Film Project asks the question: How did we get here?

The young filmmakers are discovering these stories through their friends at school, their teammates, their neighbours and through new connections with people whose history they are only just beginning to learn, as together they try and answer the question: How did we get here?

The “Tides” project invites participants and audiences alike to “look, listen and see” the shared threads that bind their experiences, rather than the differences that set them apart. Located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Warrawong has long been a meeting point of cultures. Inspired by ancient teachings from Wodi Wodi and Yuin Country, the project draws symbolism from nearby Lake Illawarra, a tidal lake whose constant movement mirrors the continuous arrival and flow of new communities.

In the post-war decades, Warrawong and neighbouring suburbs such as Port Kembla and Cringila became home to large numbers of European migrants employed at the local steelworks, shaping the region’s multicultural identity. Later, waves of refugees from around the world also found a home here.

Warrawong has always been a place of new beginnings, with many shared experiences of displacement, struggle and resilience. In the post-war decades, Warrawong and neighbouring suburbs such as Port Kembla and Cringila became home to large numbers of European migrants employed at the local steelworks, shaping the region’s multicultural identity. Later, waves of refugees from around the world also found a home here. Today, Warrawong (Postcode 2502) is home to residents who speak 63 different languages.

The Tides project and its films are grounded in First Nations storytelling and cultural perspectives. As Elders remind us, “Country is the greatest teacher of all,” and Tides aims to show how deeply that lesson resonates when people take the time to truly “look, listen and see.” The project reveals how connection to Country can bridge cultures and generations — right down to the unexpected symbolism of a simple pelican, whose story offers insight into the beginnings of migration to Australia and the shared experiences that continue to bring the people of Warrawong together. Intrigued? Come and follow us on our journey.

Stephen Mitchell works for Gawura Aboriginal Corporation and part of the Tides team. Tides is funded by Multicultural NSW under the COMPACT program. COMPACT works across communities and sectors to inspire and empower young people to foster social cohesion, stand united against divisive forces and come together in times of need.

Main image caption: Shaniece Igano, Cely Woudsma, Roselyn Igano, Azelya Igano-As just after filming their family’s story for the Tides Project.