Creative Heathcote

J U LY 2 0 2 4 | F R E E I S S U E S H O W C A S I N G H E AT H C O T E

C R E AT I V E S L I V I N G I N T H E HEARTLAND OF VICTORIA

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Creative Heathcote is a publication that has been commissioned by the Creative Communities team at Bendigo Venues and Events, a unit of the City of Greater Bendigo. Its aim is to profile artists working and living in the Heathcote area and venues that support the local arts sector.

The 36 artists and arts groups included here responded to a general

“In nature we never see anything isolated, but everything in connection with something else, which is before it, beside it, under it and over it”.

– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

call-out in May of 2024 and encompass the visual arts, crafts, performing arts, writing and film.

Some of the work created is directly inspired by the sights, sounds and people of this region. Other works are inspired by practices grounded in thinking, making and creating from broader perspectives. We certainly wish to acknowledge the contribution these artists and other creatives make to this community by ‘colouring’ our environment with surprise, delight and thought-provoking experiences.

One important aim in producing Creative Heathcote was for the publication to act as a nexus for creative makers, thinkers and do-ers to come together in seeing themselves as relational parts of a whole, a creative community within the broader community.

Thank you to all the humans between these pages for their outstanding contributions that continue to uplift, entertain and delight us all. What an incredible cohort of both weird and wonderful, traditional and contemporary artists who have emerged ... in this place ... at this time.

We hope this publication will engender a spirit of collaboration and cooperation in finding novel creative outcomes in future projects,

The City of Greater Bendigo is on Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country.

We acknowledge and extend our appreciation for the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung People, the Traditional Owners of the land. We pay our respects to leaders and Elders past, present and emerging for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of all Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples. We express our gratitude in the sharing of this land, our sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural costs of that sharing and our hope that we may walk forward together in harmony and in the spirit of healing.

both between artists, and artists and venues who are dedicated to supporting the local arts in Heathcote.

– Susie Marcroft, Editor

Graphic Design: Susie Marcroft Publisher: Mudwood Studio Editor: Susie Marcroft CH Photographer/cover images: Adam Brady

For information regarding the production or editorial content of this publication, or for interest to appear in future issues please email: mudwoodstudio@gmail.com

I give to you my love and respect. I am Acknowledgement of country shadow sculpture by Taungurang Artist a Nirim Baluk descendent and one day

creative content

isobel morphy-walsh

Jeff Arthur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Liam Ayres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Gregory Bonasera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Adam Brady. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Maryann Chrisp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Amanda Collins, Dave Munro. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 and the PizzaBoxPoets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Courthouse Crafts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 John Daniels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Marlene Dingle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Robert Durling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Matt Faisandier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Eva Giannoulidis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Paul Gilbert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Adrian Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Heathcote Juniper Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Heathcote Artists Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Heathcote Film Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Heathcote Men’s Shed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Heathcote Writers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Maree Hingston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Belinda Jordan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Jasper Killick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Chantel Knight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Irene Majer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Susie Marcroft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Mariah McCarthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Sandra McNabb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Julie Milton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Mirabooka Ecostay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Munari Wines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Rob Ross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Michael Blair Scott. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Erin K Taylor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Elora Tosun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Deb Wain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Isobel said her artwork represents “Wah’s view of the mountain ranges, it marks the greenstone quarry on my country at Mount Camel. My piece is about the protection that mountains give and a moment of pause and reflection. The artwork also has a message from the artist, BIIK NUGALNGANJIN GABBI-WARR GIAN NUGAL-IK GILBRUK NUGAL-IK translates to Country

“These mountains protect us. A valley wrapped. Rest Again Traveller, Teacher, Trader, Maker, Mother, Father, Child. For the journey begins anew when the kookaburras call moments before the sun begins her rise. For now take time to wonder on the secrets held by the mountains that watch over us where we stand. Remember with every step you take you walk on sacred land. Every Valley, Every Mountain Range.

Right here you stand on Nirim Baluk Biik (country). Part of the great Taungurung Nation. One of the Wurrungs. My people and this country we are of the mountains, of the valleys, of the rivers, of the stones.

So to all who bask in my glow I ask that you walk gently but with purpose, look, listen, learn and love my country like the ancestors taught me.”

Image: Adam Brady

The City of Greater Bendigo in consultation with Taungurung Land Water Council and Taungurang artist Isobel Morphy-Walsh worked together to commission and create an Acknowledgement of Country Shadow Sculpture. It was installed at Barrack Reserve, High Street Heathcote on Taungurang Country in 2022.

ancestor.

jeff arthur

direction as a solo performer/singer-guitarist.

New to him, after working primarily as guitarist-backing singers in bands and duos.

Email: jarthurguitar@gmail.com

Already he has had the pleasure of being the local warm-up act for Ross Wilson´s Cool World Tour at Sanguine Estate; he has performed at McIvor Estate; Silverspoon Estate; Munari Winery; and again at Sanguine Estate during Heathcote On Show—a busy weekend for Jeff as he also performed at the Castlemaine Jazz Festival with violinist Nigel MacLean.

musician and music educator

Most of Jeff’s music career centred around Melbourne where there was work, but he had always yearned for a country life, ideally located in central Victoria. When Jeff and his wife Katherine found Heathcote, it was the stand-out location. It afforded them a decent-sized property with close proximity to Melbourne and other regional towns that have great music and artistic reputations.

As well as working freelance, Jeff is a regular musician with the jazz band, The Syncopators, alongside some of the cream of Melbourne’s jazz musicians.

Playing everything from classic through to mainstream jazz, and rhythm and blues, the band toured extensively in Europe, Asia and the South Pacific, with regular appearances on television and in feature films.

“I had many wonderful musical moments and experiences touring Australia and the world with the band playing at major jazz festivals and clubs.”

Since living in Heathcote Jeff and Katherine have become members of the RSL, the Australian Plant Society, have had rock ‘n roll dance lessons, and Jeff is a member of the Heathcote Song Birds choir.

“As a member of these groups we feel a real sense of community and belonging.”

Jeff has also collaborated with well-known local war poet, Major Michael Carroll, writing music to two of his poems and performing them on ANZAC Day and at A Night of Remembrance on the eve of Remembrance Day 2023.

A seasoned performer having toured Europe for 27 years and living abroad for 10 years, Jeff has performed for expatriates in China, the corporate scene in Dubai, and jazz festivals and clubs in Europe.

With such expertise as a jazz guitarist and professional musician, in his solo performances Jeff dazzles with his tasteful interpretations of contemporary tunes.

In describing his style, he is “not only a wonderful guitar player but has a voice that beautifully complements his rich, harmonic arrangements,” all inspired by years of studying and performing many different genres of music.

ANZAC Day performance RSL

Within the mix of Jeff’s career, he has also been a music educator, teaching at Xavier College in Kew, Ruyton Girls School, and overseas at International Schools in China, Dubai and Germany.

Since returning to Australia in October 2021 Jeff has been working on a new musical

Jeff Arthur (centre) with The Syncopators 1

liam ayres

Irish dance teacher Phone: 0401 162 085 Email: liam.ayres@hotmail.com Liam Ayres, a distinguished Irish dancing teacher, traces his roots back to the heart of Heathcote, where his grandparents settled after emigrating from Ireland. Growing up surrounded by a large extended family of eleven aunties and uncles on the Ayres side, with many of their cousins still residing in Heathcote and Bendigo today, Liam’s connection to his heritage runs deep.

Introduced to Irish dancing at the age of five by his uncle Raymond and later guided by his aunt Christine, both accomplished dancers themselves, Liam quickly excelled.

His early training laid the foundation for an impressive career, marked by seven Victorian and two Australian solo titles, and a notable 3rd place finish at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Killarney, Ireland, in 2003.

In 2004, Liam’s talent caught the eye of Riverdance, the internationally acclaimed dance troupe, where he embarked on a remarkable nine-year journey, touring six continents and performing as a principal dancer for six years. Today, Liam, alongside his aunt and sister, not only teaches and adjudicates Irish dancing but has also achieved an unparalleled feat for any Australian school— coaching and winning four World Championship team titles, the latest in Glasgow this year.

Now residing in the Heathcote area, Liam is dedicated to sharing his passion for Irish dancing with his local community, with plans to establish classes that celebrate both his family’s legacy and the artistry of Irish dance.

Top left (opposite): Liam shot in Ayres Street, Heathcote named after his family. Photo Adam Brady.

Top right: Portrait of Liam Ayres.

Bottom left (opposite) and left: Scenes from Riverdance.

Composed by Bill Whelan, Produced by Moya Doherty, Directed by John McColgan. Photo Jack Hartin © Abhann Productions 2007.

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gregory bonasera Ceramicist Instagram: @porcelainbear Facebook: Porcelain Bear Pinterest: Porcelain Bear

work has been exhibited in Europe, the UK, the USA, throughout Asia and locally.

He is highly respected among his peers as a skilled designer, master mould maker and craftsman. Recent clients include Hyatt Hotels, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Monash University and he regularly exports his work.

Gregory’s passion for ceramics started early in his life, fostered by his parents when they replaced his much loved plastic toy potter’s wheel with a real one in 1975. Carrying this love for his craft into adulthood, Gregory has been practicing as a designer-maker since graduating from Monash University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ceramic Design in 1988. His final year portfolio consisted of furniture, lighting and sculptural toy robots made from slip cast porcelain and painted with automotive and machine paints, steel and cast glass. Early in his professional career, Gregory was awarded a three month studio residency in Northern Italy in 1991 through the Australia Council’s Visual Arts Board.

Throughout his 30-year career, Gregory has continued to hone his skills as a designer and artisan. Adding computer aided design (CAD) to his skill set in the late 1990s, Gregory now works under the banner of Porcelain Bear. An early adopter and local pioneer of CAD design in studio ceramics, Gregory’s 4

Top: Portrait of Gregory Bonasera Above: ‘Museum I’, slip cast porcelain, replicated cow cervical vertebrae arranged as a wreath, ceramic decal, height 440mm Opposite page: ‘Table Centrepiece, The Art of Dining’ NGV International, 2019, slip cast porcelain, LED light source, 22 karate gold lustre, height 1200mm 5

adam brady

Adam’s artistic vision extends beyond mere observation; he immerses himself in photographer and visual stylist landscapes, from dense forests to serene lakeshores, drawing inspiration akin to Phone:0431 171 673 the Dutch masters. His work reflects Email: adambrady@live.com.au a penchant for still life photographic heathcotegeneraltrader@gmail.com paintings and interior styling, where each Social Media: adambradyau frame tells a story of organic elegance.

Website: heathcotegeneraltrader.com Known for his spontaneous shooting style, Adam favours capturing moments Adam Brady, a versatile artist residing in swiftly, eschewing meticulous setups for Heathcote, has seamlessly blended his authentic, emotive imagery. His approach passion for floral design with photography. to visual styling mirrors his photography Initially drawn to the art of arranging flowers ethos—uncontrived and fluid, emphasizing and botanicals, Adam’s journey naturally spontaneity over rigid composition. evolved towards capturing his creations through a lens. Inspired by the raw beauty Living in Heathcote, Adam thrives amidst abundant natural beauty and creative of nature, he finds solace in moody skies, spaces, nurturing his artistic sensibilities and barren trees, and the allure of decaying fuelling his ongoing exploration of visual flora, all of which influence his preference for earthy tones and imperfect aesthetics. storytelling through photography.

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maryann chrisp

Jewellery maker, mixed media artist Social Media: gojjell.etsy.com Gallery: Mudwood Studio

Maryann designs one-of-a-kind jewellery from materials she has created, found or repurposed. Gojjell Jewellery, pronounced ‘joygel’, means ‘gems’, a name derived from her Maltese background. She may start out with fine silver pieces made from scratch, or by assembling one-off components that she or others have made. These ‘raw’ materials are then creatively transformed into unique pieces of jewellery that might also include the use of ceramics, glass, fine silver, metals, precious stones, lucite and vintage tin. More recently she has been exploring the use of hand-painted copper that is proving to be quite sought after. In addition to making jewellery, Maryann paints abstract, mixedmedia artworks. They always incorporate the use of dots—subtle dots, big dots, colourful dots and detailed dots! Dots appear in her work because executing them helps ground her thoughts, enabling her to feel a sense of control and order within them. For Maryann, painting dots is also a form of meditation through the concentration and stillness it requires. Maryann sees within her making, ‘gems’ for all to en’joy’.

This page: various assembled earrings Opposite: ‘And then it started raining’, mixed media

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Writers, poets and performers Email: amandathecurious@gmail.com In addition to their own practice and performance of poetry, local poets Amanda and Dave love helping others find their voice.

Image by Brendan Bonsack

amanda collins dave munro

They run workshops across Central Victoria and Melbourne that explore the world of poetry. Through discussion and ‘poetry push-ups’, participants are encouraged to give poetry a go and maybe learn a new trick or tool in the process. As conveners of Heathcote-based Open Mic PizzaBoxPoets, they aim to create a welcoming space for new and returning poets. Finding joy in the making is essential to their lives, and comes out in ukulele playing, labyrinth-making and, for Amanda, the languages of ‘death and dying’ in her practice as a death doula.

John Conolan

POETRY OPEN MIC

www.facebook.com/groups/ pizzaboxpoetsheathcote What happens at a PizzaBoxPoets event?

PizzaBoxPoets is an open mic event hosted

by Amanda Collins and Dave Munro. It is held from 4pm, the third Sunday of every month at Palling Bros Brewery, 168 High Street, Heathcote.

Sandra Kirby

All kinds of poetry can be heard, from the rhyming to the modern and occasionally even songs!

Image by Brendan Bonsack

Dave’s poetry anthology, Wearing My Father’s Hat, is published by Melbourne Poets Union.

Amanda is the author of Not Dead Yet: a practical guide for the dying, and hosts monthly death-centred conversations in Heathcote. Both books are available through amandathecurious@gmail.com. Dave is performing at the Big Top pop-up venue at the 2024 Bendigo Writers Festival.

pizzaboxpoets

“We don’t apologise about the standard of our work—we let the works speak for themselves. Poems tend to run to the shorter styles, but poets have in the past read sections of longer works. We keep it moving so poets are never in the spotlight for too long. It’s more fun for the audience, and takes pressure off the poets too,” says co-host, Amanda Collins.

Trevor Moore

Audience members are welcome. Free entry.

Bronwyn Jones

Jonathan Sebastien

John Robertson 10

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our inspiration

Images: Adam Brady

courthouse crafts CRAFTS AND SUPPLIES

Phone: 5433 3677 Email: courthousecrafts@gmail.com Address:123 High Street, Heathcote Courthouse Crafts is ideally situated in the centre of town, housed in the historic Heathcote courthouse. It is run by a team of dedicated volunteer staff.

On display and for sale is an extensive range of quality, hand-made crafts, gifts, wool and haberdashery. There is also a large selection of quality antique and vintage wares for sale or consignment.

Visit us for a special gift or simply browse the Courthouse Crafts wonderful selection of locally made crafts.

Courthouse Crafts is open 10am – 4pm Thursday through Sunday, and those public holidays that fall on a Monday.

Courthouse Crafts is a registered Cooperative governed by the Department of Justice Guidelines for Cooperatives and is a non-profit organisation.

Courthouse Crafts is a registered second-hand dealer.

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john daniels Painter

Email: johndaniels1512@yahoo.com Instagram: #johndaniels9851 John paints what appear to be realistic, photographically-captured moments in the social environment. However his process is more like collaging a series of photos that together reinforce a social commentary.

They tell a story or highlight an issue.

“I was inspired by a suburban, peak-hour train journey into the city. A man directly opposite was holding up his phone, in my space. I realised that almost everyone was engrossed on their phone. I pulled out my old-fashioned phone and snapped. I then put the photos together and painted the scene of disconnectedness. Hence, people on phones often appear in my work.”

John also produces packaged and framed paintings on dried gum leaves that feature a range of native birds and animals.

Above: ‘A Dot Painting’ Right: John Daniels with ‘Roulette’ and gum leaves Opposite Page (Top): ‘Mannequins – Push Down, Push On’ Opposite Page (Bottom): ‘Attention Passengers’ 14

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marlene dingle WEAVER/FABRIC ARTIST

Instagram: @marlenedingle_fabric_artist Facebook: Made in Mia Mia Gallery: Mudwood Studio Marlene has been a keen knitter and sewer with an interest in fabric most of her life. She had long been drawn to the art of weaving and finally tackled these skills in recent years. Her initial approach was to work with traditional styles as she had a four-shaft loom on hand, waiting to be put into action.

Marlene then discovered saori weaving and purchased the appropriate loom, after which there was no stopping her. The precision required in traditional weaving became less important once she discovered the saori method of weaving, which emphasises creativity and free expression.

“I love the freedom. I weave all kinds of yarns using wool, silk and mohair, in multicolours, exploring textures in so many different ways.” My travels in outback Australia influence my choice of colours and fabric designs. I am excited about my ongoing weaving practice and constantly look forward to new ideas that accompany me on my journey.”

Marlene is constantly exploring new possibilities whilst creating unique handwoven items.

Left: Saori Harlequin Above Left: The Neale Breakaways inspiration Above Right: mixed fibres Above: Tapestry 1 Opposite: Top Right: Twill Time 1 Below Left: Twill Time 2 Below Right: Twill Time 3 16

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robert durling

Images: metal sculptures produced by the Heathcote Men’s Shed using recycled materials.

Sculptor

A Eucalyptus Tale

Contact: Mudwood Studio

I used to be tall and proud.

From farming to shearing, then on to creating rather crude steel and wooden artworks. The concrete wool room floor in my shearing shed on the RedesdaleHeathcote Road is ideal for that purpose.

All the materials used have been recycled.

I found my artistic and creative activities emerged in the 1970s, with drawing, painting, ceramics, writing stories and poems. I would like to compose (write) an opera about the pastoral, wool growing and shearing industry. Encompassing the trials and tribulations ... the troubles over many decades, since the very early days of settlement to the present time. Due to my bucolic and rural background, I found that creating art in various forms, was a way to relax, and perhaps enabling you to get in touch with your higher level of consciousness and awareness. And so we find we now have art, albeit somewhat crude, in a rural landscape, a gallery of sorts, a theatre? Call it what you like.

Just lucky, and happy to be one of the crowd.

While, for nigh on forty years, I have stood here, with my feet firmly planted in the ground.

Most of the time, I thought my life was just so grand, gradually growing all those years.

With my limbs reaching for the sky.

I never really questioned the reason why.

Then, without warning on one dark and stormy night .

I lost my footing, and was blown down.

Now, it looks like I will have to spend my remaining days just lying here relaxing along the ground.

Now, if you know where to look?

That is where I can be found.

Robert Durling, 2007

matt faisandier

musician, audio engineer, sound Designer and composer Website: mfaisandier.com As a guitarist, audio engineer, sound designer and composer, primarily using Sound, Space and Time as his mediums, there is a certain mystique around Matt’s musicality. Born in Aotearoa New Zealand, he studied classical guitar as a teenager. In 2022, Matt was initiated into The New York Guitar Circle by his teacher Robert Fripp.

He remains however, largely an autodidact.

‘Ned Kelly’s final judgement’ 18

Matt embraces technology in his work and has built many of the analogue and digital tools that are instrumental in crafting

his compositions. He creates cinematic, expansive sound journeys that envelope an audience. When performing, his aim is to lead the group consciousness in search of the miraculous. Increasingly, he has been exploring multichannel performance systems, most notably quadraphonic, which greatly enhance the immersive dimensions of his compositions.

Matt also collaborates with others to produce immersive Virtual Reality and other new media experiences. For example, Gondwana (2020) recently screened at the South Australia Museum as part of the Adelaide Festival, and Jamais Vu (2023) that is currently showing at the Beijing Film Festival.

You can listen to, or purchase Matt’s work from his website.

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eva giannoulidis

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Ceramica Gallery Glaze wall

Eva Giannoulidis

Goblets

Ceramica Wall Flower

Hellenic Relic

CERAMICIST

Phone: 0413 685 857 Email: eva.giannoulidis@gmail.com facebook.com/ceramicamechanica instagram.com/ceramicamechanica Local ceramicist, Eva Giannoulidis, earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from RMIT. For four years she curated the vibrant atmosphere of Ceramica Mechanica, nestled in a historic mechanics warehouse in the heart of Strathmore in Melbourne’s inner north. Through regular courses tailored for adults and children, she nurtured a community of ceramic enthusiasts while showcasing her bespoke creations in the studio’s gallery.

Commissioned by local cafes, gelaterias, schools and council events, Eva proved to be a dedicated community-driven artisan.

In 2020, Eva embarked on a new chapter of life as she and her partner acquired a serene property just outside Heathcote, welcoming the arrival of two cherished children. Eva’s passion for gardening flourished. While ceramics momentarily took a backseat to family life, the seeds of a new venture, Ceramica Botanica, were quietly sown. With the foundation set and the concrete floor laid, Eva anticipates the revival of her craft, aiming to unveil the studio by early 2025.

Through Ceramica Botanica, Eva looks forward to intertwining her artistic vision with the natural beauty of her surroundings, creating a haven where artistry flourishes amidst tranquil landscapes. The vision includes the making of rustic dinnerware; offering regular ceramics classes to locals; hosting special events; pottery classes to tourists showcasing local wines, homemade artisan breads, preserves, fine cheeses and homegrown produce alongside the experience of clay-making, entirely off-grid in the calm of the country.

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‘Thunderstorm’

‘Windswept’

paul gilbert

Wire and metal sculptor Instagram: paulgilbertart Gallery: Mudwood Studio As a child growing up on an almond orchard in South Australia, Paul was always amazed at the way his father applied his engineering skills to solve problems. “I would spend hours in our shed watching in admiration as Dad brought his inventions to life.”

‘Honey Eater’ 22

‘Playtime’

Paul has a colourful background as an automotive technician. He built a car for the King of Thailand, has modified and rebuilt a number of classic cars, and restored British royal fleet vehicles. Carrying on his love of restoration, Paul had been playing around with found metal objects such as rusty fencing wire and old wine barrel rings found in the bush around Heathcote while

prospecting for gold. But his art practice really took off after he was given a large box of vintage fuse wire by a friend. He started furiously making small figurative sculptures, “I was hooked and couldn’t put them down.”

After exhibiting his whimsical works in the local gallery, his practice took off. “I found that to keep up with the demand, like my Dad, I had to hone my problem-solving skills in resolving the various pieces. I’m proud I can call myself an artist but without a bit of synchronicity, being inspired by my father, and the technical skills developed around my automotive background, I wouldn’t have been led to this practice.

For me, the value of an art object is not just in the hours spent making it, but a whole lifetime of accumulated skills, observations and thinking. You never know how the job you’re working on now, will contribute to what you might do in the future.”

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adrian harris SINGER/PERFORMER

Email: heathcotejuniperlounge98@gmail.com Adrian is an entertainer at heart, both through his own performances and the performance-based venues he has run, all with a focus on delivering a good time.

Adrian started performing in his early twenties back in the late 1970s singing alongside Tina Area at The Grainstore Tavern. In the mid 1990s he went on to establish 77 Sunset Strip, a cabaret club in St Kilda hosting such acts as Rhonda Birchmore, Lisa McCune, the Blue Heelers cast and the illustrious Stan Munro of ‘Les Girls’ fame. His love of cabaret also shows in his own performances, for example his recent high-glam impersonation of Liza Minelli in all her glittering regalia, held in Heathcote. Adrian is a member of the Channel 9 singers who perform with Carols

by Candlelight in Melborne each year.

Adrian Harris in ‘Hello Dolly’

Adrian Harris (centre) ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boys’ 24

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who visit the Juniper Lounge speak heathcote juniper lounge Locals of Adrian’s generosity and tireless attention

venue

Email: heathcotejuniperlounge98@gmail.com Social Media: heathcotejuniperlounge In 2019 Adrian Harris established the Heathcote Juniper Lounge, a classic cocktail bar with an ever-evolving vintage decor, great food, local wine, live music and a range of gins to suit all tastes. The Juniper Lounge has a warm and intimate ambiance with a dedicated stage and sound system making it a popular performance venue.

Artists to have performed at the Juniper Lounge include local acts and broader professional performers alike such as Melbourne-based blues/rock legend Phil Para. More recently international comedic sensation Benjamin Hudson AKA ‘Gingzilla’ absolutely brought the house down with a stellar private performance. Regular musicians include Mat Dynon and Chris DeAraugo on stage playing a diversity of popular music throughout the dinner service before launching into some tunes that’ll drive you onto the dance floor.

Mat Dynon 26

to creating a fun experience with great food. “I just love to see people enjoying themselves.” Adrian goes all out to make sure this happens. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on most weekends. Enjoy the open fire-place in winter over a coffee and cake on your way past. The Juniper Lounge supports local and emerging talent.

“It’s important in a regional area for artists to have an encouraging place where people can showcase their talents.”

Friday night karaoke with Robert

Chris deAraugo 27

heathcote artists inc.

heathcote film festival

local art group

short film festival

Email: heathcoteartistsinc@gmail.com Facebook.com/heathcoteartists

Phone: Duncan McGann 0435 530 787 Email: info@heathcotefilmfestival.com.au www.heathcotefilmfestival.com.au Social Media: facebook.com/heathcotefilmfestival instagram.com/heathcotefilmfestival

Featuring artist Iris McLean, President and founding member Not for profit community group, Heathcote Artists Inc. is coming up to its twentieth anniversary. President and one of the founding members, Iris McLean, has been making art in Heathcote for three decades; selling works and winning prizes in local and regional art shows across Victoria.

Iris McLean with ‘Pink Cliffs’

Inc. was established. Over two decades it has brought together members of the local community with an interest in making art.

Members meet weekly and work in a range of media. Heathcote Artists Inc. Iris works in acrylic, pastel and mixed media. organises workshops, demonstrations However, her preferred medium is oil paint. and gallery visits for members. However, Iris finds her greatest inspiration in the most important is the friendship and natural environment. Oil allows the blending encouragement offered to all members, of pigments to capture the colours and the from established artists to those starting out play of light and shade in the Australian or looking for the confidence to return to art landscape. Iris’s painting of Heathcote or to try new techniques and media. landmark, ‘Pink Cliffs’, was acquired by the City of Greater Bendigo and is on display at The work of Heathcote Artists Inc. the Heathcote Visitor Centre for all to enjoy. members can be seen at local art shows.

The Heathcote Winery and the Watering Support and training given by Bendigo artist, Hole are regular venues. Most recently Ruth Ellis Davey, gave Iris the confidence members exhibited and sold works to develop her skills. It also gave her an featuring Australian native flora as part of appreciation of the positive benefits the the Australian Plants Society Heathcote’s support, guidance and companionship (APSH) annual native flower show. of other artists can provide to any artist regardless of what stage they are at in their Email enquiries about Heathcote Artists Inc. practice. This is the reason Heathcote Artists and art made by its members are welcome.

Heathcote Artists Inc. at work 28

The Heathcote Film Festival is a short film festival that has been running since 2010, showcasing both Australian and international short films.

We are a not-for-profit Short Film Festival run by volunteers and receive sponsorship from a number of wineries as well as other local businesses.

Our Festival aims to grow and proliferate film culture in our community and surrounding rural region. The festival was started by a small group of passionate people who wanted to create a much-loved annual event.

We aim to celebrate film of all genres and encourage the discussion of film and filmmaking, and to provide a forum for emerging filmmakers. We hope our Festival satisfies the needs of film devotees as well as introduce novices to as broad a range of film as possible in an environment rich with film knowledge and love of film. At our festival we also endeavour to marry enjoyment of film with the enjoyment of wine and food from our region.

The festival recently received a generous grant from Bendigo Bank, providing for the purchase of a commercial scale projector and screen. This will allow us to expand the festival into the future, providing more events at different venues.

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Images: metal sculptures produced by the Heathcote Men’s Shed using recycled materials.

out silhouettes, and has made plenty of creatures, even a 3D image of the Loch Ness monster. Most of the garden art is produced using scrap sourced from donations—’one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’.

We are very fortunate to be supported by the City of Greater Bendigo Recycling Depots at Heathcote and Strathfieldsaye.

We also receive tool donations from shed clean outs, and are supported by a lot of generous businesses in Heathcote.

heathcote men’s shed inc.

by Terry Hoctor, president

also have five RSL members whose input is invaluable and adds to the character of the group. The Men’s Shed was established as a place for men to go and have a chat, complete or learn a project, share or teach their skills, or to enjoy a sausage sizzle along with other activities. We have lunch on a Wednesday and find a few more members attend just for a talk and to see what’s going on. The mental health of the men has been positively impacted, as guys will notice when something is wrong with another member. In some little way they act to support or simply talk to the person. You don’t realise how this can help someone through a hard time.

In 2018 Heathcote Community House was made aware of a Victorian Government grant that would facilitate the building of a ‘fit for purpose Men’s Shed’. Heathcote Health supported the project by providing a site on which the Men’s Shed could be erected, and a committee of six organised the build, which was completed in April 2020. Due to COVID19, work on establishing the shed as ‘fit for purpose’ had to be curtailed throughout most of 2020. The Men’s Shed is always a place of activities to share skills and help each other with many Due to the generosity of local residents, diverse tasks in completing their projects. some superb equipment was donated along with the time and services of an ever- However we soon discovered we were running out of space so a storage container increasing number of new members. This has enabled the shed to become functional was added, then two more along with a new and the Heathcote Men’s Shed was officially dust extraction system, which has proven very beneficial. The woodwork section has opened on 22 April 2021. some very talented craftsmen and some of Along with our current membership of 46, the work they complete is very professional we have a number of silent members who and rewarding. The metalwork section for rarely attend but support our cause. We example, produces garden art and cut 30

Last year our members made forty bird feeders for the residents at the Nursing Home to give as a Christmas present to their relative or friend. Also, a number of Kaliana students (who have mild to severe disabilities), attended the shed every Friday.

Their project was to help dismantle washing machines to recover the sheet metal and recycle the electrical components. It was so pleasing to see how eager they were in approaching their task and interacting with the club members. On those Fridays, some members came in to help out even though we were usually closed on Fridays and brought extra tools for the students to use.

The Heathcote Men’s Shed is located at the rear of the Nursing Home in Hospital

Street. Our main outlet is at the monthly Heathcote Market (as well as sales at the shed). Along with this we also raise money through manning the gate at the Heathcote Football Netball Club home games, Heathcote Show, The O’Keeffe Challenge drink station, and manning the barbeque at the market (to give the Lions Club a break) ... so a lot of support comes from local clubs. Our community is richly endowed with organisations that support creative practices in some way or form, and for that we’re truly grateful!

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Actor/director/producer

Phone: 0409 565 432 Email: chaddie@activ8.net.au Facebook: maree.hingston At the time of Maree’s arrival in Heathcote (2004), she had been acting and directing for over 25 years, ‘treading the boards’ and directing with Eltham Little Theatre and many other community theatre groups. She has worked in television and film alongside some of Australia’s greats, Nonie Hazelhurst, Jack Thompson, Debra-Lee Furness, Sigrid Thornton and Eric Bana, in productions of Waterfront, Blue Heelers, Sea Change and Something in the Air. Through a volunteer position at the McIvor Neighbourhood House she started a playreading group, and in May 2005 (as Mudbrick Motley Theatre Group) they performed their first play at Budd Hall. Mudbrick Motley performed melodrama, pantomime, oneact plays, comedies and youth productions.

In 2007 they ran their first Celebration of Performing Arts at the Costerfield Hall, inviting local vocalists, musicians, bands and choirs to perform alongside a display of works by local visual artists. Another of these Celebrations held in 2011 was well attended.

In the aftermath of the 2009 bushfires Mudbrick Motley held three performances of the comedy, Dimboola, in Redesdale and Heathcote thus enabling a healthy donation to the fire-affected Redesdale community.

Maree is rebuilding Mudbrick Motley after its decline in 2022 due to the Covid hiatus.

She is currently working with a team of inexperienced, but dedicated local adults on a comedy to be performed later this year.

Maree is a dynamic supporter of the performing arts, belonging to Heathcote Writer’s Playgroup, the Wandering Minstrels, the U3A singers at St. John’s Anglican Church and is the Heathcote advocate for the Bendigo Venues and Events Engine Room theatrical productions.

Frankie in ‘Resting’ 2019, Mudbrick Motley Theatre

maree hingston

Fraulein Schneider in ‘Cabaret’ 1983, Eltham Little Theatre

Sandra James As a schoolgirl reading Enid Blyton, Sandra knew she wanted to be a writer. She started Heathcote Writers’ Playgroup work as a journalist just four days after her Contact Sandra James 0459 023 481 last high school exam, stopped when she had her first child, and recently returned In 2018, Sandra James and Linda Cornelisto journalism with the McIvor Times. She sen co-founded the Heathcote Writers’ Playgroup. The group shares lots of laughs, has written fiction with stories published in great friendship and, sometimes, they even Woman’s Day, That’s Life! and My Weekly (UK) and dabbles in poetry despite her write! Pre-COVID the group began writing children’s stories about local native animals sixth-grade teacher’s dismissal of her early and birds. They are currently in the process efforts. In 2002, Sandra started a monthly of collaborating with an illustrator and look magazine for writers called Positive Words. forward to publishing the book with a grant Writers from all over Australia contribute and subscribe, and for Sandra, “It’s a secured by Heathcote Community House. very satisfying labour of love”. She also belongs to the U3A writing group and Linda Cornelissen PizzaBoxPoets. Sandra has written one Linda has lived in Heathcote a little over 10 novel and is working on another, has years. Since 2018 she has been a member published a book of poetry and one of of the Heathcote Writers’ Playgroup. Her short stories, and enjoys entering writing personal focus for writing is journaling. She competitions. Her hands are always busy can ramble with the best, waffle about just as she knits, crochets, sews and gardens in about anything, and occasionally even come between composing stories and poems. out with some pearls of wisdom. Linda also dabbles in ukulele playing (quite badly), U3a creative writing group and is currently practising with a group of and The Cotton Club mostly amateur actors for a little production.

Her other creative pursuit is planting things, Contact Sally Heley 0423 920 927 some of which survive. Her real super power, though, is that “I’m just a little bit weird”.

The u3a Creative Writing Group has been going for four years and members have Mary Wallace formed firm friendships, united by their creMary has been a member of the Heathcote ative endeavours. The group meets at 11am community since relocating here in 2002. in the Guide Hall, on the third Wednesday She is currently involved with the Heathcote of every month. Each member writes in a Writers’ Playgroup, PizzaBoxPoets and different style and all enjoy sharing what Heathcote Artists Inc. A love of writing has they have written each month. led her to publish two books; one a self illustrated children’s book titled Simon the When COVID restrictions prevented the Small Spider, and another book of short group meeting in person, some members stories, poetry and flash fiction titled Life began a serialised story, taking turns to write Lines. Besides writing, poetry, and art, her a chapter. The story became a novel and the other passions are reading and crochet. She group, calling themselves ‘The Cotton Club’ is an avid reader and has hundreds of books are now busy writing more stories centred in her library. The rhythm of the stitches in around the original characters—the Cotton crocheting calms her mind and fuels her family, their descendants, and the people creativity. Between pen, book, hook and around them. The Cotton Club meets at paintbrush she is rarely idle.

Heathcote Winery on the first Wednesday of each month.

Goldie in ‘Ten Nights in a Bar Room’ 1979, Eltham Little Theatre

heathcote writers

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belinda jordan

Painter, Mixed Media Artist Gallery: Mudwood Studio

Belinda wandered into Heathcote one day and was instantly drawn to the people she met, and intrigued by its early pioneering history founded on gold mining that alongside other features, resulted in the colours and canyons of the Pink Cliffs.

“Being interested in the human psyche, with a particular interest in the ‘shadow’, l found resonance with the early settlers and the difficulties they must have faced mining gold. My work attempts to give voice to, and ‘mine’ the often unexpressed, multilayered struggles of the human condition.”

Opposite Page: Untitled, mixed media on paper

Above: Untitled, mixed media on paper Below: Untitled, mixed media on paper Below Right: Untitled, mixed media on paper

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Paints, pastels, textures, patterns and collaged materials are combined into layers. This process offers a metaphor to convey the combined fragments and complexities of our human inner-worlds, which sometimes peacefully coalesce yet at other times collide. For Belinda, each layer is necessary and integral to creating a cohesive finished piece that comes together resolved, yet resonant of the struggle with both process and subject.

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Jasper Killick aka Toggles

jasper killick aka toggles

VISUAL ARTIST, PAINTER, sculptor Email: jasperkillick@gmail.com Phone: 0422 828 308 togstoggles.weebly.com Social Media: instagram.com/toggles Toggles aka Jasper Killick is a multidisciplinary artist operating from an off-grid workshop just out of Heathcote.

Distinguished by a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Electronics and Robotics, he crafts intricate, interlocking structures utilising digital fabrication technologies such as CNC routers and laser cutters. Often integrating LED lighting and motorised mechanical elements, these structures form interactive, psychedelic installations that appeal to a broad audience. Toggles’s creations are visionary landscapes influenced by alien aesthetics and techno-extrapolation, characterised by meticulous attention to detail, vibrant

‘Spacial Rift’, W/LEDs, 2023

colour schemes, innovative use of materials for sustainability and intelligent design.

His work has been showcased at major Australian festivals such as Rainbow Serpent, Esoteric, Wild Horses, and The World Beyond, marking him as a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.

Inquiries are welcome for custom sculptures, murals and CNC/laser cutting.

Stage design for ‘New Dawn’

‘Parallel Tangents’ Exhibition 36

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chantel knight

Photographer

Phone: 0410 011 266 Email: chaz.knight1@gmail.com www.cknightimages.myportfolio.com.au Facebook/Instagram: C.Knight Images A love of photography grew from Chantel’s love of travel and seeing the beauty of nature in all its forms. From the splendid colour of the Aurora Australis to the happy moments of the people around her, she wanted to capture them all and give people the opportunity to “appreciate that moment for all of eternity”.

Chantel with Assistant daughter Alexis

From landscape and astrophotography to events and portraiture, Chantel enjoys many photographic genres.

“The people of Heathcote and the beauty of its natural environment inspire me every day, helping me to grow my art practice. I really cherish the feedback and encouragement I get from my clients.”

As well as her fine art photography, Chantel also enjoys shooting local events, helping local businesses showcase their spaces and products, and capturing memories for families to treasure. Chantel

Hill Hoist Aurora 38

feels very fortunate to have enormous support from her own family—her husband and two children. In fact Chantel’s daughter, Alexis, who is also artisticallyminded now works as her apprentice, making Chantel a very proud mum.

Church at dusk 39

‘Boulders Eleven’ ‘Boulders’

‘Tall Gums’

‘Vineyard’

Painter

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Phone: 0408 450 243 Email: imdes@bigpond.net.au Instagram: irene.majer.artist Galleries: Eagles Nest Gallery, Aireys Inlet Seaview Gallery, Queenscliff Irene is an award-winning contemporary visual artist with works held in many private collections around the world. She paints familiar forms using an abstract approach, finding inspiration in the natural beauty, colours and patterns found in the environment. Her intention is to create works that evoke memories of places and time, or just to create an uplifting feeling.

She invites the viewer to linger longer, look closer and discover other images within the intricate details.

Most paintings are on stretched canvas, using a variety of mediums including acrylic, oil, pencil, crayon, pens, alcohol, touches of reflective media including gold and silver leaf. Irene often uses high gloss resin on

selected areas, creating strong contrast with the matt background.

Irene studied Art and Design and qualified as an Industrial Designer and PADI Divemaster. Her professional career includes working for Ford Motor Company as an automotive designer and clay modeller.

Irene works from her studio located at Costerfield, near Heathcote. Her work can be viewed at Silverspoon Estate, Mount Camel, digitally on Instagram or by contacting her representing galleries.

Commissions are welcome.

Irene Majer

irene majer

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susie marcroft mudwood studio Visual Artist/sculptor

‘Bobby calf: He gave the rest of the world a new sense of meaning’

‘Air hug: I just want to hold him one more time’

‘Well then, your life wasn’t a total waste, was it?’

‘Puppy Love’ series

evolution after her experiences and philosophical responses to life working amidst corporate cultures in fashion, advertising and design.

“I felt I had something to say that could only be comfortably approached through art.

Instagram: mudwoodstudio As a creative researcher, a multi-disciplinary Email: mudwoodstudio@gmail.com approach is allowed. For me, it has been through fields that deeply interest me such After completing a Visual Arts degree, Susie as phenomenology, philosophy of mind, established Mudwood Studio in Northern radical notions of consciousness and animal NSW as a platform for her Strange Little studies”. After completing her Honours Attractors to act in the world, alongside year Susie presented her paper ‘Strange works by other similarly aligned local artists Little Attractors’ at an Australasian Animal and colleagues.

Studies Group Conference, which was then published in an international journal.

Susie’s sculptural process engages visceral “This made all the hard work worthwhile materials such as clay and beeswax that and led to connections with other artists aid her creative investigations into the and thinkers in ways I could never have affective, transformational possibilities of imagined.” To read more about Susie’s an art object. Her process is an embodied work visit: https://www.animalsandsociety. one through which a shared perceptual org/research/sloth/sloth-volume-3-no-1language with what she calls the Life-field, winter-2017/strange-little-attractors/ gives rise to her figurative, metaphoric merges that blur the perceived boundaries between human and non-human, flesh and clay, subject and object. She starts with a felt response to a story or an image, then working intuitively, avoiding any major rational creative decisions, her works emerge in ways that surprise her. They both attract and repel, evoking a kind of empathetic unease, usually around the contradictions and conundrums within our relationships with non-human others.

“My aim is for a viewer to be transformed through an empathetic experience with an art object, to see themselves in the other and be open to another’s perspective, to focus on similarities rather than differences.”

A yearning to return home to central Victoria after living away for 20 years led Susie to re-locate Mudwood Studio to Heathcote.

“It was the perfect fit, affordable, a stone’s throw to where I grew up, and a welcome change from the constant green of the Northern Rivers rainforest.”

‘Puppy Love‘ series II: Left:’His head, carried off down river on his lyre, continued to sing’ Centre: ‘Of a specifically alchemical and hermetic nature’ Right: ‘All things are full of Gods’ 42

Susie’s art practice marks a third chapter in her career, and is perhaps a natural

‘Author’ 43

our inspiration

Images: Adam Brady

mariah mccarthy musician

Email: mariahsmccarthy@gmail.com Website: www.mariahmccarthymusic.com Facebook.com/mariahmccarthymusic

Photography: High Voltage Studio

Hailing from small town Heathcote and a darling of the thriving Bendigo music scene, folk artist Mariah McCarthy is one of Central Victoria’s most prized possessions.

With delicately woven songs rich in storytelling, Mariah captivates her audiences through honest and affecting tales that hang around in your head long after listening.

Mariah broaches themes of love, loss, betrayal and tragedy with authenticity, and often haunting melancholy but always a glimmer of precious hope.

© Patrick Callow

Since she began writing music at the tender age of 16 Mariah has toured many festivals both in her previous duo Deer Prudence and as a solo artist including Wintermoon Festival (QLD), St Albans Folk Festival (NSW), Yackandandah Folk Festival (VIC), Majors Creek Festival (NSW), Kilmore Celtic Festival (VIC), Uranquinty Folk Festival (NSW), Surrey Hills Music Festival (VIC), Townsville Folk Festival (QLD) and Bendigo Blues and Roots (VIC) and has received accolades including the Ros Hales Memorial Award for Young Women in Music (Deer Prudence) and Folk Alliance Youth Award Finalist (solo).

Mariah released her much anticipated debut album ‘At Home’ in September 2022 after the success of EP ‘Counting Sheep’ in 2018.

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Leigh Ball Photography 45

sandra mcnabb

Needle Felter

Phone: 0468 993 899 Email: sandram.66@icloud.com Facebook: sandram.12 Gallery: Mudwood Studio Sandra has worked as a graphic designer for the past 35 years and for many of those years she has been passionate about arts and crafts. Recently her creative pathway has led toward more making with the hand in extraordinary feats of needle felting.

“Whether it’s a conversation, movement, place, visual cues, emotion, inspiration for me has always been in abundance, time however, will always remain in short supply.”

Needle felting is a labour of love. Sandra spends hours on each piece using merino and corriedale sheep wool and alpaca wool sourced in Australia and New Zealand.

Whether it’s a bird, a farm animal, or a more exotic creature, Sandra pushes the boundaries to capture just the right pose, gesture and texture. The intimate details in her needle-felted animals captivate the viewer with their uncanny glances and endearing stances, which make them truly unique works of art.

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julie milton visual artist

Email: juliemilmoon@gmail.com Social Media: @juliemiltonmoon

Top Left: ‘Golden Era’ Top Right: ‘Unidentified species’ Left: ‘Blackbird fly’ Above: ‘During lockdown’

Julie is a multimedia artist, who has exhibited both nationally and internationally. Her diverse body of work encompasses outdoor installations, sculptures, printmaking, and photography, which often reflect a deep engagement with the environment. Through her art, Julie investigates the intricate relationships between environmental shifts and their impact on the natural world, a theme that resonates with the growing global consciousness about ecological issues.

She uses a variety of materials in her work such as fabric, wood, perspex, ceramic and paper. Julie’s recent move from Melbourne marks a promising transition with fresh perspectives and works inspired by the unique terrains and vistas of her new home in Heathcote.

Opposite: Top: ‘After the fires’ Bottom Left: ‘Tenterhooks’ Bottom Right: ‘The flock’ For many years Julie has been actively involved in the Melbourne art scene with exhibitions in Brunswick and Gertrude streets, and at the Red and Sol galleries­.

Interstate, Julie was selected in the prestigious Sculpture by the Sea (Sydney) and Swell (Currumbin); she was Curator and Collection Coordinator for the Charles Darwin University Art Collection; coordinated various public art exhibitions; and through teaching and workshops has shared her knowledge of reliefand eco-printing and collaging.

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mirabooka ecostay Venue

Contact: David Anderson 0427 188 313 Natalie Elena Will 0415 823 998 Judith and Alan Anderson purchased 20 acres in Vaughan’s Lane, Heathcote in 1971.

To their astonishment, during the same week, at just 18 years-of-age, their eldest son David Anderson bought the adjacent 20 acres. Judith and Alan started to build an Alistair Knox-inspired rock home to retire into. Sadly, before the building was completed, Alan passed away. Judith and her five children finished the construction and upon completion, Judith named it Mirabooka, meaning Southern Cross. She enjoyed the home as a country retreat for two decades.

Initially, the property was largely open sheep country but Judith began passionately landscaping around the house with the help of Loris Wilmott and living treasure Australian native landscaper, Merele Webb (who at 93 years-of-age still assists with the landscaping and plant selection of the property).

In 1974 Judith sold the property to David after years of helping her to manage it.

He then founded Wild Duck Creek Estate winery. As well as vines, over the years he also planted more than 15,000 trees and 50

shrubs (mostly natives), and witnessed many natural wilding events. The reward is, this now 80-acre property is home to many native birds, mammals and reptiles—quolls, koalas, wedge-tailed eagles, owls and others that have made this property their home.

In 2009, on a quiet saddle near the original home, David built a large, octagonal studio.

More recently, he and his wife, Natalie Elena Will, founded Mirabooka Ecostay as a retreat and art space for the region. It has four private bedrooms, each with its own ensuite; a large fully-equipped, open-space kitchen and studio; alfresco cooking and eating area; infrared sauna; and an electric vehicle charge port. All of which makes Mirabooka Ecostay ideal for seminars, events, family reunions and many creative endeavours.

“Ideally, people enjoy at least a three-night stay in order to fully immerse themselves in the natural landscape and relax with one of the best views of the Milky Way.” The acoustics in the building suit intimate arts performances and healing practices.

Regular yoga classes, sound healing events and music gatherings are currently held in the space. With many ideas in the pipeline, such as exhibitions, artist-in-residence programs, chef events, sourdough breadmaking, cooking classes, local winery visits, meditation classes and remedial massage, Natalie and David have created a wonderful experience-based venue in Heathcote.

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munari wines Venue

Phone 0401 650 817 Email: munariwines@bigpond.com Social Media: @munariwines facebook.com/munariwines What was once a small, indoor venue has blossomed into a multi-purpose venue fit for a broad range of events.

Currently hosting monthly wine and music evenings, the cellar door, which

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was once a stable has perfect acoustics in an intimate setting, fitted out with antiques, artwork, rugs and curiosities.

Outdoors, the courtyard and lawns sprawl out towards the vineyards where larger bands and musicians perform from the back of an old Bedford truck. The space is versatile and could be utilised for theatre on the lawn, paint and sip art classes or comedy. Previous musicians to have performed at Munari Wines are Kate DeAraugo, Bill Barber, Darlinghurst, Doc Halibut and Playlunch.

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‘Let’s face it’

rob ross Painter

Email: artman4me@gmail.com Social Media: robrossartman Gallery: Mudwood Studio Prior to his move to Heathcote, Rob had for over twenty years, painted works for interior design projects across Melbourne, as well as a large number of private commissions.

His move to Heathcote spurred a major shift after which works began to emerge through his personal response to the environment, a welcome relief after working to a commercial design brief. Rob now spends hours bushwalking through remnant gold diggings. He calls it ‘prospecting’, where the real finds are in his felt responses to the natural bush.

This often informs his subject matter, for example, some amorphic forms that inhabit his landscapes at times suggest tree- and spirit-like beings or mythological creatures.

Rob’s methodology is intuitive, he says “the imagery suggests itself so I just go with it”.

‘Look again’ 54

‘Storm’

‘Thylacine’

‘River Trees’ 55

michael blair scott

‘Hope’

ACTOR/COMEDIAN AND VISUAL ARTIST Email: muchfoolishness@yahoo.com Gallery: Mudwood Studio

‘Nocturnal Hope’

From the Boulder series

From the Ragusa series 56

Originally trained as a teacher of theatre and language, Michael spent many years working as an actor specialising in comedy and theatre. His credits include a national tour with ‘Wogs Out of Work’, appearances on ‘Fast Forward’ and ‘The Comedy Company’.

Theatrical highlights include The Australian Shakespeare Company’s ‘Twelfth Night’, regular productions with Handspan Theatre and representing Australia as a member of the Australian Theatresports Champions at the Calgary Olympic Games, where he received an award for the fastest sinbin recipient. After moving on from theatre,

‘Thou Shalt Not’

Michael continued to investigate the ‘interconnectedness of all things’, this time through the lens of software development, writing framework code and designing transaction management systems within the finance sector. A need for creative expressivity after 15 years working in this capacity, led him to make what he saw as an “obvious, if not inevitable” transition into street art, painting and conceptual assemblage. His philosophy and practice involves associating previously unassociated things that creates a tension in a viewer, the release of which (from the unknown to the known) produces one of three responses: AH, AHA or HAHA, that is, ART, SCIENCE or COMEDY—either one is a recognition of something entirely novel. In defiance of A.I. generated material, he says “discovery is quintessentially non-algorythmic.”

Michael maintains that while art may not be a ‘proper’ job it remains an essential service and possibly an essential insanity. He now happily resides in Costerfield.

Detail from the Boulder series 57

elora tosun

3seeds homestead Creative gardening for healthy food.

Phone: 0408 323 980 www.3seedshomestead.com.au Facebook / Instagram: 3seeds homestead

erin k taylor

Musician, sound healer Phone: 0468741305 Email: overlappingalaxies@gmail.com Instagram: overlappingalaxies Website: erinktaylor.com Erin primarily works with Tibetan singing bowls and gongs to perform One-onOne and Group sound healings and meditations. She also collaborates to create experiences that serve to reconnect us to awe and wonder.

Her practice began with drums, where she began performing with orchestral and jazz groups at the age of ten. “I’ve always been a deep listener and vibration, overtones, resonance and harmonics have always attracted me.”

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In 2018 Erin responded to an invitation to meet her teacher, Tibetan Buddhist monk and master healer Lama Tendar, and was initiated into the Sound Healing lineage.

3Seeds was created when mother Heather, and daughters Liana and Elora, found their place to call home in Heathcote on Dja Dja Wurrung country back in 2020. On 17.5 acres of beautiful land, surrounded by bush and overlooking the McIvor Ranges, the intention was to give back to the land whilst supporting their family and community to thrive with healthy foods. The seeds that continue to grow are those lovingly sown in the biggest garden creation on the land, the Mandala. A mandala pattern is the expression of the interconnectedness of all life. Elora wanted the garden as an art piece whilst working in a symbiotic

relationship with nature. Using regenerative practices whilst growing in beautiful spaces extends the healing to the land, those on it and all who are nourished by the nutrient dense, alive food. At 3Seeds, we also provide opportunities for learning, personal growth and inspiration for others.

Liana is a wonderful teacher and inspiring mentor to many, helping to bring the dreams of others to fruition, as well as her own—she is about to become a mother.

Heather is a holistic councillor certified in Horse Assisted Therapy. She works alongside her horses with clients who are in need of emotional healing. This helps empower them toward self liberty. We graze our horses on the land using rotational methods, so their manure is utilised to improve pasture and soil quality.

We are all so grateful 3Seeds Homestead is a place for people to grow, find their creativity and be nurtured. We believe in sowing good ‘seeds’, for our future and that of our community.

“All my instruments have been handcrafted in the Himalayas using only the seven metals native to that region. These metals produce expansive tones that help us to reconnect and reintegrate within ourself.

The medicine of the sound is very warm and soft, meeting us wherever we are at, while gently inviting us to deepen into vastness.”

Erin regularly holds Sound Meditations at Mirabooka Ecostay in Heathcote. You can listen to sound meditation recordings and get information about upcoming events on her website.

The Mandala during construction and (above) the rich rewards.

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a creative writer supporting creative writers Phone: 0430 134 154 Email: deb@ampersandwriting.com.au

Image: Image: Adam Adam Brady Brady

our inspiration

Deb Wain is a Heathcote-adjacent local living on acreage in Lady’s Pass. She operates under the business listing Ampersand Writing & Editing to provide professional, high-quality writing and editing services. Deb is accredited with the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) so you know your manuscript is in good hands when you’re at the stage of needing structural editing, copyediting, or proofreading. But Deb is also an experienced writing coach who works with authors needing some guidance or the final push to get their draft finished regardless of their stage of writing. The Ampersand Writing website is a bit of a work in progress, which will soon detail all the different editing and coaching services Deb provides, so in the meantime, please email her for more information about what she can offer or give her a call anytime to chat about your writing and editing needs.

our inspiration our inspiration

deb wain

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Cover images Adam Brady

DISCLAIMER This publication is funded by the City of Greater Bendigo Venues and Events, and whilst the publisher, Mudwood Studio, has made every endeavour to ensure that the details in this publication are correct at the time of printing, neither Mudwood Studio nor the City of Greater Bendigo, or any featured individual or organisation appearing in this publication accepts responsibility for any inaccuracy or misdescription, whether by inclusion or omission. All original design and artwork remains the property of Mudwood Studio and this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from Mudwood Studio.

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