The Life Source

The Durt’Lowan (Latrobe River)

“The Life Source” is a captivating documentary film produced by Moving Words and Pictures and directed by Murray Van der Veer.

This remarkable film delves deep into the rich and complex history of the Latrobe River, showcasing the transformative work undertaken by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority to enhance the river’s health and vitality. Through its powerful visual storytelling, “The Life Source” has captured viewers’ hearts and garnered significant support from the local community and stakeholders.

Murray Van der Veer tells the story of the Latrobe River by featuring the voices of environmental scientists, community leaders, Indigenous elders from the Gunai Kurnai community, mining representatives, and irrigators. This ensures that all those who represent the river have a fair and equal voice.

This inclusive approach provides a comprehensive and well-rounded portrayal of the river’s history and restoration efforts. It fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the river within the LaTrobe Valley community and empowers the community to actively protect and preserve their beloved river system for future generations.

“The Life Source” benefits from the brilliant script by the highly awarded writer and director Alec Morgan. With his exceptional storytelling skills and extensive experience in the industry, Alec Morgan brings a unique perspective to the narrative of the Latrobe River.

One of the critical focuses of
“The Life Source” is to shed light
on the remarkable efforts of the
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
This dedicated organisation has been at the forefront of initiatives to improve the river’s ecological well-being.
Through their tireless work, they have implemented sustainable strategies to reduce pollution, enhance water quality, and protect the river’s delicate ecosystem.

The Yambulla Project

The Yambulla Project is a pioneering initiative that brings together Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians to manage and sustain the land collaboratively. Rooted
in the deep cultural knowledge of First Nations people and enriched by modern practices, the project aims to create a centre of excellence where these two worlds converge. This innovative approach respects and revitalises traditional land management techniques and integrates them with contemporary methods to address the pressing environmental challenges
of our time.

The Yambulla Project is more than just land management; it’s a vision for a sustainable future. By fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge, the project seeks to inspire other landholders across Australia to adopt similar stewardship models. At its core, Yambulla
is about walking together—honouring
the land, respecting each other’s cultures,
and working hand in hand to ensure the land thrives for future generations.