Last week I was in Port Macquarie to photograph the launch of Energy Forever’s first 100 percent community funded and owned solar panel system at St Agnes Early Education Centre. This not-for-profit organisation has spent years rallying in the local Mid North Coast community to raise funds for this incredible project. It’s wonderful to finally see the results of their hard work. The 72 panels are split over 4 roof faces to best cover the load at the centre. The DC from the panels is converted to AC grid power. I fully support what Port Macquarie Hastings Sustainability Network and Energy Forever are doing for the community and the environment which is why I photographed the event for them on a pro-bono basis. If you have skills that you’d like to share with the organisation, get in touch via their Facebook page. To see more of my work with not for profit organisations please visit my website Read More
I’ve photographed at the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council in Port Macquarie a number of times and I always love returning to this welcoming space. The centre is set amongst the bush with native plants endemic to the area, which local Birpai people can demonstrate many traditional uses for. Every time I’m there, I learn more about the local culture of our First Nations people, and about the Birpai/Dunghutti country that I’m so lucky to live in. I was photographing for a not-for-profit organisation, FCAN (The Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW Inc). FCAN was in Port Macquarie for a conference with volunteers and suppliers from across the state. They were treated to cultural performances and demonstrations from local indigenous children and women. The sting ray dance performed by the ladies is always a highlight – it’s so serene and calming. Following the dances, everyone (including me) learnt traditional weaving with Trish. The same technique can be used to weave jewellery or baskets, using the lomandra grass. After weaving, Rhonda walked us around the garden to learn about plants and their uses. Lemon myrtle was one of the local bush foods used to make these delicious deserts. […] Read More
The Kempsey region is rich with indigenous history and culture. The local aboriginal elders have fascinating stories to share which enrapture my imagination about what came before me on these streets, rivers and fields. Emily King recognises how important it is for these stories to be shared and recorded, and has been working on a project, “Wiriiynakayi Ngunngun Dunghutti” – Dunghutti Stories from Yesterday, which was funded through Kempsey Shire Council. The Dunghutti are an Aboriginal group whose traditional lands lie in the Macleay Valley, on the Mid North Coast of NSW. As a Crescent Head local, I live within this area and it is important to me to learn about my local history, culture and people. The aim of the Dunghutti Stories from Yesterday project was to record a set of stories from each of the communities in the area. These stories were told by elders to school children. The kids painted elements of the stories which became part of 13 impressive murals. The process provided a beautiful interaction between the elders and the children, allowing the kids to learn about their indigenous history. In the words of Uncle Bob, (pictured below with Emily), “It’s important for those generations who have […] Read More
