Contact Us

We would love your feedback and ideas.  Send us a message.

mountain blue.jpg

photo essays

photoessay | sikh gurdwara

Three Gates Media

Visiting the Sikh Gurdwaras was a moving experience due in large part to the generosity and kindness of our host, Harjit Singh. Whilst Meri had already interviewed him, I had not met Harjit, the subject of this week's Rare Air Podcast.  When we eventually found one another his smile was immediately disarming.  

He knelt to be at eye level with our 6 year old companion and said: 'My name is Harjit but you can call me Mr Singh, in fact, you can call all the men here Mr Singh!  Easy!'  

The kitchen was busy with volunteers preparing thousands of roti, serving meal after meal and washing the never-ending dishes.  We shared food and conversation before joining the congregation.  

The whole experience was humbling and came at a time when we all seemed to be questioning how we as human beings had become so at odds with one another in a political landscape that included One Nation, Brexit and President-elect Donald Trump.  The acts of acceptance and kindness in the Gurdwara restored some faith in the power of good.  

Images copyright Marnie Richardson

photoessay | woodbrook law camp

Three Gates Media

When we travelled to Yindjibarndi country we were invited to the law camp at Woodbrook.  The young men were going through the law, keeping up the traditions practiced for around 60,000 years.  During the day the boys went down to the river, out of sight.  To beat the 43 degree heat, the remaining family members made temporary houses with walls of spinifex and roofs of leaves which they sprayed with water to keep cool.  They cooked and talked and worked while the children played and slept.  At sunset, when the boys returned, their skin darkened with charcoal, the children ran to greet them. Their families embracing them. Walking this land and spending time with the traditional owners it is very easy to see the importance of country and maintaining the connection and culture.   

All images copyright Marnie Richardson

Listen to part 1 of the RareAir Podcast with Michael Woodley
Listen to part 2 of the RareAir Podcast with Michael Woodley
View the photoessay roebourne
View the photoessay the burrup
View the photoessay michael woodley

photoessay | michael woodley

Three Gates Media

Michael Woodley is a generous man.  His story is a true David and Goliath tale and is best told in his own words.  Listen to it on the RareAirPodcast.  Meanwhile, here are some images of Michael and his family taken out on Yindjibarndi country, near Roebourne in Western Australia.

Listen to part 1 of the RareAir Podcast with Michael Woodley
Listen to part 2 of the RareAir Podcast with Michael Woodley
View the photoessay roebourne
View the photoessay the burrup
View the photoessay woodbrook law camp

photoessay | roebourne

Three Gates Media

Our recent trip to Yindjibarndi country took us to Roebourne.  Roebourne is a small town about 1500 kilometres north of Perth. The surrounding country is geologically one of the oldest formations in the world and is deeply significant to Aboriginal people. According to Elliot Johnston QC, Commissioner for the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, there have been two waves of dispossession in the region, the first with the pastoral industry and the second through mining. The resulting displacement of Aboriginal people from their traditional lands has had ongoing and devastating effects.  The town itself runs parallel with the Harding River. Opposite the river is the infamous Victoria Hotel: the site of the arrest of 16 year old Aboriginal boy, John Pat.  John Pat's treatment at the hands of the local police and his subsequent death in his cell were at the centre for the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.  It makes for very upsetting reading.  The history of this area is both rich and disturbing.  The hotel now lies derelict as it awaits a new and far more positive future.

All images copyright Marnie Richardson

Listen to part 1 of the RareAir Podcast with Michael Woodley
Listen to part 2 of the RareAir Podcast with Michael Woodley
Read the explainer
View the photoessay woodbrook law camp
View the photoessay the burrup
View the photoessay michael woodley