Empower the people of the river

On ABC Radio's Western Plains Rural Report on Thursday, 14 May the CEO of RiverSmart Australia, Dr Bill Phillips made the comment that when you walk into the pub and ask anyone in a riverside town how they feel about what's happening with our rivers, they simply feel disempowered.

This report can be heard by following the links for the 14 May Rural Report at http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nsw/westernplains/

How are you feeling about the state and future of the rivers in the Central West? Do you feel empowered enough to make a difference?

For more information about RiverSmart Australia go to http://www.riversmart.org.au/

Parrots or jobs - can't we have both?

A story that hit the headlines in the media today (11/5/09) leaves me wondering about how blinkered decision-makers and stakeholders (which includes rural communities) are when it comes to options for a sustainable future. At the moment the arguments seem to be either/or...black or white. The 161 comments on the ABC News page makes interesting reading (yes, there's some rubbish in there as well)...particularly those that wonder about whose responsiblity it is to invest in green jobs. Do rural communities take this initiative, or do we wait for a legislative response and a higher power to determine when and how it happens?

Parrot 'putting hundreds of jobs at risk' - http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/11/2566058.htm

Coming to fruition

As the creative processes of producing artworks for the Coming of Age Project comes to pass for a time, and the focus becomes more about the technical aspects of bringing a show together in the austere, reflective space of a public gallery, I've paused to wonder about the role of creativity in problem solving.

The difficulties of bringing together an exhibition are probably not that different to the problems we face managing environmental issues. In a gallery setting it is almost expected that creativity will be applied to finding a solution. The benefits of doing so are evident...to artists and curators at least.

Does our future hinge on creative problem solving? Can art play a concrete role in stimulating discussion, facilitating different view points and ultimately finding creative solutions to the big issues of sustainability and regeneration that face our world?

I invite you to respond to the questions on this blog and the ones in this post - as the Coming of Age Project and the Perspectives. Art. Ecology. exhibition explore different takes on the past, the present and future of the environments in which we live. This blog will be on display in the Perspectives. Art. Ecology. exhibition. Feel free to contribute before, during and following the public exhibition period. We'd love to see you in the blog tent at the gallery!

Perspectives. Art. Ecology. on show at Dubbo Regional Gallery - The Armati Bequest, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo, 23 May - 19 July 2009

An artist's perspective - Kim

In this video blog, I have attempted to explain some of my concerns about the future of our enviroment - the motivation for the Coming of Age project.

Inseparable - Shona

For Shona Whitfield, the environment is a major, special part of her life - professionally and personally. It is so significant in her life she finds it difficult to separate herself from it.

Magic & resilience - Matthew & Fergus

A magic place - Matthew
Environmental education teacher, Matthew McKenzie has introduced the idea of a magic spot to the children who visit his facility. The magic spot is simply a quiet, outdoor place where one can be immersed in the natural environment. It is a place to stop and reflect, a practice that children and adults alike can benefit from.

Resilient landscapes - Fergus
As the manager of Little River Landcare Group, Fergus Job has seen the ability of Central West landscapes to heal. He believes it simply requires the will to look beyond the surface.

Legacy - Pip

A champion of rural communities and a mother with great hope for the environment she sees as her children's future, Pip Job believes people are the critical element of the landscape she loves.