Co FOunder SOuth COast Seaweed

 My name is James Thomas, and I am a proud Yuin man and the eldest grandson of Guboo Ted Thomas and Anne Thomas, respected Tribal Elders of the Yuin Nation. My roots run deep in this saltwater Country — the coastline of the South Coast of New South Wales — where my ancestors have lived in balance with the sea for countless generations.

Together with my wife, we founded this initiative to reconnect with culture and help build a sustainable future for our marine environments and our people. For us, it's about more than seaweed — it's about restoring Indigenous aquaculture as a living practice that strengthens marine habitats, supports biodiversity, and revives cultural knowledge.

We are committed to reviving traditional practices, researching old ways, and sharing what we learn with others — so that this knowledge continues to live, grow, and benefit generations to come.

My name is Sarah Gorst, and I am a proud Gamilaraay/ Gamilaroi  woman, born in Quirindi and raised in Murrurundi — meaning “Valley in the Mountains” — nestled along the songlines of the Great Dividing Range on  Gamilaroi  Country in New South Wales.

My family’s connection to the South Coast began in the early 1970s, when my grandparents relocated from Sydney and built our first family home on the shores of Mummuga Lake, Dalmeny. Four generations on, this place holds deep meaning — it was my second home growing up, filled with cherished memories and cultural grounding.

I've always felt a powerful connection to saltwater Country and the ancient stories carried by the ocean. The sea holds wisdom beyond time, and I believe we all share a responsibility to care for it — to protect its ecosystems, preserve cultural heritage, and create a sustainable future for the next generations.