Moree Fish Motel Painting
In an effort to blend environmental stewardship, and creativity, the Moree River Repair Bus undertook fish motel building with the local Landcare group and Indigenous youth group Miyay Birray. Together they are embarking on a journey to foster conservation, honor indigenous culture, and ignite creativity in young people in Moree.
A FISH DREAMING PROJECT
Through collaborative efforts and deep-rooted respect for the land, OzFish have sought to weave culture and conservation.
Fostering conservation, culture and creativity
Jay Barnett, leader of the Moree River Repair Bus Team at OzFish envisioned an initiative that not only enhances fish habitat but also fosters cultural education among local youth.
Indigenous teachers from Miyay Birray, alongside OzFish, are now embarking on a journey for the first time to get young Indigenous locals engaged in conservation and culture by painting fish hotel structures with timeless dreamtime stories.
Indigenous stories on fish motels
These artificial constructions mirror natural underwater structure crucial for fish shelter, sustenance, and breeding. By deploying these structures into our waterways, OzFish are contributing to the restoration of our waterways, replenishing vital fish habitats lost over decades by development and water changes.
During an engaging educational session led by Jay, students learnt about the importance of these structures for fish and infused these fish motels with their feeling and thoughts. They were also taught new techniques ranging from intricate painting to the ancient art of burning and engraving. The students began transforming these structures into vibrant canvases, depicting swirling fish, majestic goannas, and flowing river with intricate dots and symbols.
The project underlines OzFish’s commitment to building partnerships in local communities with Traditional Owners, to revive habitats and fishing locations in a sustainable way.
Creating a living classroom at Whittaker’s Lagoon
Once complete, these adorned fish motels will find their home in Whittaker’s Lagoon, a wetland of immense cultural importance for the Gomeroi/Kamilaroi people.
As part of the living classroom led by OzFish, the painted fish motel will serve as a demonstration model and play a crucial role in fostering a deeper understanding of sustaining Indigenous heritage by merging new habitat restoration techniques and cultural traditions.
A further 15 fish motels have been carefully installed as part of the ongoing restoration efforts, these structures aim to revive populations of threatened fish species, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for generations to come. These fish motels have been built by Miyay Birray, and high schools in Mungindi and Narrabri.
The Whittaker’s Lagoon living classroom encourages students to engage in cultural learning and restoration works to protect and boost the health of rivers, wetlands and threatened species.
