The Holdfast Limestone Coast inc. is a multi-faceted organisation, focusing on science (research), culture, environment & the art of algae (smelly old seaweed). Our team consists of cultural advisors, scientists, artists and community.
It is our aim to increase community awareness of local marine flora, its diversity and its place in the Ecosystem by using a combination of art, science and culture.
FILL IN THE FORM to notify us of your interest in membership
Annual Membership is from 1st July to 30th June
Membership entitles you to:
Members discount for entry into the annual Holdfast exhibition
Members discount for workshops
Members discount for upcoming events
Personal development opportunities
Single $20.00 per person
Please include your bank transfer receipt details in your email.
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The much-loved Bay Festival is back. Anchored by a lively community fair on Saturday, the weekend will be filled with family-friendly events, ticketed experiences, and activities highlighting the region’s unique cultural, natural, and historical heritage.
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Create your own Banksy-inspired artwork! Learn street art techniques and design your own masterpiece. Have your artwork put on public display at the Bay Festival!
All materials supplied. Ages 12-18｜Beginners welcome.
Venue: Port MacDonnell Community Hall
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Join us for an inspiring celebration of marine algae through the eyes of local artists. This unique collection explores the beauty, science, and ecological significance of seaweed along the Port MacDonnell (Ngaranga) coastline in South Australia. Proceeds help to fund the project's mission to raise local awareness and education about the vital role seaweed plays in marine ecology and our coastal community.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with art, community, and conservation.
Venue: Port MacDonnell Community Complex, 5/7 Charles Street
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Join the Limestone Coast Youth Environment Council panel for a discussion with women working in the fascinating field of marine science. Discover their research on Little Penguins, seaweed, and seagrasses.
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Join Helen Mavoa, PhD photo-artist, writer, anthropologist, and kelp enthusiast, for an inspiring talk exploring the ecological, cultural, and artistic significance of kelp. Drawing from her experiences on the coasts of British Columbia, Helen will share insights on how kelp has shaped communities, its role in marine ecosystems, and its potential to address environmental challenges. Featuring stunning photos and art, this presentation highlights kelp's history, future, and the efforts to protect this vital resource.
Venue: Port MacDonnell Community Complex, 5/7 Charles Street
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Join the Deakin Seaweed Volunteers for a hands-on workshop that brings together art and science to celebrate the wonders of seaweed. Explore the incredible variety of algae found along our coast, learn about its vital role in marine ecosystems, and discover its surprising uses in daily life.
With creative crafts and engaging science activities led by our passionate volunteers, this workshop offers something for all ages - kids and adults alike.
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Check this space for upcoming workshops, events, talks and festival announcements.
Limestone Coast artists Jo Fife and Sally O'Connor present artworks of diverse materials and approaches in the service of a deeper understanding of the limestone coastline and its seabed ecology, in particular the Bonney Upwelling that hosts the most diverse algae species in the world. (cont.)
Venue: The Riddoch Arts + Cultural Centre - Mount Gambier
Using hand dyed and almost entirely gifted, reused and recycled materials, Fife's approach to object making invokes the fragility of our seabed ecology while revelling in the wonders of marine lifeforms. (cont.)
Venue: The Riddoch Arts + Cultural Centre - Mount Gambier
For more information click HERE
An exhibition of works produced from workshops around the theme of Algae from the Port MacDonnell/Ngaranga coastline.
To be opened by Limestone Coast Landscape Board Member, Robbie Davis.
Venue: Port MacDonnell Community Complex, 5/7 Charles Street
Q & A session to follow
Zoe Brittain is a PhD student at Deakin University in Warrnambool. Her thesis is on the Sustainability of Seaweed.
Venue: Port MacDonnell Community Complex, 5/7 Charles Street
Venue: Port MacDonnell Community Complex: 5/7 Charles Street
Immerse yourself in the underwater world of Algae through the lens of a diver as Sally O'Connor and Joann Fife host a Q&A session on algae observations.
Due to the lack of geological events and the unique Bonney upwelling the Limestone Coast hosts the most algae species in the world.
The viewer will experience a diver's perspective and the awe of local species found on the Ngaranga/Port MacDonnell reef system. Artists Sally O’Connor [BSc (Hons) in Marine Botany] & Joann Fife will inform participants on algae observations and identification. Q&A session to follow screening of the Underwater Film.
Film Credits:
Underwater Visuals - Trudi Timmermann & Kirsty Ievins
Soundscape - Tim Stent & Trudi Timmermann
Video Edit - Tim Stent
Study algae specimens looking at form, colour and shape, then Anne will guide to illustrate the wonders of your observations.
You will study algae specimens looking at form, colour and shape and then be guided to illustrate the wonder of your observations.
We are pleased to offer a Botanical Drawing workshop with renowned Limestone Coast Artist Anne Miles. Anne has previously worked with local Boandik Elders in illustrating local flora for publications including What Seed Is That by Neville Bonney.
The documentary tells the overarching story of Joann Fife and Sally O’Connor’s journey of discovery, borne out of a deep interest in the Limestone Coast shoreline and a desire to protect its unique and vital ecology.
In bringing together cultural and scientific experts to discuss life cycles and biodiversity of the seaweed, as well as to reflect on sense of place, personal stories, and local histories pertaining Port MacDonnell/ Ngaranga, the artists have succeeded in building a multidimensional project that is both creative and educational in its scope.
The documentary provides an entry point to let us ponder the vast complexity embedded in these most ancient life forms.
Video duration: 11 minutes
Film Credits:
Video, Sound & Edit - Tim Stent
Underwater Visuals - Trudi Timmermann & Kirsty Ievins
Still Photography - Tim Rosenthal
Photo credit Tim Rosenthal
