In 1967, a proposal to mine coral rubble at Ellison Reef, off Innisfail in North Queensland, became the unlikely battleground that sparked Australia's modern ocean conservation movement. A small group of citizen scientists, artists and local advocates proved the reef was alive and worth saving, halting the mining proposal and helping lead to the creation of the Australian Marine Conservation Society and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Ellison Reef became known as the reef that saved all reefs. Sixty years on, marking AMCS's 60th anniversary and 50 years of the Marine Park, Ellison: The Reef That Saved Them All follows a new generation of scientists, Traditional Owners and reef stewards as they return to Ellison Reef to repeat the original survey. Combining archival material, science, art and intimate underwater storytelling, the film reflects on the legacy of the original Fight for the Reef campaign and brings today's urgency into clear view.

Woody was Director of Photography on the film, working alongside director and producer Harriet Spark of Grumpy Turtle Films. The film premiered at the Ocean Lovers Festival in March 2026.

ROLE: Director of Photography

PRODUCTION COMPANY: Grumpy Turtle Films, for the Australian Marine Conservation Society

KIT: RED Raptor, Canon C400, Canon C80, Canon VCM Primes