Posted on August 30, 2021
Year 10 students from Derby District High School have created an image of support in the shape of a heart on the banks of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River in an effort to protect the River and raise awareness for plans to pump huge amounts of water from the River.
The students visited the Fitzroy River to connect with the River and record sounds, photos, textures and colours for a special light and shadow performance illustrating a story by Nyikina Elder Lena Buckle about living things that depend on the River for life.
The students had already watched the Voices of the River web series and understand the threat to the River by large-scale development, and decided to create the image of support led by student Tristan Weaver.
For many students, this site where the River flows near King Sound, is their tribal lands where their ancestors were born and raised and continue to visit and fish.
Teacher Katie Breckon said “When young people connect with the River, their steps lighten and their general demeanour lifts into a positive space.”
