We have established FOW to care for and share knowledge of the cultural heritage and ecological communities of Whinpullin and the surrounding area. Members include teachers who do or have worked in OE, Aboriginal people, environmentalists and highly regarded climbers. We agree that people in our society and especially kids should spend a lot more time outside, connecting with Mother Earth and Eart
h-kin. We wish to challenge the dominant underlying ideology of sports climbing, which is probably still the dominant view within the climbing fraternity and much of western society – that the earth exists either as an obstacle, or challenge for us to overcome, a passive backdrop to our unfolding human dramas, and / or as a resource for our profit, pleasure and comfort. This ego-oriented ideology places humans as the center of existence (anthropocentrism) with the natural environment as a commodity or resource for our manipulation and benefit. FOW are committed to promoting a view of the Earth as central to life. We recognize that whether we know it or not, we are connected to the earth and everything that dwells there. We wish to promote a relationship with Whinpullin, indeed all Country as one of connectedness, reverence and obligation. Whinpulln is sacred place, with important ecological communities, endangered Earth kin, and highly significant cultural sites and stories. FOW commits to continue to act and advocate to maintain her wellness.
