As we face the colossal challenge of protecting and restoring the environment, Breathing Life into Boodja* provides hope and inspiration.
The film is a galvanising portrayal of large-scale environmental achievements being made by community groups, Aboriginal communities and rangers, conservation landholders, farmers and scientists. Together, they are restoring and healing land around the Porongurup and Stirling Ranges in south-western Australia.
In this region some of Australia’s most biologically diverse ecosystems were destroyed when land clearing for broad-acre agriculture was dramatically increased after World War II. Now restoration is underway across large tracts of open farmland and wildlife is returning.
At the same time, dispossessed Aboriginal communities are regaining their voice and their role as managers of their country. Their story is one of self-empowerment and cultural healing achieved as part of environmental recovery – healthy country and healthy people.
This collaborative work is part of an ambitious 1,000-kilometre effort known as Gondwana Link, which is establishing an arc of continuous wildlife habitat from the tall, wet forests of the Margaret River area through to the semi-arid Great Western Woodlands around Kalgoorlie.
In recognition of Gondwana Link’s global significance, it has been named as one of the ‘Founding 50’ projects for the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021- 2030).
We will be joined by guest speaker Jane Chambers, Director NatureLink Perth for a showcase of local community restoration efforts and to find out what we can all do to contribute to a Gondwana Link right here in the City of Bayswater.
*”Boodja” means “Country” in Noongar language.
This event is being presented in partnership with the City of Bayswater and Enviro House.
