Join Narungga artist, researcher, and FLOW Cultural Ambassador Brad Darkson for a rich and timely conversation on Sea Country—the deep cultural and ecological connections between water, coastlines, and community. Founder of Moonrise Seaweed Co., Brad brings together his artistic practice, environmental advocacy, and lived connection to Sea Country in guiding this important discussion alongside a panel of community leaders.
The first session will bring to light the challenges communities face in caring for Sea Country—environmental pressures, bureaucratic hurdles, and social complexities that disrupt the natural flow of knowledge, culture, and custodianship.
After a pause to share seaweed-inspired d’oeuvres, prepared in collaboration with chef Jamie and accompanied by stories of culture and Country, the conversation will shift towards reimagining solutions.
The second session will highlight examples where Indigenous-led initiatives have restored balance and flow—healing ecosystems, strengthening cultural practices, and creating pathways for resilience and renewal.
This event invites audiences to witness how water, food, and culture move together in cycles of care, offering a powerful reminder that when communities lead with knowledge and respect, the flow between people and Country is restored and sustained.
Chef Jamie Musgrave joins the event from Restaurant Botanic.
Jamie has worked with Brad Darkson and the Moonrise Seaweed Team to celebrate the tastes of the oceans for all participants. With a deep respect for Australia’s unique ingredients and a passion for culinary innovation, Chef Jamie Musgrave brings a fresh perspective to Restaurant Botanic. Jamie continues to push creative boundaries while honouring the restaurant’s connection to the Botanic Garden. His innovative menus at Restaurant Botanic are a tribute to Australia’s diverse landscapes, featuring exceptional ingredients like marron, green ants, finger limes, and bunya branches. With a focus on seasonality, sustainability, and artistry, Jamie is passionate about dishes that tell a story—one that celebrates both the land and the people who cultivate it.
The Panel features speakers:
Cedric Varcoe
Cedric Varcoe is a Ramindjeri-Ngarrindjeri and Narangga artist who lives on Country. Painting the creation stories of his Ngarrindjeri lands and waters, from the lower River Murray and the Lower Lakes to the Coorong, the South Coast to Kangaroo Island.
Uncle Derek Walker
Uncle Derek Walker uses his ancient cultural knowledge to create jobs and empower his community. Ngarrindjeri Elder and Kuti Co CEO Uncle Derek Walker has been named a Sustainable Fishing Hero by the Marine Stewardship Council.
Launched in December 2019, Kuti Co is a wholly Ngarrindjeri owned fishing company, its formation created jobs and training opportunities for the Ngarrindjeri people in South Australia. Only traditional and sustainable practices are practiced, continuing connection to country, collaboration with community, and a future built on the Ngarrindjeri’s rich and deep heritage.
