EVENT
Join us for a journey across the fringes of WA's wheatbelt and into the heart of the southern rangelands, immersing yourself in the grit, innovation, and belief driving three unique families' unwavering commitment to landscape-scale restoration. The life returning to their land is compelling evidence of what these stewards have long known: when management decisions are centered around a better vision for the future, our ecosystems, production systems, and communities all thrive.
Throughout three captivating documentaries, you'll learn how farmers are blending modern technology with Indigenous knowledge at Gimlet Ridge, get to know the pastoralists adapting global water harvesting techniques to suit the harsh conditions of Tallering Views, and uncover the interconnected logic behind virtual fencing, agritourism, and carbon projects at Gabyon Station.
If these gripping stories leave you wanting more, that's exactly what you'll get! Following the screening, we'll transition into a Q&A with the families featured on the screen, giving you a chance to dive deeper into their restoration journeys.
Whether you're interested in the principles behind holistic management and regenerative agriculture, technical precision of landscape rehydration, the future of ag-tech, the feasibility of solar-powered enterprises, the practicalities of station-scale rotational grazing, or the endurance of the human spirit, these stories will provide you with inspiration, education, and a cause for celebration.
More about each film:
Gimlet Ridge: A Holistic Management Journey follows the inspiring journey of Perenjori farmers, Rod and Katrina Butler. The film traces their path from the years before Rod took over the family farm through to the present day, including his remarkable recovery from a stroke and their transition into holistic management. By adopting the principles of holistic management, the Butlers have strategically regenerated their land, their finances, and the resilience of their community. While their story is deeply personal, it echoes a larger movement. Rod and Katrina are pioneers in their region, building on the knowledge of the farmers and local Indigenous communities who came before them, and leaving a legacy that will guide and inspire landholders for generations to come.
Rehabilitating Tallering Views takes us to Mullewa, where Jeff Johnson and Kirsti Singleton have forged a unique lifestyle on the edge of station country. Combining off-grid solar power with a whole-hearted commitment to restoring ecosystems and their property's water cycle, they are redefining what's possible on the land. Jeff has driven thousands of kilometres in a front-end loader, carving V-shaped rip marks on-contour across almost every inch of his property, perfecting the process as he went to capture every inch of rain and keep it in the landscape. The restoration so far is staggering. Jeff now has a vision to take this process nationwide, rehabilitating some of the largest and most fragile parts of Australia, the regions we rely on for our station-country beef industry, including areas like the Murchison, Gascoyne, and Kimberley.
Gabyon Station: Going Regenerative tells the story of Gemma Cripps and her mum Helen: two women in a league of their own. Together they manage a large station (formerly sheep) near Yalgoo, WA. Alongside cattle and chickens operations, they're also pursuing carbon farming, agri-tourism, and a new venture: virtual fencing. Gemma is trailblazing this relatively new ag-tech on one of the region's largest stations, all in the name of regenerating the land they occupy. Although it's still early days, the results so far are surprisingly noticeable. Gemma dives into the details of her operation and explains the interconnected logic at its heart... the virtual fencing needs the carbon project, the carbon project needs the regeneration, and the regeneration needs the virtual fencing.
When: May 17, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Windsor Cinema, Nedlands
Cost: $20 standard, $10 concession
Please note - minors must be accompanied by an adult to attend this event.
All films by Simple Ben Stories - Alex Hawkins.
Find more at www.instagram.com/simplebenstories_film and www.simplebenstories.com
Executive Producers - Justin Von Perger & Phillippa Clarke
Gimlet Ridge: A Holistic Management Journey was co-produced by Institute of Regenerative Leadership.
This film screening is supported by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Perth Natural Resource Management, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
Additional support is funded by Commonland.
Want to hold your own screening? Email alex@simplebenstories
