A new citizen science project on Kangaroo Island has been bolstered by a video documentary, thanks to support from College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences students Ailini Steen, Charles Li, Nan Wang and Cheuk Jolyne Chan.

These students joined Flinders Screen Production Lecturer and cinematographer Helen Carter to create a seven-minute video that explains the new Flinders University Passport 2 Recovery citizen science project, which is now rolling out to include input from tourists on Kangaroo Island.

“Arrive as a tourist, leave as a scientist” is the tagline for the new $1.1 million Federal Government-backed program, which is targeting a series of special conservation and ecology projects at this important South Australian ‘biological hotspot’ over the next three years.

The island’s community, its plants, animals, environment and economy are still recovering after large sections of national park and farmlands were devastated by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20 – and the P2R project aims to help push along recovery.

The students travelled to KI with lead scientists from the program, to film interviews and supporting material on location. “This provided an excellent opportunity for an authentic experience filming client documentaries, as well as the opportunity to see this special place,” says Ms Carter.

After filming, post-production was done at Bedford Park campus. “This gave the students a simulated work environment, creating a documentary for the client brief,” adds Ms Carter. “They were also able to work closely with VEED students to incorporate their designs into the logos, subtitles and motion graphics. The whole project was an excellent opportunity to collaborate as filmmakers with other disciplines across the university.”

Artwork for the banners, website and other marketing materials was done by Flinders CHASS students, with graphic design and logos by Sophie Awege, Liana Galic and Gian Sharrock, and animations by Morgan Gallagher.