A series of photographic artworks capturing the community’s hopes for the future in the wake of the Hazelwood mine fire have found a new home in the heart of Morwell, six years on from their creation.
The 28-piece ‘Our hopes for the future of Morwell’ series now lines the walls of the Latrobe Health Assembly on Morwell’s Commercial Road, on loan from the Federation University Australia Art Collection.
Each of the photographs by artist Clive Hutchison feature an object symbolising a community group’s hopes for the future of Morwell and were an initiative of the Community Wellbeing Stream in the Hazelwood Health Study which is investigating the potential health effects of the mine fire.
In 2017, researchers in the stream partnered with the University and Morwell Neighbourhood House to invite community groups to express their vision for the town’s future by participating in a photographic session.
The 28 participating groups and individuals included Morwell Rose Garden volunteers, Gippsland Roller Derby and Morwell Girl Guides.
The resulting artworks featuring the photographs and accompanying messages of hope were then exhibited across the state in 2017 and 2018 including Federation’s Switchback Gallery, Queen’s Hall at Victorian State Parliament, Mid-Valley Shopping Centre and the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. The Latrobe Health Assembly welcomes community members to drop in and have look at the photos. Interested parties are encouraged to book a time by phoning 5173 8400.
“As we reflect on the 10 years since the Hazelwood Mine Fire, the Latrobe Health Assembly is both honoured and excited to host this exhibition.”
“The messages conveyed in these photos remain as true today as they were when first exhibited in Queens Hall” says Latrobe Health Assembly Executive Officer, Ellen-Jane Browne.
