SYNOPSIS

THE CIRCLE: Fire as a Tool for Healing Country and Community is a short documentary film directed by Braidwood-based filmmaker Clare Young. It documents the traditional burning workshops led by Upper Shoalhaven Landcare, in collaboration with local First Nations fire practitioners the Walbunja Rangers, Mongarlowe Volunteer Bushfire Brigade and local community members, on a block of land just outside the Mongarlowe village.

The project was inspired by community momentum following the 2019-20 bushfires, looking for ways we can bring fire back into the landscape through regular cool burns to mitigate severe bushfire risk. Initially pioneered by Paul Bott (Captain of the Mongarlowe Brigade), Maria Bakas and previous Local Landcare Coordinator Rebecca Klomp, the film is the culmination of four years of effort.