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The working week is drawing to a close and the Man of Many team is gearing up for another wet and wild weekend of mid-winter fun. Whether it is splitting the G, sinking into the couch to the NBA finals, or just catching up on some sleep, we’ve got plans for making this Saturday and Sunday a true relaxation-fest. Before we do, however, allow us to shine a light on the good people, products, and brands who are using their downtime for good. Here is Feel-Good Friday for this week.
Patagonia Backs the Fight for Climate Justice
Global outdoor icon Patagonia is no stranger to chronicling the environment at its worst, but the brand’s latest documentary paints an entirely different picture than we’re used to seeing. In Sea Country—Malu Lag, which was released this week, Patagonia unpacks the brave First Nations communities working to combat climate change and champion ocean protection in Zenadth Kes / Torres Strait.
Released as part of Patagonia’s Protect Australia’s Ocean for Good campaign, Sea Country — Malu Lag follows the story of Tishiko King, a 36-year-old climate justice defender, marine biologist and proud Kulkalaig woman from Masig Island in Zenadth Kes / Torres Strait. The film details her journey to protect the place she loves most, shining a light on the critical role of First Nations peoples in safeguarding Australia’s marine ecosystems and addressing the escalating climate crisis.
“It is critical to work with the Traditional Custodians and communities who have the wisdom, knowledge and relationship with the island, ocean and sky Country to affect real change in the climate crisis,” King said. “I hope that by standing up and sharing my story, culture, and connection to the ocean, we are able to amplify the strength and resilience of communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis and we can walk shoulder to shoulder to address the climate crisis and safeguard the future for not only Zenadth Kes / Torres Strait Island people but all people.”
The film’s release comes in response to growing concern over the health and survival of the nation’s marine ecosystem. According to the CSIRO, the ocean has absorbed 30 per cent of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions, leaving it susceptible to threats from heat waves, acidification, and changing ocean circulation. Low-lying coastal communities, particularly in Zenadth Kes / Torres Strait, are most in danger and already experiencing these severe climate impacts.
“We are proud to announce the final chapter in Patagonia’s Marine Life series – a collection of short films that highlight those who are working to protect the world’s oceans and safeguard the ecosystems, biodiversity and communities that rely on them,” Dane O’Shanassy, country director at Patagonia Australia, said. “Our oceans are not only vital to the health of our planet, but they are also a legacy we must protect for future generations. We are honoured to share Tish’s story and highlight the leadership and advocacy of First Nations peoples as custodians of Malu Lag / Sea Country.”
Sea Country — Malu Lag was released online through Patagonia on 22 May 2025. You can watch the entire film above or check out more about the program and the film’s release via the official Patagonia website.
Defender Pledges $200,000 and a Vehicle as Part of Global Awards Program
Iconic automaker Land Rover has pledged support for local conservation and humanitarian efforts with the launch of a new Defender Awards initiative. Under the new project, a series of small non-profit charities and organisations in seven countries around the world—the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Africa—will have the chance to bolster their efforts with the backing of a land-faring favourite.
Seven Defender Awards winners will each receive an AUD$200,000 bursary, a two-year Defender, and expert mentorship, for a total commitment worth more than £1 million. Entries are being accepted from programmes working in one of four categories:
- Defenders of the Wild–protecting endangered and at-risk species
- Defenders of Humanity–supporting vulnerable communities
- Defenders of the Land–protecting and restoring the most precious and fragile places on earth
- Defenders of the Sea–protecting marine species and environments
The new Land Rover initiative builds on the brand’s 20-year relationship with Tusk, which protects endangered species in Africa, and 70 years of partnership with the British Red Cross. According to Mark Cameron, managing director of Defender, the new awards initiative is a natural evolution of the brand’s environmental-focused edge.
“Defender has a proud heritage of helping people make more of their world, spanning both humanitarian and conservation causes. Our enduring 70-year association with the Red Cross and 20 years of work with Tusk support established organisations, but we wanted a way of engaging with smaller-scale initiatives,” Cameron said.
“We have launched Defender Awards to recognise and support conservation and humanitarian heroes. Our new programme represents an investment of more than £1m and will assemble an international network of experts to share knowledge and help advance change. It is international in scale but has a local focus and will enrich Defender’s rich history of supporting vulnerable habitats, species and communities.”
The awards program is open to small-scale charities and non-profit organisations that work on humanitarian and conservation projects at a local level. The closing date for entries is 16 June 2025, at which point national judges will select two entries in each of the four awards categories to create a 56-strong international shortlist. The judging panel of globally renowned conservation and humanitarian experts will then select the seven overall winners. To find out more about Defender Awards and how to enter, visit the project’s official website.
Sensory Tourism Gets a Boost
Travel is a gift that everyone deserves, but it’s not always easy for blind and low-vision travellers. Thankfully, Sensory Tourism Australia is working to combat that, announcing a new partnership with not for profit accessible tourism operator Cocky Guides. Under the agreement, the two entities will lead groups of blind and low-vision travellers on trips to selected regions across Australia. According to Sensory Tourism Australia director and co-founder Kellie Hayes, these trips will share knowledge, create inclusive content and promote accessible tourism across regions.
“There has been plenty of infrastructure investment and training with attractions, properties and tour operators around accessible tourism, particularly the last couple of years,” Hayes said. “We want to keep this momentum going and ensure travellers with accessible needs are active in the community and experiencing improvements, whether this is infrastructure or staff training.”
“Cocky Guides has been making this happen regularly with groups of blind and low-vision travellers since 2018. Our role at Sensory Tourism Australia is to ensure that conversations around accessible tourism, in particular, service excellence, continue both before, and after we visit regions with travellers led by Cocky Guides.”
With Destination Port Stephens already on board, Sensory Tourism Australia is calling on more regional operators to get in on the action. The organisation is currently seeking expressions of interest from Regional Tourism Organisations and Local Government keen to get involved with their local tourism businesses to continue the accessible tourism conversation and learn more about hosting a regional famil for blind and low-vision travellers with Cocky Guides. For more information or to get involved with this initiative, visit the Sensory Tourism Australia website.
