National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020 Finalist
In mid-2018, Gunaikurnai, Djab Wurrung Indigenous activist Zellanach Djab Mara was called onto Country by senior elders and former Indigenous MP Lidia Thorpe to protect sacred birthing trees on Djab Wurrung land, from the impending destruction of highway construction through the landscape. Prior to this, Zellanach ran a successful business teaching traditional Indigenous games to schools, corporations and communities. He was compelled to stop his business to live on Country with his wife Amanda, creating the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy. Zellanach has been living at the embassy for over sixteen months, striving to protect sacred women’s country.