Saltwater People: The Deep Connection Between Culture and Ocean is a community exhibition and short documentary presented by First Nations Lifeguards and directed by indigenous cinematographer Brook Silvester.

The exhibition will launch during the second week of Flotsam Festival from May 7th, and remain running until the end of National Reconciliation Week (27th May- 3rd June).

The project shares the largely untold story of indigenous saltwater people of the region, including indigenous lifeguard Barnie Curry who patrolled Greenmount beach in the
1940’s, and their involvement in the early lifesaving movement across coastal Bundjalung Country.

Through recordings of oral histories, contemporary photography and a short video documentary, the exhibition will highlight the deep cultural relationship between First Nations people and the ocean, and recognises how this knowledge has contributed to modern water safety, coastal stewardship and community.

The free public exhibition and screening will create a space for community members to learn about coastal cultural involvement while hearing the stories of multiple generations of indigenous water people.

By bringing together archival material with contemporary voices, the project connects past and present, demonstrating how cultural knowledge continues to shape coastal communities today.

Held in the lead up to and overlapping National Reconciliation Week, the exhibition showcases local cultural knowledge, historical and lived experiences connected to the ocean, the project supports reconciliation by strengthening recognition of First Nations histories and continuing connections to Country.

Exhibition: 7 May – June 3, Greenmount Surf Club

Additional Screening: May 15th, Homegrown at Burleigh Headland

DOP: Brook Silvester

Photo Production: Mattea McKinnon