"She’s a tremendous illustration of that famous Gandhi saying; you must be the change that you wish to see in the world." Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Dr Mike Kelly AM MP Alexandra Seddon – Being Change is a new documentary by acclaimed local filmmaker Toni Houston about the life and legacy of one of the South Coast’s most inspiring visionaries. It has screened in Merimbula to packed houses, and opens in Narooma this Saturday, 17th December at 2:20pm. Sunday's screening at 1:45pm will be followed by a Q&A with both the filmmaker, Toni Houston and the subject of the film , Alexandra Seddon. It's a fascinating story of passion and philanthropy. The film will also be shown Monday 19th Dec at 5pm and Tuesday 20th Dec at 10am for those who can't make the weekend showings. Described by audiences as ‘inspirational’ and ‘fascinating’, this is the compelling life story of the woman behind native animal educational sanctuary Potoroo Palace, the stunning 77 hectares of wetlands at Pambula ‘Panboola’, and Candelo’s iconic 40 year old community farm, Cowsnest. Alexandra Seddon has dedicated her life to conservation, education and community but little is known about this remarkable woman. Born into Russian Imperial heritage, Alexandra Seddon grew up in Melbourne and in 1975, inspired by the kibbutzim of Israel, she bought land in the Bega Valley and established community farm Cowsnest. It was out of Cowsnest that the flourishing arts scene of Candelo began, and bore the Candelo Arts Society. In 1996 Alexandra bought a degraded wetlands, which hundreds of members of the community rehabilitated into the pristine wetlands and wild bird sanctuary we now know as Panboola. Then in 2006 she rescued Yellow Pinch Wildlife Park from collapse, transforming it into renowned native animal sanctuary and education centre Potoroo Palace. Humble, gently spoken and quietly driven, Alexandra Seddon is now aged 72, her Bald Hills home guarding one of the last flying fox sanctuaries in the Bega Valley. Despite suffering great loss and challenges throughout her life, she continues to put community and conservation first and work tirelessly to create a better world. Alexandra Seddon – Being Change is produced by acclaimed local filmmaker Toni Houston who specializes in wildlife documentaries, and is best known locally as the writer/director of Great Barrier Reef film AQUA, which premiered at Parliament House and went on to screen at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
Produced with a team of local film industry professionals, and with a soundtrack by Kate Burke and Pete Wild, Alexandra Seddon – Being Change is a film about hope and the power of one individual to make change, and will inspire, move and transform all to protect and preserve our planet.
