Treasures of this Land was a pilot fundraiser, art exhibition, auction and legacy building project held in November of 2022.
It raised invaluable funds in aid of animals and plants facing an uncertain future across the Macedon Ranges in particular, in this case, the area within the Greenhill to Black Hill biolink.
Kyneton Primary School student illustration in response to “What do you treasure about this land?”
In our lifetime, the local landscape has been irrevocably changed through a wide range of land uses and practices. Native animals such as the Koala, Platypus and Growling Grass Frog which once used to be found here in abundance, are rarely seen.
“It is a disgrace that our generation wasn’t taught real Australian history. To have access to the original history & people of this area would be of huge importance to me.”
The project was made possible through the generosity of the local community and featured artworks from over a dozen nationally and internationally acclaimed artists as well as wares and pieces from artisans and specialists in their fields. Over 51 items were donated to the auction. A testimony to the calibre of items and enthusiasm of guests, all sold on the night.
The exhibition featured artwork from artists including Mary Barton, Daniel Butterworth, Matt Butterworth, Peter D. Cole, Helen M. Cole, Oliver Cole, Ian Drummond, Flynn Silver, Karan Hayman, Lucie Howson, Mark Howson, Tim Jones, Amanda Marburg, Angelina Pwerle, Cameron Robbins, Sam Slicer and Jason Waterhouse.
A silent auction was held on the on the evening of the event and was made possible by the generous support of Aesop’s Attic Bookshop, Banks Fine Wine, Huntly Barton, Graham Connell, Granite Hills Winery, Jo Hawley, Heimr, Pom-me-granite, Lost Trades Fair, Vanessa Lucas, Mt William Advanced Tree Nursery, Michael Sermersheim, Annie Smithers and Squishy Minnie.
It’s no wonder then that so many artists were willing to show their support of a project that seeks to preserve and protect the treasures of our natural environment here in the Macedon Ranges.
This gallery features the wonderful contributions that formed the auction.
Local sculptor Jason Waterhouse created the perfect placemarker which signifies the location of a time capsule at Kyneton Primary School. This capsule is filled imagery and documentation about the area. Transcriptions from the citizen historians, images from the grade 3 and 4 cohort of 2022 and the Greenhill to Black Hill masterplan for rehabilitation. It is the 2022 grade 3/4’s who are invited back in 2072 to unearth the capsule and witness the past and present conservation values.
Greenhill Manna Gum
Jason Waterhouse
2021
This stunning framed photograph of Black Hill, was the projects champion raffle item. It toured establishments around the Kyneton township advertising the project and fundraiser.
The Black Hill : Sam Slicer 2021
Raffle item drawn 10:00am 14th of November. Lucky winning ticket was #127
Ellie McKenna, Relationships Manager and Executive Director Sophie Bickford preparing to welcome guests at Kyneton Ridge. That’s Greenhill in the background over Sophie’s shoulder!
“Treasures of this Land has uncovered something profound and deeply hopeful - that there is a great willingness in the community to learn, join forces and to act in new ways to help our ailing natural world”
These illustrations are a small sample from the Kyneton Primary School’s 2022 grade 3 and 4 cohort. They were drawn in response to the prompt “What do you treasure about this land? All 100 plus of the students images are included in the time capsule.
OUR SUPPORTERS
From its first inception with an afternoon tea at Rock House to the art auction some three years later - this project has been supported at every step by a community of passionate and generous individuals and companies who share our vision for a better future.
Treasures of this Land would not have been possible without the contributions from artists, artisans and local providores of the Macedon Ranges region, The Albert and Barbara Tucker Foundation, Kyneton Ridge and the broader community, for which we are enormously grateful.
Photos: Simon Griffiths (art auction items) Sam Slicer(landscape) Kara Finlay (other)
Kara Finlay Project Coordinator
For more information contact kara@biolinksalliance.org.au