A lost and angry childhood spawned a champion boxer, and out of this, a community leader. And fifteen years ago, Eugene Eades became the backbone of the incredible restoration of Country at Nowanup - inland of Bremer Bay in the south of Western Australia. This is a particularly privileged conversation on Country at Nowanup, with this legendary Aboriginal elder. Eugene might move a little slower than those championship days, but his sharp eyes, wry humour, and rock solid presence resonate as powerfully as ever.

Nowanup is a 750ha property that is part of the broader 1,000km stretch of restoration happening through the Gondwana Link network (featured on episode 79). The Healing People/Healing Country initiative at Nowanup has been unique and transformative for both People and Country for since 2006.

Eugene has led cultural and educational camps for communities, schools and universities, youth at risk and justice intervention programs, eco-art projects, music festivals, cultural heritage assessments and much more.

Importantly, Nowanup has formed an important place of respite for local Noongar people to recharge and continue to care for each other. The more than 16,000 visitors to Nowanup have also included other Indigenous people from all over Australia, and non-indigenous people from all over the world. And since the Nowanup ranger programs were established, a string of Ranger groups has been formed across the region.

Join us with a little audience around the fire in one of the thatched meeting places at Nowanup, for a treasured yarn, and a special tune from Eugene.

This conversation was recorded on Country at Nowanup on 24 January 2022.

Title slide: Eugene Eades showing us around Nowanup (pic: Anthony James).

You can see a few other photos of the beautiful Country at Nowanup on the episode web page.

Music:
Looking Back To Yesterday Again, by Eugene Eades, performed with Bruce Anthony.

Regeneration, composed by Amelia Barden, from the soundtrack of the new film Regenerating Australia, screening around the country now.

Find more:
Nowanup website.

A direct link to the beautiful 10 minute short film mentioned.

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