A flood recovery project with Cam Matheson

An Item of Connection was a creative recovery project developed in response to the 2022 Victorian floods, which deeply affected communities across Greater Shepparton and in the Moira Shire. Presented as part of Shepparton Festival, the project used portraiture and storytelling to create space for reflection, connection and healing following a shared experience of loss and disruption.

The project invited local participants to be photographed with an object of personal significance. These items became touchstones for stories of resilience, care and continuity, capturing what people held onto during and after the floods. The resulting works were presented as a free, public exhibition across community sites, prioritising accessibility and everyday encounters with art.

I led a small team of creatives to deliver the project, working closely with lead artist Cam Matheson and producer Erin Heycox. Item of Connection was funded by Greater Shepparton Foundation and supported through the Resilience in Recovery program at Greater Shepparton City Council, demonstrating the vital role of community-led creative practice in recovery and resilience.