Alison Bennett Taylor, Denmark Bulletin

A new eco-tourism project celebrating the connections between people and place will be filmed in, around and on Denmark’s waterways this month.

Local residents are being asked to share their stories for the film project being produced through Denmark Arts.

Waterways producer/director Nari Lees says everyone has a story to tell about their connection to Denmark’s waterways – the river, the inlet and the sea.

She hopes to capture as many of them on film as she can during the still days of autumn. Waterways, Love Stories of Place, will share stories of connection to place through an interactive walk featuring QR codes that link directly to the recordings.

These will range from farmers to fishermen, sailors and surfers, early morning swimmers and riverbank wanderers.

“I hope the stories capture the whole catchment,” Nari says.

“Denmark has some unique stories to tell; I would like to share them with visitors in this eco-tourism project.”

The Mokare Trail will lead to a plaque to be installed at the Denmark River mouth, with the WOW trail from the Ocean Beach Windfarm leading to another at Lights Beach.

These will encourage visitors to slow down and engage with the natural beauty around them while learning a little local knowledge.

And while no one will be asked to share their secret surfing or fishing spot, the feelings a special place evokes could be just what are needed.

“This allows people to express themselves in less traditional ways, to feel like they belong and are a part of something together,” Nari says.

“It’s about giving something back to the community in this time of COVID.”

Nari and her team, which includes videographer Michael Hemmings and Brendon Manuel, spoke with Denmark Surf Lifesaving Club president Martin Norwood and some families and young people who make up the club at the last day of the season in March.

She hopes to expand the list of subjects to encompass the yacht club, dragon boaters, fisherfolk and ocean swimmers – anyone and everyone who has a story to tell.

Interested people can register via Facebook or email Nari shoonarts@gmail.com

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 7 April 2022.