Smokey Cape is a very special place for Aunty Cheryl Blair and Nancy Pattison. It was their family’s home growing up and their backyard was the beach. Both women maintain that close relationship to Country all around South West Rocks today.
We have that connection to our saltwater here. We’re always in the saltwater. We live by the tides. Nancy Pattison
Nancy tells how since the 2019 bushfires many koalas have moved back to the area, despite the destruction of habitat from development.
Nancy and Cheryl are now using the local koalas to share Dreaming with young kids and educate them about conserving Country. Aunty Cheryl uses a nursery rhyme to tell the story of Yashi the koala through song, along with signing in Auslan.
The koala song is one of three songs about Country that Aunty Cheryl shares in this episode.
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Conversations on Country is produced by Liz Keen & Simon Portous, Headline Productions and Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance.
Host: Uncle Michael Jarrett
Concept & Direction: Michelle Flanders
Artwork: Cassandra Sutton Photography
Songs and stories in this episode: Aunty Cheryl Blair
