#117 Healing People, Healing Country

Elder Eugene Eades on the profound restoration of Nowanup

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.

“What we’re onto here could be considered a model for the rest of the world to grab hold of with two hands, and say look, we need to get busy. We’ve found a way. There’s a way. Put the old people back in front of us again. Let them drive the bus. Put them back in charge of what they’re supposed to look after. It’s the Indigenous people that’s gonna find the way, show the way and lead the way in healing the land. And the land will heal the people.”

— Eugene Eades

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 transforming for both People and Country over 16 years now. 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.

Click on the photos below for full view, and hover over them for descriptions where they’ve been added (all pics by Anthony James except where noted).