Ellison: The Reef That Saved Them All

Our new documentary for the Australian Marine Conservation Society tells the story of the reef that sparked a national movement.

In 1967, a mining company applied to dredge Ellison Reef for coral rubble and sand. Ordinary people spoke up. A survey proved the reef was alive, the mining proposal was defeated, and the campaign that followed led to the creation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Nearly sixty years later, we joined coral scientists, citizen scientists, Traditional Owners and Mandubarra Sea Country rangers on a 2025 expedition back to Ellison Reef, to repeat that original survey for the first time since the 1960s.

The 25-minute documentary combines underwater cinematography, archival material, science and community voices. It premiered at the Ocean Lovers Festival in Sydney in 2026.

Screenings are happening around the country. Follow the Australian Marine Conservation Society for dates and locations near you.

Director & Producer: Harriet Spark · Cinematography: Woody Spark, Jimmy Purtill · Editor: Susan Harvey · Colour: Justin Tran · Sound: Jimmy Saunders