Port Smith

West Kimberley, Karajarri Country, WA, 2021
With KALACC

Following my involvement in a project with KALACC, I received an invitation to Port Smith for their Annual General Meeting. While there, I was asked to document the meeting and the surrounding context.

From above, the landscape revealed a fascinating blend of natural beauty and human activity. One striking feature was the aftermath of an out-of-season bushfire, which had left a brutal mark on the land. Among the charred remains, signs of rejuvenation.

These images shed light on the importance of traditional burning practices. It was explained to me that had they been able to burn the country at the right time, there would be less fuel on the ground during the hotter months. There would also be more greenery protecting the ground from excessive moisture loss like a drop of water hitting a hot pan. They serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between conservation efforts and the preservation of cultural heritage.