'The Stingray Sisters is about three Kunibidji women from Maningrida, Arnhem Land and their fight to save their 40,000-year-old culture from the threat of seabed mining exploration. Three sisters, raised in between Maningrida NT and Brisbane, are saving their mother’s ancient country from ruin. As part of the first Indigenous group to stand up against petroleum and gas seabed mining in Arnhem Land, these girls know they have a huge battle ahead. A Petroleum Exploration Company has identified 40 parcels of water throughout Arnhem Land that could be the next gold field for gas and petroleum offshore mining. These mining hot spots are located in sacred waters, untouched until now, and if granted this company will set a precedent for unconventional mining in the top end. By standing strong and garnering support from their many friends across the country, the Stingray Sisters will show that they will stop at nothing to save their sacred sea and land.' (Source: Documentary Australia Foundation website)
Part 1. Babba (meaning father)
The sisters love their two homes, but it can be difficult living between black and white Australia. In Brisbane, audiences meet Michael Eather, the sisters’ father. At his exhibition opening – full of Stingray motifs – he tearfully recounts how he met their mother Helen. He paints a picture of his life in the 80s in Brisbane. Back in Maningrida, the sisters are over the moon that their father is returning to their community, 30 years since he first stumbled across it.
Part 2. Kikka (meaning mother)
The sisters’ mother Helen becomes very ill and is admitted to intensive care in Darwin. It’s a stressful time for the sisters and when their mother finally returns fighting fit the relief is palpable. With Helen at the helm, audiences see the beautiful coastal waters of Maningrida, the ancient waterways that the family are trusted to protect.
Part 3. Marnandjubba (meaning Stingray)
Alice graduates as a Teacher with flying colours. In Sydney, Alice gives a beautifully heartfelt and succinct interview about her culture, family and dreaming. Having refused Alice’s offer to meet in Maningrida, Alice and other Traditional Owners travel to Sydney to try to talk face-to-face with the company that wants to explore for oil and gas in their community. This is an explosive moment and a big turning point for the series. Alice is interviewed on ABC Radio National.
(Source: ACF website)
'The Stingray Sisters is a three-part online documentary series that tells the heartwarming, inspirational story of the beautiful and magnetic Eather girls, Noni, Alice and Grace.'
'This series provides a timely and telling insight into life in a remote Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory. Their humour and shared family madness brings joy, while their struggle to protect and preserve their precious home and culture draws tears. ...'
'The Stingray Sisters is a three-part online documentary series that tells the heartwarming, inspirational story of the beautiful and magnetic Eather girls, Noni, Alice and Grace.'
'This series provides a timely and telling insight into life in a remote Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory. Their humour and shared family madness brings joy, while their struggle to protect and preserve their precious home and culture draws tears. ...'
