Mark Mortensen, Aussie Bush scape with deep connections (LANDSCAPE & ENVIRONMENT 2025)

On Ngunnawal Country, at the foot of Mount Majura’s slopes, a still dam mirrors the tangled beauty of the Australian bush. Fallen eucalypt limbs stretch across the water’s surface, their silvered bark telling stories of age and resilience. Native grasses fringe the bank, softening the earthy tones, while the surrounding woodland stands in quiet witness. Captured during a Cultural Interpretation Tour led by Ngunnawal Traditional Custodian Tyronne Bell, the image embodies the deep ties between Country, language, and culture — where every branch, stone, and reflection holds meaning passed through generations.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.