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Paradoxa Collective and Friends:
Walking, Talking, Listening, Learning
In 2019 and 2020 Paradoxa Collective designed and undertook a series of six guided public walking talks in Bunjil Reserve, Panton Hill. A diverse range of people including Wurundjeri elders, botanists, equine therapists, yoga and meditation teachers and Panton Hill locals were invited to lead the walks and share their perspectives on the landscape. Our aim was to facilitate open-minded, on-site conversations around connections to Country and to produce cross disciplinary collaborative works for exhibition. Two walks occurred in late 2019 then Covid-19 restrictions hit Australia affecting the next four talks in 2020. One talk went online and the others were postponed, but thankfully were able to take place in November and December 2020.
Midsummer Grubs ‘jeri’ are Growing: the eight Wurundjeri seasons
Sunday 20 October 2019
Launching the series of walks Judy Nicholson, Wurundjeri-wilun elder and artist of the Woiwurrung language group, discussed her work researching and reviving the Wurundjeri eight seasons Lunar Cycle. Read more
Snail’s Pace: keen observations of nature at a slower pace
Sunday 24 November 2019
Using microscopes, magnifying glasses, plant ink and brushes made of sticks, artists and plant lovers, Clare James and Mia Stephens, led an animated walk and outdoor drawing lesson. Read more
Divine Daves: traditional burning and botany in conversation
Sunday 14 June 2020
Uncle Dave Wandin, Wurundjeri elder and traditional firestick farming expert and David Cameron, Senior Botanist at the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, led a double act walk. Read more
Horse Wisdom: the healing possibilities of connecting with equine friends
Sunday 15 November 2020
In this horse-led walk, Renska Younger, HestaViska riding instructor and equine therapy facilitator, spoke about how it is possible to connect with horses and how this connection teaches us about being human. Read more
Sound and Silence: meditation in nature
Sunday 29 November 2020
Exploring connections to nature with few words, Kuo Yong Kooi, Eltham yoga teacher at Grasshopper Yoga and Odyssey House, led a mindfulness walk using singing bowls and silence. Read more
Locals at the Locale: perspectives from Panton Hill residents
Sunday 6 December 2020
Long time Panton Hill residents, environmentalists and academics, Stewart Dickinson and Janice and Rocky Crosswhite led a heritage walk exploring significant settler sites in Bunjil Reserve. Read more
This project was made possible with funding and support from the Nillumbik Council via grants from the Community Arts and Environment departments. Paradoxa Collective thanks all of the Walking, Talking, Listening, Learning leaders and participants add special thanks to Brad Tadday, Kate Shannon, Helen Corney, Sarah Hammond and Andrew Solum of Nillumbik Council and Maria Katsikas and Gael Macpherson from Smiths Gully Landcare Inc.