With the proposed Dunoon Dam still in the community spotlight, you’d be forgiven for thinking that a partnership between the local water authority and a new NORPA theatre production about Indigenous people and water, was a public relations exercise.

Read more about the Dunoon Dam issue: Rous Councillors put Dunoon dam back on the 2021 agenda

But, according to Rous County Council (RCC), their sponsorship of NORPA’s production of ‘Flow’ began long before Covid hit.

Still in the creative development process, 'Flow' is an urban tale told by Mitch King, a Yaegl Bundjalung man, about his journey growing up in Yaegl Country. It’s about how he finds identity in music and hip-hop and about connecting to the ancient story of water that flows through his Country.

'Flow' intends to strengthen the Indigenous voice and engage young people through a contemporary retelling of ancestral stories.

Mitch King is developing thew new NORPA production 'Flow'.

RCC manager and Reconciliation Action Plan secretary, Guy Bezrouchko said in November 2019, RCC was invited to support the development of a local NORPA production with a strong water theme.

“A key theme of Rous’ Reconciliation Plan is to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with A&TSI peoples, communities and organisations to support positive outcomes,” Mr Bezrouchko said.

“So, when NORPA reached out to Rous to sponsor ‘Flow’, we saw it as great opportunity to partner in a production, related to water and traditional custodians.

“We were very happy to support locally-developed Indigenous arts and culture in our region noting that Mitch King is from the Bundjalung nation and Yaegl country.”

The production was paused during 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions and despite the setbacks and challenges, 'Flow' is still in the creative development process and will premiere as part of the 2021 NORPA season.

To find out more about 'Flow' or NORPA, visit norpa.org.au/in-development/

To learn about Rous County Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, visit rous.nsw.gov.au/rap