Update. The Common by Jonathan Burrows won the Best Cinematography Award at the Blue Heeler Film Festival 2025.
The Common, a short film set on Muswellbrook Common in the Upper Hunter, has been officially selected for the Blue Heeler Film Festival in the Nurture Award category.
Directed by Jonathan Burrows and produced by Arts Upper Hunter, the film was made possible through funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) under the Strengthening Rural Communities program, as part of AUH’s First Stories project. The project’s goal was to document and share two local Indigenous connection-to-Country stories through film, to be presented on the Creative Valleys website.
Developed in collaboration with the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council, The Common centres on a Cultural Burn conducted at the Muswellbrook Common. The burn was overseen by the Aboriginal Engagement team from the Local Land Services Agency, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, with a smoking ceremony led by local Elders.
The event brought together Elders, community members, and young people to celebrate and share cultural knowledge about caring for Country. It emphasised the importance of land stewardship and nurturing the environment for the wellbeing of both current and future generations.
Jonathan Burrows captures this story with poetic sensitivity — revealing a profound connection between people and place, and the enduring love for one’s Country that lies at the heart of the film.
Director Jonathan Burrows explains:
“This short documentary follows the Wanaruah people of Muswellbrook as they perform an ancient land management practice called a cultural burn on their traditionally owned land, the Common. Blending tradition and renewal, the film explores the deep connection between nurturing both land and culture, highlighting how caring for Country strengthens identity, mental health, and community. Country looks after us, so we look after Country”.
At the time of writing, the outcome of the Blue Heeler Film Festival is yet to be announced. However, we encourage community members to keep an eye on the Creative Valleys website for the public release of The Common.
Stay tuned also for the second short film in the series, featuring Uncle Warren Taggart and his daughter Kerri-Ann Taggart, which continues the theme of connection, knowledge sharing, and cultural continuity.
About the Blue Heeler Film Festival – “Nurture”
The Blue Heeler Film Festival, now in its 12th year, celebrates creativity and storytelling in the Muswellbrook Shire. The 2025 theme, “Nurture”, invites filmmakers to explore how we care for the environment, each other, and our communities.
Entries are recognised across three categories: Secondary School Junior, Secondary School Senior, and Open (18+). The Nurture Award acknowledges works that best embody the spirit of care, respect, and renewal – values that The Common beautifully reflects through its portrayal of Country and culture.
Image: Still from The Common by Jonathan Burrows.
AUH’s First Stories Project is supported by:
