Nannette Shaw

Nannette Shaw is a Tyereelore Elder from Tasmania with ties to the Boonwurrung/Bunurong people of Southern Victoria. She makes traditional bull kelp water vessels in the same way as Tasmanian Aboriginal women in pre-colonial times.

Tasmanian Elders, including Nannette, are reviving this cultural practice for current and future generations of Palawa people. Nannette started working with kelp in 2002 and was taught by two Tasmanian Aboriginal Elders Aunty Dorothy Murray and Aunty Yvonne Kopper, who took Netty to Shelley Point and taught her how to harvest kelp create water vessels in the traditional way.

Nannette continues to harvest mainly on Bruny Island and Louisa Bay in the south west of Tasmania. This practice connects her to Country and culture, benefits her health and nourishes her soul. Nannette enjoys the sense of connection with her ancestors through her work.