Project launch & smoking ceremony 5:30 pm Tuesday 9 May 2023 (Copy)

Are you committed to decide to live passionately in and around your community?

I lived within a 5 min walk from Jika Jika Community Centre & have walked past lO0s of times through the years, and like many, assumed it was a creche, with that classic green high 2m+ fence, or a place to hire.

It is so much more! Since being engaged to assist the community re-imagine the way in which the entry and facade invites the community, what I have discovered, is a dynamic energetic space in the heart of Northcote, within metres of Westgarth Train station and the vibrant shopping centre, home to Westgarth Cinema & the infamous Terramadre Organics.

De-Fence Against Loneliness presents an extraordinary opportunity to explore placemaking and the ways in which beautiful public spaces contribute to social connections and togetherness.

Susan Rennie, Manager of the centre is passionate about the DeFence Against Loneliness Project.

'This project is about so much more than a fence. It is inspiring conversations about the ways in which public spaces can be inviting and the role of community spaces in addressing loneliness and social isolation.'

I am consumed by the importance of conversation, research and ultimately wish to inspire the community and passers-by to engage in something that sparks their curiosity and enthusiasm.

I work through a state of allowing & unfolding that is rarely predetermined. I acknowledge that this takes some level of curatorial risk & trust by the commissioning body. See you on Tuesday 5.30pm. Community Consultations at the centre on June 6 11am & 6pm. The choice is yours!