Resources

The Whispers of Wilderness Film

Back in 2024 we had the idea of creating a film that would highlight some of the amazing natural features of our region. We hoped we would inspire folks to visit and care for our local National Parks and Reserves.

Our Whispers of Wilderness video premiered in April 2025, bringing together Traditional Owners, marine and environmental scientists, conservationists, hikers and the broader community.

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Short Film

What?

Whispers of Wilderness is a short film produced by the Coffs Coast branch of NSW National Parks. It celebrates the region’s unique landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, showcasing both iconic and hidden locations. The film brings together stories from Traditional Owners, scientists, conservationists, and community members in a visually compelling narrative.

Why?

The film was created to foster understanding, appreciation, and connection with the Coffs Coast’s natural environments. It highlights the importance of conserving ecosystems and sharing local knowledge. By engaging communities, schools, and visitors, Whispers of Wilderness inspires people to value the region’s landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage and encourages stewardship of these precious resources.

Where?

Whispers of Wilderness was filmed across the Coffs Coast region, exploring both well-known landmarks and lesser-known natural areas. Locations include rainforests, coastal zones, waterways, and protected reserves, reflecting the diversity of landscapes within the region. The film’s journey across these sites highlights ecological richness and cultural significance throughout the Coffs Coast.

Who?

The film was produced by the Coffs Coast branch of NSW National Parks with support from the City of Coffs Harbour Council’s Environmental Levy. Featuring Traditional Owners, scientists, conservationists, and local community members, the project combined Bathtime Productions filmmakers, volunteer ‘crew,’ and educators to tell a collective story of the region’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

Meet the speakers

A man with dreadlocks and tattoos outdoors, holding a walking stick, wearing a scarf, a beige t-shirt, and jewelry, with a natural background.

Uncle Miklo Jarrett

Uncle Michael "Micklo" Jarrett is a respected Gumbaynggirr Elder, educator, and passionate language revitalisation advocate based in the Nambucca Heads area of New South Wales, Australia.

He is widely recognised for his work in teaching the Gumbaynggirr language to both children and adults in schools, community groups, and online. 

GUMBAYNGGIRR ELDER, LANGUAGE TEACHER
Visit Muurrbay Language Centre
A woman with short brown hair smiling, sitting outdoors in a forested area with moss-covered rocks, trees, and ferns around her, wearing a light-colored button-up shirt and a red hiking backpack.

Yvonne Everett

COFFS HIKERS

Yvonne Everett is a dedicated member of Coffs Harbour Hikers, passionate about connecting people with nature through walking and outdoor exploration. She leads community hikes, promotes safe and sustainable trail experiences, and fosters appreciation for the local landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage of the Coffs Coast region.

Join Coffs Hikers
A man is outdoors in a forest, wearing glasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a green jacket, a backpack, and a colorful strap across his chest.

Andrew Turbill

THE BIRD GUY

Andrew is an environmental educator and wildlife naturalist with a professional background in conservation science. He has managed a team of environmental and Aboriginal education rangers for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for nearly 20 years on the north coast of New South Wales.

Andrew specialises in landscape-scale ecological perspectives and in communicating the science and impacts of climate change on Gondwana World Heritage rainforest ecosystems.

Visit Andrew's site here
A woman with glasses, gray hair in a bun, smiling, holding a sign promoting the Great Koala National Park, with green trees and grass in the background.

Paula Flack

NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION NSW

Paula led NPA’s GKNP campaign team and has been a passionate forest campaigner for over 35 years.  She is president of the Nambucca Valley Conservation Association and longstanding member of the North East Forest Alliance and North Coast Environment Council.

Paula received the NSW NCC Alan Strom Hall of Fame Award for long standing service and commitment to the conservation movement and the courage to challenge government and non- government decision makers. 

A woman wearing a blue patterned shirt with Southern Cross University logo stands on a sandy, muddy area with puddles, near a body of water with trees in the background.

Prof. Kirsten Benkendorff

Southern Cross University

Director of the National Marine Science Centre, Professor Kirsten Benkendorff is an award-winning marine scientist exploring biodiversity, seafood nutrition, and environmental stressors. She leads research teams, mentors students, and collaborates with industry, government, and communities to protect oceans and estuaries, shaping policies for sustainable seafood and healthy marine ecosystems.

Line art illustration of a jungle scene with various animals including koalas, parrots, a butterfly, and a fish, surrounded by plants and flowers.

Request to screen the film

Thinking of screening a film on the Coffs Coast region?

We can help you acknowledge place with this short film, celebrating the unique landscapes, culture, and stories of the region. Plus, we provide a range of supporting resources and materials to connect with your audience and enhance your screening, whether at a festival, school, or free community event.

Contact us to collaborate, explore ideas, or learn how to use this film to promote your event and engage your audience at no cost.