As I was beginning to imagine the performances and exchanges of energy to explore on the pilgrimage to kangaroo island, I felt drawn to water. I asked my Dad if he knew of any interesting water systems on the way to South Australia, and the Macquarie marshes was mentioned. I felt the spark right away.
The Macquarie marshes in wailwan country are truly a unique place, a vast water system that is a major breeding ground for water birds in Australia. Parts of the marshes are protected but completely surrounding it is agriculture, feeding itself on the water that is so precious for the marshes survival. Up river a large dam has been built that has blocked the flow of water to the marshes, with water only released when it is deemed 'necessary'. For me this was such a strong parallel to my own life. When our flow of life force is blocked we too become depleted, our system can not survive. Our movement restricted, reliant on something else to fill us up. This was the conversation I wanted to have with this beautiful place.
We were shown images of how the marshes used to look, so lush and abundant, stretching out over the landscape. What we found was a system in crisis. This unique landscape has been marred by human interventions. The truth is the Macquarie marshes may not survive if we don't begin to untangle ourselves from controlling the land and water that gives it life.
Here is the journey we took through this beautiful and ancient place.
