Shannon Kitchener: Art, Fly Fishing & Community
Aboriginal artist. 2026 Wollumbin Art Award finalist. Fly fisher and film co-writer. Proud Wiradjuri and Bundjalung man.
While many across the Tweed Coast and Northern Rivers know Shannon Kitchener as the licensed owner-operator of Local Pest Co, his story extends well beyond termite barriers and subfloor inspections. For over three decades, Shannon has been an active voice in Australian saltwater fly fishing, a filmmaker, an innovative fly designer, and a dedicated Aboriginal artist whose work connects deeply with Country, coastal waterways, and local community life.
Traditional Aboriginal Art & 2026 Wollumbin Art Award Finalist
Shannon is a proud Wiradjuri and Bundjalung man whose creative practice is grounded in lifelong cultural storytelling. His art explores connection to Country, aquatic life, coastal estuaries, and ancestral traditions, blending disciplined technique with an intimate understanding of the natural world.
In 2026, Shannon achieved significant regional and artistic recognition when he was named an official finalist in the Wollumbin Art Award (WAA) at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. The biennial award, featuring a $30,000 prize pool, is the region's flagship visual arts prize and is open to artists living across Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Scenic Rim, and Gold Coast City local government areas.
Finalists were selected by an esteemed pre-selection panel featuring Professor Lisa Slade, Aunty Joyce Summers, Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock, and Exhibitions Curator Tina Wilson. The 2026 Wollumbin Art Award Finalists Exhibition is on view at Tweed Regional Gallery in Murwillumbah from 29 August through 15 November 2026. Shannon's selection as a finalist reflects both his artistic standing and his deep roots in the cultural fabric of Northern NSW.
30+ Years of Fly Fishing, Festival Film & Fly Design
Shannon's involvement in the Australian fly-fishing scene spans more than 30 years. Rather than treating fishing as a weekend pastime, Shannon has contributed to the craft as an author, film co-writer, guide, and creator of original fly patterns.
In 2016, Shannon co-wrote and was featured in the 50-minute documentary film Parallel Lines, directed by Benny Godfrey and co-created with Bretto Wilson. Exploring the shared headspace of fly fishing, coastal art, surf culture, and lifelong mateship, the film earned an Official Selection at the 2016 RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival and screened to audiences across Australia and internationally.
In 2018, Gin-Clear Media selected Shannon for the filming of Andranangoo – Goose Creek in the Tiwi Islands. The filmmakers specifically chose Shannon because of his dual background as an Indigenous artist and former tropical fly-fishing guide, appointing him to a mentoring role with the Tiwi Junior Guides at Milikapiti. While there, Shannon connected with prominent Tiwi artist Pedro Wonaeamiri, sharing knowledge of fly casting and art across Indigenous cultures.
Shannon is also a recognized fly designer. In September 2016, FlyLife Magazine published his article “The Whiting Puzzle” (Issue 85), where he detailed his development of the SK Skipping Prawn — an articulated surface pattern engineered to replicate the erratic skipping escape of estuary prawns. Exactly ten years later, in June 2026, Manic Tackle Project published a dedicated feature and video highlighting Shannon demonstrating how to tie and fish his signature fly. A second pattern, the “Whiting Mesmeriser,” is commercially available through specialist fly retailer BWC Flies.
Cultural Leadership & Community Stewardship
Caring for Country and supporting community are principles Shannon demonstrates through active participation in local cultural and charitable events across the Tweed Coast.
In July 2026, Shannon joined respected community elders Uncle Victor and Uncle Garry to lead the Welcome to Country ceremony at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School at the commencement of Term 3, sharing culture, language, and ceremonial dance with students and staff.
Shannon has also championed inclusivity in outdoor sports. In 2017, FlyLife Magazine recognized Shannon alongside Brett Clarke and Joel Norman for their support of an inaugural women's saltwater fly-fishing expedition (“Salt Fly Ladies”), providing custom timber fly boxes engraved with Shannon's original fish artwork and stocked with hand-tied saltwater flies. In 2019, Shannon contributed to the organization of the Forster Fly Muster, raising vital funds for The Fly Program to support men's mental health.
How Art & Observation Shape Shannon's Approach to Pest Control
Pest management and traditional art might seem worlds apart, but for Shannon they share a common foundation: acute observation and respect for living ecosystems.
Reading coastal waterways, insect hatch patterns, and tidal movements requires the same analytical patience needed to track termite foraging tubes, inspect subfloor moisture paths, and diagnose structural timber pest risks. Shannon's Wiradjuri and Bundjalung heritage informs his commitment to Caring for Country — treating homes effectively while minimizing unnecessary environmental impact.
That is why Local Pest Co focuses on low-chemical pest control, precise baiting strategies, drone-assisted roof inspections, and honest client communication. Learn more on the main About Shannon Kitchener page or explore our comprehensive Termite Knowledge Centre.
Selected Media, Exhibitions & Milestones
A chronological record of Shannon Kitchener's documented creative projects, film productions, articles, and community milestones:
2026: Wollumbin Art Award Finalist
Selected as a finalist in the $30,000 biennial Wollumbin Art Award at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. Finalists exhibition runs 29 August – 15 November 2026. Official confirmation on the Gallery announcement.
2026: Lindisfarne Welcome to Country
Joined Uncle Victor and Uncle Garry in leading the official Welcome to Country ceremony at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, followed by cultural celebrations with the school community.
2026: SK Skipping Prawn Masterclass
Featured by Manic Tackle Project in "Salty Saturdays – Shannon Kitchener's SK Skipping Prawn," demonstrating tying and surface-action techniques for his signature prawn pattern.
2019: Andranangoo – Goose Creek Release
Gin-Clear Media film released on YouTube, documenting fly fishing in the Tiwi Islands with Shannon Kitchener and Jacob Parmigiani.
2019: Forster Fly Muster Support
Contributed to organizing the Forster Fly Muster, raising funds for The Fly Program and community mental health initiatives.
2018: Tiwi Junior Guides Mentoring
Traveled to Milikapiti in the Tiwi Islands with Gin-Clear Media, serving as mentor to Indigenous Junior Guides and connecting with Tiwi artist Pedro Wonaeamiri.
2017: Supporting Women in Fly Fishing
Recognized in FlyLife (“Salt Fly Ladies”) for providing custom timber fly boxes with Shannon's engraved fish artwork for an inaugural women's saltwater trip.
2016: Parallel Lines & RISE Selection
Co-wrote and starred in the 50-minute film Parallel Lines with Benny Godfrey and Bretto Wilson; Official Selection of the 2016 RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival.
2016: FlyLife "The Whiting Puzzle"
Author of “The Whiting Puzzle” in FlyLife Magazine Issue 85, introducing the original design and tying technique for the SK Skipping Prawn.
2016: Cast Mag "Goals"
Featured in Cast Mag's “Goals” film exploring saltwater flats fly fishing for blackspot tuskfish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Shannon Kitchener win the Wollumbin Art Award?
Shannon was selected as an official finalist in the 2026 Wollumbin Art Award at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. The principal 2026 category prizes were awarded to Stephen Bird, Penny Evans, and Pascale Bardos.
What fly-fishing films has Shannon co-written or appeared in?
Shannon co-wrote and featured in Parallel Lines (2016), an Official Selection of the RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival, and took part in Gin-Clear Media's Andranangoo – Goose Creek (2018) mentoring Junior Guides in the Tiwi Islands.
What is Shannon's signature fly pattern?
Shannon designed the SK Skipping Prawn, an articulated surface fly published in FlyLife in 2016 and profiled by Manic Tackle Project in 2026. He is also known for the Whiting Mesmeriser pattern sold by BWC Flies.
How does Shannon's background connect to Local Pest Co?
His lifelong connection to Country, ecological observation, and respect for coastal waterways inform his careful, owner-operated, and low-chemical pest inspection and treatment approach across the Tweed Coast.
Connect with Shannon
Whether you have questions about local termite protection, art exhibitions, or community initiatives, you can reach Shannon directly:
Phone: 0405 508 035
Email: Thelocalpestco@bigpond.com
Location: Kingscliff NSW 2487 · Servicing the Tweed Coast & Northern Rivers
Instagram: @xstream_fly
Facebook: Local Pest Co
Get in touch with Shannon
Fastest answer is a phone call directly to Shannon. If you prefer to send details or property photos by email, write to Thelocalpestco@bigpond.com and I will get back to you promptly.