Meet our Summer guest designer

Meet Tanya DeSilva-McKay our Summer guest designer. Being a professional designer she didn’t need any mentoring from me at all. In fact I think she could teach me a thing or too. Her work is so rich, I love how she totally reworked this issue and made it her own with a fresh new look. We’re so pleased to have her as part of the team.

Tell us a little bit about your creative journey?

My creative journey began when I was small where I loved books and illustrations and honestly – stationery! I played with whatever I could get my hands on. Fancy pencils, graphite, textas, fineliners, calligraphy pens, different papers and all the things I could draw a mark and communicate with – admittedly these things make me very happy now!
Design with my Bachelors degree further down the track enabled study in photography, graphics and illustration but I also got to create three-dimensional work where I made objects such as furniture and experimented with different materials. Now, I work as a freelance Art director and designer where I mostly design books, magazines, and other collateral such as logos and digital content.
I also started a digital film postgraduate course doing motion graphics and animation. Over the past several years I have also renovated homes with my husband – so I have drafted plans for kitchens, bathrooms and have staged homes for sale, working in a physical space in the capacity of an interior designer.
Otherwise… I miss using my hands and spend many late nights after my childrens’ bedtime doing more tangible work such as drawing and painting. My journey seems to be one that keeps unfolding which is exciting. I am still not sure where else it will lead but it is all fuelled by curiosity!

• 

Why did you want to become an artist/designer?

I didn’t necessarily set out to become a designer – it was just a drive to pursue creativity and have an outlet which became a career. I just enjoyed seeing an idea come to life that was purposeful and beautiful. Creative communication in all the different mediums such as graphics, motion graphics, drawing and painting are fulfilling and energising.

Did you study art/design?

Yes, I initially studied film and television in a Contemporary Arts stream at University before shifting and graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Design at Monash University. I’ve circled back to further Postgraduate study and I am keen to see where it will lead.

How did you become involved with the hillscene?

I’ve always seen the magazine in my travels and saw the opportunity to be a guest designer and was excited by being involved in a publication that was local and community-driven.

In what ways, if any, do you engage with the hills community?

I engage in the community mainly through my activities with my family and just living here! There are so many things to do and we use as many local businesses and services as we can and spend most of our time on the mountain.

What do you wish you knew about being a designer/artist before you got started?

It is a hard task getting into the industry, you get paid very poorly (especially starting out) and it requires more grit and passion than you feel you can sometimes summon. This is mostly due to doubt you may feel with your abilities and the comparison you have with other very talented people. You need to move beyond it, acknowledge your capabilities, be open to feedback to improve, continue to learn and remain humble.
Being driven by pride is also a good thing in the sense that your name is attached to what you produce. Regardless of how small a job, it’s true value is your work and your attribution, not how much money it made or how much it is seemingly worth to others. It’s valuable and it represents your standard and you.
Also, whatever strikes you as interesting, pay attention to it, and record it as often as you can. I wish I kept a better visual and written record of all my ideas. More importantly, is to not be afraid to explore these ideas sooner rather than later.

Who are your creative heroes?

I have many heroes spanning many different disciplines so the list is extensive… I admire Saul Bass and his clever use of graphics and motion graphics, to current designers such as Chip Kidd and Aaron Draplin. The art of Roy Lichtenstein features on my walls at home and I also love the art and sentiments of Vincent Van Gogh. Elsewhere, I love Wes Anderson films and his distinct style, have a particular obsession with beautiful chairs (particularly those of Hans Wagner and Charles and Ray Eames) and I admit to collecting too many books (if there’s such a thing)… particularly those books with stunning illustrations usually reserved for children. I will eternally adore children’s books – they are so succinct and poetic.
In saying that, I do love whimsical work by Jane Newland, the vivid colours in Clair Bremner’s art and landscapes, to the distinct folk art by Dinara Mirtalipova.
I also admire many colleagues who I have been privileged to work with and learn alongside over the past several years.

What do you enjoy about living in the Dandenong Ranges?

There are so many things to enjoy living up in the Ranges. I love the quiet, community-oriented, open-minded, accepting and friendly community of the hills. 
I love the smell of the rain and the fireplaces in the winter, the vibrancy of all the green, the sounds of the kookaburras, the glimpse of the colourful birds in the trees and their little songs, and of Puffing Billy rolling past my house daily. Not to mention the general feeling of comfort and peace of my home and the view every day. Especially on those misty ones, they are truly the best.

Where can people find more information about you?

I have a website and am on the socials. I post where possible – specifically tdsmdesignmedia.com.au, www.linkedin.com/in/tanyadesilvamckay and @tanyadesilvamckay do stop by!

What are your plans for the future (immediate or long term)?

I intend to keep on making – learning, and learning some more. I’m looking forward to expanding my practise in all the different ways I am compelled to explore. I hope I get better with my craft in whatever direction it goes. I am open to the path unraveling, so for the moment, I will just continue to make.

calling all designers and editors!

Post by Adriana Alvarez.

WE’RE SO EXCITED!

In 2019 thanks to a grant from Yarra Ranges council the hillscene is extending it’s guest editor and designer program. Providing an opportunity to designers and editors to be part of our team. Are you interested in editing, writing, or self-publication? Or are you a graphic designer keen to get creating? This is your chance to be a part of a cherished local magazine and gain some experience in publishing.

For each issue this year, there will be a different guest editor & designer. You will be provided with templates, mentoring and a team of volunteer writers & photographers. There will be a small fee paid for each of the roles. There are four issues each year, one for each season!

In 2018 we began this journey and produced three issues with guest editors and designers. Each editor and designer adding their own unique ideas to each issue giving the hillscene a fresh look and feel. Anna James, who had worked with us before on the hillscene, was the editor and designer of the Autumn issue. Cameron Semmens produced the Winter issue adding his poetic expertise and flavour to that issue. The Summer issue was a collaborative effort between Stephanie Lightfoot as the editor and Amelia Campbell as the designer, which proves that working on the hillscene is an opportunity to create great connections within the artistic community as well. Working with each editor and designer has been a real pleasure and a great learning experience for me and the editorial team. It’s good to see the new ideas and energy that each new collaboration brings, broadening our vision a little further each time.

Cameron said of the experience “It was a treat to work on hillscene. Curating the stories, collaborating with other creatives and simply making something beautiful and meaningful for this community that I love. It was a challenge, but a good challenge and a worthwhile challenge.”

Clockwise from top left: Anna James, Cameron Semmens, Stephanie Lightfoot & Amelia Campbell.

If you are interested in either opportunity, please complete the expression of interest form by Feb 1, 2019. Editors and designers at all stages of their career are encouraged to apply. Apply here.

Important Information:
Each issue of the hillscene takes approximately 6 weeks to create, from the first editorial meeting to the distribution of the printed mag. You will need to be available for one of the following times:
Autumn issue: Feb – Mar
Winter issue: May – Jun
Spring issue: Aug – Sept
Summer issue: Oct – Nov

Meet our Summer guest editor

Post by Adriana Alvarez.

Our Summer guest editor and talented wordsmith, Stephanie Lightfoot, has graced us with her quiet, calm demeanour this issue. Stephanie is a recent graduate who has joined us this season to edit and write articles for the hillscene. She has worked with other hills’ publications so she understands our local community’s fondness for showcasing stories that are like little hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here she shares her experiences of editing, writing and her passion for words.

Why did you want to become an editor?

I’ve been an avid reader from the tender age of four, at which I convinced myself (but not my parents) that I had learnt to read the picture book ‘Dear Zoo’ by Rod Campbell – as many kids do, I had simply memorised the tale, word for word. This appetite continued – albeit slightly less fraudulently – into primary school, when I would consume the material on the back of milk cartons and Vegemite jars along with my breakfast. In my teen years, I became enamoured of the dictionary, and would look up and transcribe the meaning of any word I encountered that I did not know. By this time, I had also reached peak spelling confidence and would inappropriately point out teachers’ errors on the whiteboard. I took this voracity into an English degree, and then an interim period of volunteering to proofread friends’ essays and theses. But it was writing for fellow hills publication, The Local Voice, and the experience of working with and being edited by the wonderful Gülsen Öser, that led me to give writing and editing a real crack. I enrolled in the Master of Publishing and Communications at the University of Melbourne, which I’ve just completed. Editing, for me, is the perfect marriage of building and navigating relationships and immersion in the written word and world.

Tell us a little bit about your writing journey?

I’ve had several flirtations with writing, however, find that I am much more comfortable with the role and responsibilities of editing – not least because it is necessarily collaborative. Reflecting on my writing last year, I realised the joy that I find in the medium of cultural criticism and other nonfiction. Most recently, I had the opportunity to contribute to this issue of the hillscene, and interview a number of impressive people: CJ Baxter, Jordan Crook, Pia Nesvara and our cover artist, Georgia Steele. Hearing from or talking to and writing about these locals and their work was an absolute pleasure.

What is an editor’s role in this era of fake news and alternative facts?

The opportunities for publishing are increasingly wide and accessible, and on many counts, this is a good thing – certainly, barriers to entry are often there for less-than-just reasons. The role of the editor is shifting, and sometimes out of the equation altogether, in tandem with sensationalist, fast-paced production schedules. I see an editor’s role as ensuring that truth and impact are given equal weight. Though easy to proliferate, words are extremely powerful, and should be handled with care.

How did you become involved with the hillscene?

The opportunity to guest-edit an issue of the hillscene was passed onto me by my friend, Gareth Hart. Having written for The Local Voice a couple of years ago, as well as being generally charmed with the hills’ cultural scene and community, I felt compelled to throw my hat in the ring. I’m beyond appreciative to Adriana and the team at Burrinja, as well as Amelia, for their support, mentorship and encouragement as we put the issue together. It’s been a team effort through and through, and a privilege to work with such passionate people. I’m especially grateful to have worked closely with Amelia on this issue. and am really proud of what we’ve achieved together.

In what ways, if any, do you engage with the hills community?

For now, my engagement with the hills community is twofold: social, and creative, and I hope that the friendships and connections I have fostered at the hillscene can continue to thrive.

What do you wish you knew about being a writer/editor before you got started?

Every single writing and editing experience is different. Whatever the genre, whether you’re dealing with fiction or nonfiction, it’s always ultimately a creative and human process and your ability to navigate relationships is key. This year has dealt me a number of diverse, steep learning curves – and all of them have reinforced the importance of communicating kindly and respectfully.

Who are your creative heros?

A couple of years ago, hearing from one of the Stella Prize founders, Aviva Tuffield, I resolved to read more writing by women or non-binary folk. Growing up, my favourite writers were probably Charles Dickens and Haruki Murakami, and a good look at my bookshelf and high school and undergraduate reading lists was sobering. I’m infatuated with Isabel Allende, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Mel Campbell, Nayuka Gorrie, Eileen Myles, Alexis Wright, Fiona Wright … the list goes on!

What do you enjoy about living in the Dandenong Ranges?

For now, I live in Coburg, in Melbourne’s north, but I dream of one day settling down in the hills.

What are your plans for the future (immediate or long term)?

Having just finished my degree, the future is suddenly somewhat of an overwhelming concept. At the moment, I’m working in community engagement. In the not-too-distant future I hope to find work in editorial, hopefully in-house, and ideally at one of Melbourne’s small or mid-sized independent publishers. In the longer term, I have my sights set on literary agenting – that’s the dream!

Meet our Summer guest designer

Post by Adriana Alvarez.

Meet our Summer guest designer who has put her talented spin on the hillscene. Amelia Campbell is a freelance designer who has worked with us this season to add her flair not only to the design of the magazine but also to writing and using her photography skills to help add the finishing touches to our new issue.

On her website is a quote by Margaret Mead. “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has,” which coincidentally I have on my fridge. Perhaps it sums up the spirit of the hillscene perfectly. Here she tells us about her love for design and the beauty of the hills.

Tell us a little bit about your creative journey?

Growing up with creative parents I was exposed to beautiful art & design throughout my whole childhood. When I got to high school studying studio arts and vis comm was a productive outlet for my angsty teenage self. I never thought about a career in design until I got accepted into the BA of Communication Design at RMIT. It opened up my little world to the big, big world of art & design. It was at RMIT where I really felt like I’d found my groove. Learning about human-centred design was when my focus shifted from graphic design to wanting to help change people’s lives. Working for the past two years as a freelance graphic designer has taught me a lot about my own creative processes, what I love about design & what I don’t. It’s a crazy journey that’s for sure! 

Why did you want to become a designer?

It just kind of happened! I’m one of the lucky ones that has managed to turn my passion into a job. I knew I wanted to be a designer when I realised the impact it can have, it really can inspire, captivate and motivate audiences to think about themes in a way they never have before.

Did you study art/design?

I completed my BA of Communication Design at RMIT in 2016. 

How did you become involved with the hillscene?

I was on the look out for projects that would give me some more industry experience. My freelance work had been really lacking in collaborative work which I love doing, so when the design role for hillscene came up it really was the perfect marriage… gaining experience whilst also interacting and collaborating with a great team of people. 

In what ways, if any, do you engage with the hills community?

My relationship with the Dandenong ranges is a special one. I grew up in Sassafras, attended school in Belgrave & now work in part-time in Olinda! The hills are where my roots are.
Some would say supporting local businesses is what I do best….Christmas shopping done in half the time?… Without the crowds? Amazing! 

What do you wish you knew about being a designer/artist before you got started?

Breaking into a creative industry is always hard, design is extra competitive. I wish someone had prepared me for the grind. Also you’re going to need a life time supply of post-it notes!

Who are your creative heroes?

John Bielenberg – designer, entrepreneur and imaginative advocate for a better world.
Rachel Burke (aka mum) – lighting designer, the most intelligent & creative mind I know.
Frida Kahlo – Painter, feminist, a fabulous, fierce woman who just embraced weirdness. 

What do you enjoy about living in the Dandenong Ranges?

Since working in the CBD I appreciate the peacefulness that the Dandenong Ranges has. Whilst writing the 4 gardens article for this issue I really got to appreciate and absorb how beautiful the environment we live in truly is. The air so fresh, the people so lovely and creative juices flowing almost everywhere you turn, whats not to enjoy? 

Where can people find more information about you?

I have a website, it’s a work in progress but feel free to visit, www.ameliarosedesign.net. 

What are your plans for the future?

To be a working for a creative studio that appreciates and encourages their team. I’m currently completing a 12 week internship as an Experience Designer so will just have to wait & see where that wave takes me…stay tuned.  

Something else you want us to know? Here is your chance!

A lot of time and hard work went into creating this publication, I really do hope you all enjoying reading it.

More than just a LIVE arts festival: discover hillsceneLIVE

Words by Bluzal Field. Images courtesy the artists and Burrinja Cultural Centre.

HillsceneLIVE is a unique nine-month artist gestation program that culminates in a two-day festival on 17 and 18 November, set in the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges.

Since 2014, hillsceneLIVE has been supporting artists to create bold new work that explores all facets of live experimental art, including sound, dance, installation, audiovisual and especially work that doesn’t fit into these categories. This year, there are 15 new intriguing works being presented at the festival as part of the program. hillsceneLIVE Festival Director, Toni Main, says:
‘We ask artists that apply to our program to come to us with an idea, or a question that needs to be explored, and not a finished piece of work. We create a space to delve into that exploration, with a series of incubators, professional development sessions and experimental art workshops over a nine-month period. Throughout that time the hillsceneLIVE team are there to support, provoke and converse with each artist as they make their new work. Take local musician Edward Willoughby for example, through this program he has explored not just sound-making but the experience of stage fright and created an experiential work that is part-theatre and part-sound that places stage fright at centrestage in a cumulative revelation of a private, inner song.’

Edward Willoughby

The result of this process is depth. The strength and integrity of the work presented at hillsceneLIVE is achieved because of the opportunity and support provided by the program. This year sees the inclusion of local, Melbourne and interstate-based artists heading to the Dandenong Ranges, enticed by the quality of the program.

hillsceneLIVE aims to bring new life to disused or underused spaces throughout the Dandenong Ranges. The festival is set in unconventional spaces; in the past it has been staged in an old office, in empty shopfronts and even the main street of Belgrave, with its hidden alleyways and secret corners. This year, the festival will inhabit the beautiful natural landscape of Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave Heights. Main says:
‘What sets hillsceneLIVE apart from other art festivals based in the city is the inspirational natural landscape. Many artists have chosen to make their work in response to the landscape, incorporating the wetlands, sloping hills, fields and vegetation into the work. They have spent time investigating the surrounds and embedding the natural environment into their performative offerings.’

There are many examples of this, but highlights include local performer, Dani-Ela Kayler’s ‘Desquamate’, a dance with the tall grasses as she sheds her layers, or ‘…pieces of silver’, developed and presented by Louise Morris and Kirsten Prins who are creating an installation and performative response to the Birdsland site. Drawing upon the theme of violence against women, the installation responds to two specific areas on the site – the old heritage cottage and the hidden and forgotten walkway down near the swamplands. They have collated research to reflect the number of women who have been affected by violence since the land was cleared for grazing and crop production 150 years ago.

Pieces of silver by Louise Morris and Kirsten Prins

The festival is designed to be an experience, offering ticketholders a variety of workshops such as Bush Poetry with Leo Lazaurus, where you can use the power of writing and the energy of the bush to tap into internal and external worlds; or learn how to juggle with French juggler Anso. If participating isn’t for you, then get deep into conversation with our extensive critical conversation series that discusses the challenges, insights and obsessions of the artists engaged in the hillsceneLIVE program. All packed into two days in Birdlsand reserve.

hillsceneLIVE is a festival supported by Burrinja since 2014. This year saw the festival expand its scope thanks to funding received from Yarra Ranges Council and Creative Victoria.

hillsceneLIVE Festival
When: 17–18 November
Where: Birdsland Reserve – 271 Mt Morton Rd, Belgrave Heights
For tickets and to find out more go to www.hillscenelive.com

     

PatchFest 2018: ‘It takes a village’

Post by Stephanie Lightfoot. 

This Saturday 27 October, The Patch Primary School community comes together for the first ever PatchFest. I spoke with The Patch School parent and festival committee member, CJ Baxter, for her insider’s tips for the day.

Over the last several months, kids, parents, teachers, alumnae and the wider hills community have been working towards whole-school fundraiser, PatchFest; its theme: ‘It takes a village’, a proverbial nod to these efforts, as well as its aims. Given the small scale of both the school and the town, pulling the event together has meant seeking support beyond these bounds – among the event’s major sponsors are winery Helen & Joey Estate, in Gruyere, and vintage retailer, Fleetwood Collection, in Belgrave. The breadth of the day’s program, too – spanning live music, arts activities and workshops, a Marketplace, chai tent, beer garden and community bonfire – speaks to diverse ages, interests and curiosities. The idea, CJ says, is to create a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere in which both those within and outside of the school community feel involved and welcome; to affirm that ‘we’re all here to support one another’.

This allusion to wellbeing is pertinent. Though not geared toward one particular cause or project, CJ tells me that some of the funds raised will be allocated to the development of a Wellbeing Centre at the school. This will provide a space for both students and parents to support themselves, and one another.

CJ and her partner, Kathleen Snowball, or Snowy – who has headed the PatchFest music committee – have been running businesses and events in the area for a number of years – notably, the End of the Line Festival in Belgrave (which ran from 2012–2015), and the Skylark Room in Upwey. Following their departure from Skylark earlier this year, PatchFest has been in the works. So, what can we expect from the Fest?

Right off the bat, CJ mentions The Bean Project – whose members include past Patch student, Ben Langdon; and the more recent Patch alum, the ‘ridiculously talented’ Sadie, performing on the day. They’re in good company; with Spiritus, Eddie Cole, Miller, and the Chops also playing sets. These diverse, ‘top-notch’ acts, among others, will perform across three stages, one of which will also be graced by current Patch students. Together with a buskers’ area, there’s no shortage of musical delights on offer. And, though the line-up may give some of the better known arts and music festivals a run for their money, entry is free!

Clockwise from top left: Miller; Spiritus; and The Bean Project.

This amalgamation of talent from both inside and beyond the school community is consistent throughout PatchFest. The Marketplace, curated by Danielle De Valence, of the Fleetwood Collection, will peddle the wares of Patch students, professional artisans, and local vintage collectors. The school’s emphasis on the environment is highlighted here – with sustainability being one of the key criteria upon which Year 5 and 6 students’ pilot Marketplace products were judged. In line with this, PatchFest is plastic bag-free, and there will be no balloons, or disposable plates, cups, or cutlery on site.

When it comes to fuelling up, CJ tells me the school’s woodfire pizza oven will be ‘cranking all day’, among other goodies homemade and homebaked by Patch students and families. And, for some more mature refreshment, there’s beautiful, Yarra Valley wines from Helen & Joey Estate.

For those keen to fit in some learning, there’s also a Workshop Hub, with a number of ‘Pay as you feel’ classes. Here, you can flex your dramatic muscles with The Patch-based Storey Players, learn the basics of the ukelele with Patch School ukelele teacher Jess Dunn, or discover the joy of communal singing with Jessica McNabb and the Sweet Sassafras Choir.

The day concludes with a community bonfire on the school oval. When I asked what will fuel the fire, CJ tells me that the home of one of the parents on the PatchFest committee backs onto the oval; having recently had to chop down a tree, they will provide the goods. Not to mention, the dozens of local businesses that have donated products, services and vouchers towards fundraising via a silent auction and raffles on the day.

This patent sense of generosity and collaboration is by no means anomalous in the hills – where, CJ corroborates, many people move to, to immerse themselves in community. Certainly, the Patch Primary community seems to be thriving.

For more information, check out PatchFest on Facebook.

PatchFest 2018: ‘It takes a village’
Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday 27 October, 2pm–9pm
Where: The Patch Primary School
53 Kallista-Emerald Road, The Patch

 

Gimme Life, Gimme Love

Great music, great people, great cause!

Gimme Life, Gimme Love is a benefit gig raising funds for local Monbulk mum Sherie Lucas who is in urgent need of life-saving brain surgery.

Featuring a bevy of local musicians including:

·  Kristy Lewis (Rockabilbies)
·  The Barebones
·  Warships
·  Victor Cripes
·  Curds and Grain
·  Lost Canoe
·  Matt Walker
·  Agents of Fortune (feat. Dave Larkin from Dallas Crane)

 Happening Sunday October 15 from 1pm until 10pm all proceeds go directly to the Lucas family to help with ongoing medical expenses. Tickets are $15 on the door or pre-book via sookielounge.com.au. This is a family friendly event with kids entry free of charge.

Sherie Lucas has suffered 3 strokes, since January 2016, caused by a rare brain cavernous hermangioma. The strokes have effected many of her physical functions and without further surgery the next stroke could potentially end her life or cause disablement which may see her in a wheel chair for the rest of her life.

However….there is hope! Renowned Australian brain surgeon, Dr Charlie Teo is confident that he can treat Sherie’s condition with a 50% chance of needing rehabilitation. The major catch is that as Dr Teo operates out of the Prince of Whales Private Hospital, Sydney and the cost is high. Sherie’s husband Jules created a gofundme campaign around a month ago to raise the $100k needed and the response has been phenomenal.

We decided to create a family friendly event to help raise money for the cause by getting a bunch of great local Musos together and make a day of it.

If you can’t make it but still want to donate, head to the family’s Go Fund Me page
https://www.gofundme.com/uyscg-save-my-wife

For more info see:

9 News media: 

 7 News media: ‘Save my wife’: Dad’s emotional plea after wife has three strokes.

burrinja makes the top ten

Post by Adriana Alvarez.

It looks like the secret is out. Burrinja is one of the top ten places to visit in Melbourne according to UK Guardian. The post by their Australian reporter mentions it in regard to getting in touch with “traditional owners” making reference to Lin Onus’ Fish and Leaves artwork as one of it’s highlights as well as exhibitions, music and theatre.

And indeed Burrinja is a great place to see indigenous art as it manages a rare public collection of over 600 items of Aboriginal and oceanic art from Papua New Guinea. The collection was donated to the Shire of Yarra Ranges in 2001 by Neil McLeod, a local resident and renowned photographer, book author and field collector.

But this is not the only thing on offer at Burrinja.With multiple gallery spaces for touring exhibitions, a large 400 seat theatre for live productions and artist studios and workshop rooms, it’s a hub for creative locals who can find great inspiration within it’s walls. With workshops and activities for people of all ages and abilities Burrinja encourages community engagement and inclusion. It’s support of local artists, projects (like the hillscene magazine and hillseneLIVE), festivals and events fosters a vibrant creative community, living up to it’s mission of “creating community through the Arts”.

A visit to Burrinja isn’t complete without wandering through the Art of Place Indigenous Cultural Garden, a place to reflect, learn about and celebrate the local indigenous culture. Take in one of it’s many exhibitions, grab a gift in the gallery shop, see a show or enjoy a great coffee and meal at the Skylark Room which features brilliant music in the evenings and weekends.

So it looks like Calla Wahlquist is right in naming Burrinja, one of the top ten treasures in the ‘world’s most livable city’. And we’re lucky to have it right on our doorstep.

Find out more and see what’s on at Burrinja here.

Belgrave Survival Day – Celebrating 10 years

Smoking ceremony photo by D.Clarke.

On Thursday the 26th January, 2017, Belgrave Survival Day will celebrate its 10^th consecutive year. Once again celebrating Indigenous culture and the survival of Australia’s First Nations people through 228 years of white settlement. This year’s festival will focus on the theme of ‘Knowing your local history, and as always is a free family friendly event.

This year the theme focuses on understanding your local history. If there is one action a person can do to show solidarity and start to bridge the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous people it is to get to know your local history. This year award winning author Bruce Pascoe will be a special guest speaker sharing stories from our local history. Author and historian Jim Poulter will also have a stall with books outlining Victoria’s indigenous history.

The Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony will be led by Wurundjeri elder and educator, Uncle Bill Nicholson, followed by traditional dances performed by ‘The Djirri Djirri’ dance mob where the audience will be invited to join in. Aunty Dot Peters will also grace us with her presence and share some of her wisdom.

The Djirri Djirri dance mob.

The line up includes Benny Walker, who will be on the stage again as the lead act with his band. His love songs and epic tales are mixed with passion for the land, the people. His summer vibes and deep grooves are elements that reach the soul.

Benny and the band.

The day will also welcome back The Deans, who will bring classic sounds and grooves with velvet smooth vocals, sweet harmonies, soaring heartbreak guitar, deep Mo-town bass grooves and hip-shaking rhythms. They are sure to get you moving.

Benny and The Deans will be supported by Gunditjmara singer songwriter Jayden Lillyst. Jayden tells stories of his people through a dose of country rock mixed with soul and blues.

The fabulous voices of the Mullum Mullum Choir and the vibes of the Hip Hop Crew will also feature. Then be calmed as you participate in a Digeridoo Mediation with Gnarnayarrahe Waitiarie (Uncle Joey).

There will be plenty of activities to keep the kids (and adults) busy with fun music and dance, art and craft opportunities, the children’s playground and more.

Soak up the atmosphere on a picnic rug in front of the stage or stroll around the market and information stalls. Catering for all food requirements with a variety of food trucks including traditional bush tucker. This event is alcohol-free.

Due to parking limitations around the park the Survival Day organisers strongly encourage people to catch public transport, carpool or park at Belgrave Train Station where you can get the shuttle bus provided, or take a quick 5 minute walk to Borthwick Park.

The event will be simulcasts on 3MDR 97.1 FM.

To find out more go to Belgrave Survival Day facebook or events page

When: 26th January 2017
Time: 12 noon – 4.30pm
Where: Borthwick Park (next to Belgrave Pool) Benson St, Belgrave.
Melways reference 75/F11

The Belgrave Survival Day event is organised by a committee of volunteers. They invite new volunteers to help with preparations for the festival, to assist on the day, or join the committee to keep the event happening in the future.

Creative Opportunities

At the hillscene we often get people sending us their information to share with our talented community so here are a few creative opportunities that are on the horizon…

Applications for Dandenong Ranges Open Studios 2016 close on Monday the 5th of October.

The Open Studios weekend is one of the most anticipated events for the region’s cultural calendar, attracting art minded visitors and tourists since 2004. The Dandenong Ranges Open Studios program provides a unique insight into our artists’ work environments as well as their art.
There are 5 funded Emerging Artist spaces available. For more information go to Dandenong Ranges Open Studios.

Collective Consciousness – End of the Line group exhibition

Collective Consciousness is an outdoor exhibition located in BlackSmiths Way. Participating artists will be provided with a plywood board 90cmX 120cm that can be collected from Limerence between 22 September to 31st of October* – 10am to 5pm. Each board is attached to a large fence upon installation on the morning of the festival. Please note that holes will be drilled into corners of the boards so we can attach them to the fence.
Your job as the artist is to spread your creative wonderment on the board in any medium you like, using any subject matter you like! Just please keep in mind that the work will be displayed in a public space so it needs to be safe, any objects must be securely attached to the board and the work should be weather proof – just in case we end up having  to rain dance on the day!
Please note that you will be required to drop off your artwork for the Collective Consciousness exhibition at Limerence (1642 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave) between the 3 to 20 November* – 10am to 5pm.
*Closed on Sunday and Monday

The Doll House – End of the Line group exhibition

We would love to assemble a collection of handmade dolls in a tiny and curious exhibition space… they can be as lovely or creepy as you like! We just ask that these “people”… erm, I mean artworks, be no larger than 40cm squared.
Please note that you will be required to drop off the artwork for The Doll House exhibition at Limerence (1642 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave) between the 20 October to 3 November* – 10am to 5pm.
*Closed on Sunday and Monday

If you would like to take part in one or more of the End of the Line group exhibitions please email the following details to amym@burrinja.org.au
Artist Name:
Group Exhibition you want to take part in:
Do you fancy lending us a hand installing the exhibitions?

Studio Space Available at Burrinja

Studio 3 is available at Burrinja from the 1st of December. For more details go to Burrinja studios.

The Regional Exhibitions Program is now accepting proposals for the 2016 program.

The program exhibits at:

• The Memo Gallery at The Memo, Healesville
• The Studio at the Arts Centre, Warburton
• Red Earth Gallery at the Mooroolbark Community Centre

The Regional Exhibitions program is a valued part of the Arts, Culture & Heritage Department in the Yarra Ranges Council. Consisting of three galleries, these vibrant spaces are situated within multi-disciplinary art and community centres aimed to inspire and foster the community.

The Regional Exhibitions Program every year exhibits local, national and international exhibitions from established and emerging practitioners.

For all the information you need go to www.culturetracks.info. Get in touch with Jade Bitar, Regional Exhibitions Officer on 03 5965 3509 / 0419 384 526 or email exhibitions@yarraranges.vic.gov.au if you have any questions.