Tread Lightly is a public artwork by Paradoxa Collective and friends, commissioned by Nillumbik Council. The work comprises sound recordings (above) and an intervention by Worimi artist, Jamie McFadyen, at the Bunjil Reserve Food Fibre & Medicine Garden seating circle. Tread Lightly commemorates Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Judy Nicholson (1963-2022).

Tread Lightly builds on work the Collective has undertaken previously, including forming the Friends of Bunjil Reserve Food Fibre & Medicine Garden which has met monthly since 2018 along with many events in the Reserve and exhibitions in Eltham and Ivanhoe with artwork influenced by the Reserve.

In January 2022, Aunty Judy Nicholson, a Wurundjeri elder and significant contributor to Paradoxa and other Nillumbik activities at Bunjil Reserve, sadly passed away.  Paradoxa artists decided then to dedicate a significant part of the commission as a memorial to Aunty Judy. Informed by consultations with Judy’s family and both Nillumbik and Wurundjeri Councils, Tread Lightly uses the seating circle near the Bunjil Reserve Food Fibre & Medicine Garden as a canvas for art that expands on Aunty Judy’s research into the Wurundjeri Seasons. Aunty Judy’s partner, Worimi artist Jamie McFadyen, was invited to translate Judy’s drawings onto the seats using a dremel carving tool. Engaging Jamie to realise Judy's designs was the most culturally appropriate way Paradoxa artists could imagine stepping aside to enable her ideas to live on in this place.

The sound work also uses the Wurundjeri seasons as a framework made with sound designer, Tristan Pierce, and using the voices of Paradoxa artists, music conducted by Kate Adam, recorded during the Endangered Southern Toadlet Music Making activity with an ensemble of community members using kunzea clapsticks, and with botanical and cultural specialists, Mandy Nicholson, Michael Smith, Lydia Heap and Cam Beardsall. Recordings were created at Bunjil and Bulwidj Reserves, home studios and the Smith’s Gully Store.

Additionally, Paradoxa Collective artists worked with and wish to thank: Steve Jenkinson and Tony Barbeta and the Men’s Shed at St Andrews, Laura Russo, Pete Rae, Rob Kedge as well as Saleh Hadi, Sarah Hammond, Richard Holt and Brad Tadday at Nillumbik Council.