved in numerous projects that work with preservation and celebration of native species; Delta Kay who runs Explore Byron Bay, cultural walking and bush tucker tours in the Byron Bay region offering a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the coast, rainforest and native foods in the region; Tracey King and Lisa Bolt who manage Namabunda Farm, a First Nations agriculture initiative.
Wheelchair accessible shuttle bus
Lismore Quad has partnered with Hart Services to provide a free, wheelchair accessible shuttle bus service from Goonellabah and Gandarimba to The Quad (see timetable below). For pick up from your home address or if you require specific wheelchair accessible transport, this is available and needs to be booked in by Wednesday 19th April by calling HART: Margot 6628 0127.
Shuttle Bus Timetable:
Friday 21 April, 2023
Leaving Goonellabah Shopping Centre Bus stop – 4.10pm and 5.10pm
Shearman Drive/ Campbell Crescent Loop – 4.20pm and 5.20pm
Military Rd Temporary Village – 4.35pm and 5.35pm
SPAR Shopping Centre – 4.45pm and 5.45pm
410 Keen St Gundarimba – 4.50pm and 5.50pm
Arriving at The Quad – 5pm and 6pm
Return trips will leave The Quad at 7.30 and 8.30pm
The Quad is wheelchair accessible and there will be an Auslan interpreter at the screening.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any further access needs.
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