Topic:
Nowanup
Art, poetry and their place in an ancient landscape
Bill Bunbury OAM speaks to artist NIKKI GREEN and poet RENEÉ PETTITT-SCHIPP about their award-winning imagery and words and how they engage us with both the region’s ancient landscapes and the challenge of managing human impacts. Their works also reflect respect for the land’s Noongar Custodians.
Eugene Eades: Coming back to Country
Eugene Eades has transformed Nowanup into a beacon of hope through extraordinary leadership, welcoming thousands to engage with the land. Central to his journey is a deep connection to Noongar culture and a commitment to learning from Elders whereby “instructions were given to me by the Elders all the way through”. Since 2005, he has focused on restoring the land, emphasizing its cultural significance and ecological health. Under his guidance, the 754-hectare Nowanup property has been rejuvenated, providing habitats for wildlife and becoming a “Bush University” for both Noongar and non-Indigenous people. Eugene's programs, including cultural plantings and a Ranger team, emphasize collaboration and healing, encapsulated in the motto “Healing Land, Healing People.” Over 16,000 visitors have participated in workshops and camps, fostering cross-cultural connections. Eugene envisions a world awakened by the shared stories and experiences at Nowanup, where the land teaches humanity about care and responsibility, echoing the wisdom of the ancestors.
