Seaweed. A Celebration
15 - 30 March 2026
Seaweed Painting Workshop
with Elle - Earth Glow Florence
Sunday 15 March 2026 |
3.30pm - 6.30pm
Salt Café & Bar
Ngaranga / Port MacDonnell
As part of Seaweed. A Celebration, Holdfast Limestone Coast Inc invites community members to take part in an immersive seaweed-inspired painting workshop that brings together arts, science and culture.
Led by artist Elle (Earth Glow Florence), the workshop begins with a guided beach experience at Squeakys, where participants will be introduced to local seaweed species alongside marine expert Sally O’Connor and artist Jo Fife. Through real-life observation and imagery, participants will explore the exquisite reds, greens and brown algae of our coastline, gaining insight into their ecological importance and cultural value.
The group will then gather at Salt Café & Bar for a facilitated painting session, using colour, form and texture to translate scientific understanding and lived coastal experience into creative expression. Midway through the workshop, participants will pause for shared food, drinks and informal conversation, creating space for connection, reflection and community exchange.
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Each participant will create an individual artwork. All works created during the workshop will have the opportunity to be exhibited at Salt Café & Bar as part of Seaweed. A Celebration. Visitors will be invited to vote for a Community Favourite, with the winning artist receiving a Salt Café dinner voucher.
The workshop concludes with relaxed conversation, and participants are warmly encouraged to stay on for dinner at Salt Café & Bar, extending the evening through food, reflection and connection.
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This experience supports Holdfast Limestone Coast Inc’s commitment to:
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connecting community with place through arts, science and culture
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celebrating local coastal environments
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fostering understanding of the vital role seaweed plays in healthy marine ecosystems.
Seaweed. A Celebration is proudly supported by the District Council of Grant, whose funding and partnership make this community program possible.
No prior painting experience is required.
All materials are provided.
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Sunday, 15 March 2026
3.30pm to 6.30pm
Salt Café & Bar |
Ngaranga / Port MacDonnell
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
Seaweed Art Exhibition Opening
Wednesday 25 March 2026 | 7.30 pm
Salt Café & Bar
Ngaranga / Port MacDonnell
​As part of Seaweed. A Celebration, Holdfast Limestone Coast Inc invites the community to the Seaweed Art Exhibition Opening at Salt Café & Bar.
The exhibition features paintings created by participants in the Seaweed Painting Workshop, inspired by the colours, forms and ecological richness of local seaweed. The works reflect a shared
exploration of arts, science and culture, and a growing connection to our coastal environment.
Guests are warmly encouraged to book a table for dinner at Salt Café & Bar on
8738 2943 and then stay on for the exhibition opening at 7.30 pm.
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Visitors are also invited to vote for the Community Favourite Award, celebrating a work that resonates most strongly with the community.
All are welcome to enjoy an evening of art, conversation and connection.
Seaweed. A Celebration is proudly supported by the District Council of Grant.​​
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Wednesday 25 March 2026 | 7.30 pm
Salt Café & Bar |
Ngaranga / Port MacDonnell
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BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
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Learn More About the Secret Life of Algae with Microscopes
Friday, 27 March 2026 |
11.00am to 1.00pm
7 Charles St,
Ngaranga / Port MacDonnell
Dr. Alecia Bellgrove & Sally O’Connor
Wrack revealed. The secret life of Algae. Bring your iphone/ipad to see the details of algae. Or delve deep inside with Microscopes to see the cellular structure. Discover the wonders of filamentous algae.
Launch –
Seaweed. A Celebration
Friday, 27 March 2026 |
6.00pm
Hangar Gallery at the
Mount Gambier Airport
Presented by Holdfast Limestone Coast Inc
Holdfast Limestone Coast Inc is proud to present 'Seaweed. A Celebration'. An exhibition exploring the theme of marine flora and fauna of the Limestone Coast region.
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This event highlights the distinctive Limestone Coast region, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, vibrant turquoise and green seas, sea stacks, offshore reefs, and cool temperate climate and along with the nutrient-rich current of the Bonney Upwelling creating a unique environment where marine algae flourish.
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Holdfast Limestone Coast Inc is a diverse, science-based organisation led by volunteers. While a scientific approach is central to its mission, the organisation embraces art and culture as vehicles to
enhance public awareness about the significance of marine algae.
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Now in its fourth year, the Holdfast exhibition has previously attracted numerous artists from across the region. The 2026 exhibition will take place at the Mount Gambier Airport Hangar Gallery, serving as the gateway to the Limestone Coast.
This year, for the first time, there will be a Viewers' Choice Award valued at $250.
Seaweed. A Celebration has been funded by the District Council of Grant
Friends of Seaweed -
Beach Walk with Dr. Alecia Bellgrove or Marine Experts
Sat, 28 March 2026 |
9.00am to 10.00am
Squeaky's Beach
Pleasant Cove,
Ngaranga / Port MacDonnell
Explore the intertidal zone with marine scientist Dr. Alecia Bellgrove (DeakinSeaweed, Deakin University).
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Dr. Bellgrove will provide an introduction to what to look for before participants discover and discuss a range of fascinating algae species.
White Rock Movie Screening and Urchin Tasting
Saturday, 28 March 2026 |
5.00pm to 6.30pm
7 Charles St,
Ngaranga / Port MacDonnell
Join us at HQ to view a screening of the White Rock Movie, we are offering an Urchin Tasting session, followed by a Panel Discussion with Zoë, Alecia, Faith, Uncle Ken and Sally.
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Participants are invited to join us for dinner after the event.
​Beach Walk with Faith Coleman & Sally O'Connor​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Sun, 29 March 2026 |
9.00am to 10.00am
Squeaky's Beach
Pleasant Cove,
Ngaranga / Port MacDonnell
Explore the intertidal zone with ecologist Faith Coleman, along with artist Sally O’Connor.
Fruits of the Sea – A Hands-On Cooking Experience
​​​​​Sunday, 29 March 2026 |
12.00pm to 3.00pm
7 Charles St,
Ngaranga / Port MacDonnell
As part of Seaweed. A Celebration, Fruits of the Sea is a rare opportunity to cook with, taste, and learn about seaweed under the guidance of Zoë Brittain (Deakin University).
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This hands-on workshop invites participants into the kitchen to prepare dishes using local marine algae, explore its flavours and textures, and share a meal together.
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Along the way, Zoë will introduce the culinary possibilities of seaweed — from umami depth to subtle salinity and omelettes to ice cream — while unpacking its vital role in healthy marine ecosystems and resilient coastal food systems.
Part cooking class, part shared table, and part ocean story, Fruits of the Sea offers a unique chance to experience seaweed not just as an ingredient, but as a living connection between reef, plate, and place. Seaweed for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Omelette, sushi, pasta and ice cream with red algae. Participate in preparation and enjoy the fruits of your labour from the sea!!!
Places are limited.
White Rock Movie Screening
at Allendale East Area School
Monday, 30 March 2026 |
Time TBA
Allendale East Area School,
Allendale East SA 5291
Join us at Allendale East Area School to view a screening of the White Rock Movie.
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This project is supported by:
