The video captures the local Araluen community connecting up to oversee a big project to stabilise the Araluen Creek – a shared environmental resource – that is the lifeblood of the Valley.  Due to its geology Araluen Creek was already very susceptible to erosion and it was turned upside down by dredging for gold in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  After severe drought followed by the Black Summer fires, then flooding with 19 extreme rain events over two years, major erosion issues were exacerbated in the creek system.  At its heart the video tells the story of how local communities can work together to bring about positive change to build community and environmental resilience in the face of a changing climate.

“Climate change is not a distant concept anymore but something we live with, directly impacting our lives, our landscapes, and our children” says filmmaker Clare Young. “We need regeneration on so many fronts, which is why I really love the work of Landcare and wanted to support them produce this film. The volunteers that run Landcare are so inspiring and provide real solutions to the problems we face, encouraging new life, regeneration, and hope.”

Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council and Upper Deua Catchment Landcare Group were delighted when Clare agreed to prepare the video of the project given her extensive distinguished experience in filmmaking.  Larry O’Loughlin Chair of Upper Shoalhaven Landcare said: “Working with Clare on this video has been a pleasure because we have someone who cares about the environment and brings great filmmaking to engage with the big issues and with the stories of people who are rehabilitating environmental damage”.

Clare’s first film, “Firing on all Pins”, told the story of her family’s survival of the Canberra bushfires in 2003.  The film won the Canberra short film festival in 2004 and launched her career in documentary filmmaking.  Clare’s short films have won eight awards and have been played at festivals around Australia and broadcast on ABC, BBC knowledge, Foxtel. Some of her clients include the National Portrait Gallery, Old Parliament House, and Questacon.

Following the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires, Clare was commissioned by Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council to produce a pilot podcast “The good people of Nerriga”, telling the story of how the Nerriga community sheltered in the pub when the firestorm hit their village on 21 December 2019.  The pilot became one of six episodes produced alongside local radio station Braidwood FM, titled “The Heart of the Storm”, which was released in December 2022 marking the third anniversary of the Black Summer Bushfires. The series has received outstanding feedback and five-star reviews.

Clare is known for her authentic approach to storytelling, her ability to quickly build rapport with subjects, and for finding the heart of a story. She is particularly passionate about projects which celebrate community spirit and bring hope and optimism to issues relating to climate change. Clare is a graduate of Media and Creative Writing from the University of Canberra 2004 with 1st Class Hons.

“The Upper Deua and Upper Shoalhaven landcare groups and the Araluen community have been an absolute joy to work with on this film. So many of the landholders behind this project also fought the fires on the frontline, so it’s been very moving for me to see them in action – replanting and regenerating the landscape. I am really looking forward to seeing the Araluen and local Landcare communities watch the film for the first time at the launch” Clare says.

The Araluen Creek Restoration Project video will premiere on Saturday 9 September 2pm at Federal Hall, 5989 Araluen Rd, Araluen. Afternoon tea will be provided. RSVP to: Larry O’Loughlin Chair, Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council at uppershoalhaven.chair@gmail.com