On the final day of Rebellion Week in October of 2019, a happening took place beside the Brisbane river, in the heart of Southbank. What was once an old ferry dock soon became a meeting place for those willing to take part in a Water Birth for a Better Earth. Costumes and instruments were made available to participants and passers by to embrace the ceremonial proceedings about to take place. As the anticipation for the auspicious Birth was building, police boats were eagerly floating nearby in case something “disorderly” took place. As the people gathered, we shared river songs and chants to sing throughout proceedings, this was followed by a procession along the river. People sang and cheered and played their instruments with full embrace of the fiction we were embarking upon.
And thus, the Brisbane River Dolphin was born...
Video by Carmen Gee
Photos by Kelsey King
We acknowledge the Custodians of the land and waters which this was made, particularly our Elders who once fished, travelled with and bathed in this river.
