A Year at Clouds Creek

A YEAR AT CLOUDS CREEK confronts the rising mental health crisis fuelled by climate anxiety, how five locals reclaim hope and community through a bold stand to protect a threatened old-growth forest. NSW Forestry Corporation depends on logging to stay afloat, yet has been fined $1.7 million for repeated breaches of its own guidelines. Why does destructive logging continue despite the risks? Can the Forestry Corporation be trusted to protect the environment? What does this mean for the Great Koala National Park and its iconic species—can koalas survive in logged landscapes? And should peaceful activists be criminalized for defending their forests? This film demands we ask: who are the true criminals—the protesters or those destroying irreplaceable ecosystems?

A Year at Clouds Creek investigates the dual impact of preserving old growth forests while mitigating climate change anxiety. The film aims to encourage the audience to become involved in climate action, to see the benefits for each of the characters involved. But this is not just an emotional journey. It’s also a fact-finding mission to inform the audience about why they oppose the NSW Forestry Corporation logging in this state forest. Why is this organisation under fire? What does Forestry say about the economic, social and cultural value of these forests? How much wood does Australia need each year, where does it come from, how is it harvested? Have they ignored their own environmental guild lines? The vigil at Clouds Creek documents each day with photographs and updates shared onto a wide-reaching network of social media. This includes organisations such as Bob Brown foundation WWF and FEA which has a world-wide reach.

We aim to demonstrate that forest activism is beneficial for individuals, communities, and the forests. Our primary goal is to protect and preserve precious old growth forests. We seek to entertain and captivate our audience by showcasing the incredible wildlife that inhabits these forests, allowing viewers to experience the majesty of these unique ecosystems up close, with our characters. They will share our journeys, showing how dedication to forest conservation has transformed our lives and souls.
We also plan to engage with the NSW Forestry Corporation to understand their perspectives and the economic and cultural motivations behind their actions. By presenting a balanced view, we hope to foster a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing the northern river forests of NSW.

I have been deeply involved with this local community since moving here three years ago. They trust me, and I have produced films for their campaign since early 2024, which they have warmly embraced. It has also helped keep up their moral because they feel seen and their actions documented. They have also been used to broadcast this campaign in the wider community and to other environmental agencies. Personally, I have felt my climate change anxiety decrease since joining the vigil, witnessing firsthand how it helps others. It is vital for me to continue supporting this community and share their story with a broader audience and government agencies. Expanding this campaign with additional resources will make a significant difference.

Please get involved in finding out the facts and the reason why old growth forests and their unique inhabitants need to be saved.
Sharing the anxiety of climate change will benefit everyone. Speaking up about it and coming together can create more robust communities.