Pop Up performance
Last friday night, as the light faded into the cold and quiet, three artists from Poatina created a Pop Up performance at the top of the village green to a group of around 30 residents and visitors.
Anna Ewer, draped in a large flowing cloth, swirled and weaved an improvised dance in front of a brightly reflected spotlight, creating shadows and patterns against the backdrop of a high stone wall. Lea Mason echoed her movements by singing sweeping and evocative melodies and punctuating them with shrill and mournful cries. Spike Mason accompanied them both by playing ostinatos on a clarinet while slowly beating out a pulse on a 44 gallon drum.
The piece, which was titled “Grief and Loss”, lasted about 15 minutes and was a response to life as it happened that week in the village.
We look forward to more Pop Up performances as we respond together to life in community.
Poatina’s growing Arts Colony
It’s not often we draw attention to individual members of our community, but
we couldn’t let the occasion pass without celebrating with the Bradbury family
following Heather’s success at being accepted as a finalist in this year’s Glover
Prize held on the March long weekend.
In mid 2012 at Poatina’s Artist’s Retreat Heather picked up a paintbrush for the
first time in 17 years and began to rediscover her love for this particular art form
which had lain dormant while she pursued training in graphics and spent all of
her working life until recently in the area of photography and graphic design.
Forgiven, the fourth painting in a series which has focused on the life giving water which sustains our lives, showed water trickling over her feet on a rock in the stream which feeds Poatina’s water reservoir. Having lived in Poatina for 15 years and been an integral part of the community and its leadership, the Bradbury family moved into Launceston just three months ago, and it was in the middle of the upheaval of moving that Heather was encouraged to submit the painting for entry into The Glover.
With over 300 entries to be considered depicting Tasmanian landscapes, some from well established artists, the whole community was over the moon when we heard her painting had been accepted as one of the 43 finalists. The Glover, named after local artist John Glover, is Australia’s richest annual award for landscape painting, so with only four recent paintings to her credit, Heather was in a state of shock to be included amongst the country’s best.
We are naturally extremely proud of her accomplishment and many took
great delight in attending the exhibition. In the stiflingly hot pavilion, one of our
residents chatted to patrons as they stood in front of her painting, asking one
woman if she’d love to be there right now in that cool setting, and she responded,
“Oh, I can just feel the water trickling over my feet.”
It is testament to Poatina’s growing Arts Colony that individuals are rediscovering their God given creativity within, enriching both themselves and those around them in the process of sharing the release of new insights and discoveries.
Author: Di Adams
You can read more about the Glover Prize here and to read more about Heather’s paintings you can click here.
There is a rumor also that Heather will be having an exhibition at ‘The Poatina Tree’ Gallery in July.
Stay tuned for more details. 
Easter and community activites in the village
Poatina has many visitors come and go, including recently a couple who came especially to experience Easter in the village.
“We have been wanting to come and experience Easter here, as we have heard so many wonderful things about it, and it was just that, we are so glad we came.”
Easter is a special time for the village. A time to reflect on the meaning of Good Friday, with a morning bush service and in the evening, an all night prayer vigil.
Pictured here are some photos from the past few weeks activities in the village.
A resident has written her own blog on Easter in the village. CLICK here to read more.
Poatina children creatively keeping cool!
On a recent warm weekend, you could hear squeals of joy coming from a grassed slope.
Poatina children (and adults) enjoyed keeping cool by creating a giant slippery slide to enjoy! What fun on a hot day!
The opening of ‘The Poatina Tree’ Gallery and web site
‘The Poatina Tree’ Gallery and web site was launched a few weeks ago at the Poatina Australia Day festival.
Thanks to a representative from the Northern midlands council and a wonderful crowd of onlookers, the day was an amazing success.
“This is wonderful! keep up the great work”
“Such quality of work here! .. and all from this area!”
Most of the work on display has been created by Artists in Poatina, or Artists associated with its work. The Poatina Glass studio has a significant number of unique pieces on display and for sale, and we are excited to announce also that the new Arts Center and Glass studio building will be opened officially later this year.
Here is the ‘About Us’ section from the web site:
We are a group of artists – musicians, painters, sculptors, glass blowers, dancers, writers, and actors.
We live together in a small intentional community in the picturesque and peaceful village of Poatina in Tasmania.
We have lots of fun together, and also work to care for each other, our environment, and our creative processes.
We offer an Artist In Residence program, Training, Mentoring, or simply a place to be…
To check out the web site click here.
Poatina helps celebrates 200 years of the Midlands
The year 2013 marks 200 years since the settlement of Norfolk Plains, the area encompassing Longford, Cressy, Bishopsbourne, Illawarra and Perth.
To celebrate this event the Midlands Council arranged several events starting on March 1st inviting the descendants of those settlers, and anyone else interested in Tasmanian history, to explore these roots and participate in a celebration of the area and its people.
Fusion Poatina took a team of people to Longford to help with the celebration with loads of games and activities for everyone to enjoy. Many many people had a wonderful time. Thanks to all the team for helping make it such a great weekend!
Trinity Swimming Carnival
Here is a few pictures from the recent Trinity College swimming carnival.
Well done everyone for a fun day!
Foundations & Graduation service
January is always a big month for Poatina, with many exciting events and programs, happening. One of those being ‘Foundations’ run by Fusion Australia.
This year around 130 participants (70 of them were doing Youth Foundations) enjoyed the week long course.
As part of the final gathering of this week, the Village and Fusion also celebrated four students who graduated in their Diploma in Youth and Community Work (Christian).
Well done guys.
Sunday meals @ the Chalet
Poatina has been treated lately with a wonderful team who regularily ‘cook up a storm’ at the Chalet for Sunday lunch each week.
Here is the menu for tomorrow, if you live out of town, its well worth the drive!
Sunday in the Chalet
Roast Pork and vegetables
All Day Breakfasts
Asian style chicken salad
A variety of wraps, sandwiches and cookies
For more information contact: Jo Ireson
Poatina Chalet
Phone: 03 6397 8290
Email: poatina_chalet@fusion.org.au
Faith and the Arts 2013 – “The best most enjoyable week ever!!”
Faith and the Arts was held in Poatina in early January with around 80 people taking part in the week long course.
The Faith and the Arts Summer School is a practical week-long residential program that offers the chance to focus on a variety of creative arts. This year the electives were: Music, Photography, Hot Glass, Fiction Writing, Painting & Drawing, Printmaking, Clowning, Ceramics and Dance. Its was a load of fun, packed with colour, life and creativity – “the best part was sharing it all with a great family of people”.
Here is a few comments from those who took part this January:
“This week has been epic!! So much going on. So much cross-pollination between groups. I am thankful for the effort the core team went to in order to integrate different creative electives as well as different age groups.”
“Ive had an absolutely amazing week beyond anything I could have expected/hoped for. Working/creating/eating & sleeping alongside these people has been the most enjoyable part of the experience.”
“Very enjoyable week!! It was great sharing in community with other artists and creative people. I am excited about taking what I have learnt here back with me.”
“I loved it. I loved the freedom to be creative & explore my creativity. The week was very challenging, but very uplifting and encouraging.”
“It was a wonderful week, very well timed and needed at my current point in my artistic journey. Exactly what I needed. Really enjoyed the teaching”
“The best most enjoyable, inspiring, challenging, liberating and just plain awesome week ever!!
To read more reflections and see heaps more photos click here.
Jazz at the Chalet, Sunday 7pm
Looking for a relaxing evening,
listening to Jazz?
Spike and Lea Mason will be performing
at the Poatina Chalet
from 7:00-9:00pm
Sunday 27th January
(Just for Australia Day weekend, it will be on Sunday evening, every other weekend they perform on a Saturday evening)
Hot drinks and good company provided.
Poatina Australia Day Celebrations – Saturday 26th of January
Poatina celebrates Australia day with loads of fun tomorrow. (Sat 26th)
We kick off the day with a Parade at 10.30am. The flag-raising ceremony is at the Chalet at 11am, followed by the opening of The Poatina Tree Gallery at 11.30am. Lots of festival activities on the Village Green, Free sausage sizzle, a cuppa at the View Cafe looking out over the Great Western Tiers, Demos of glass blowing at the Arts Centre, and the Primary, Junior & Senior Wheelbarrow Races from 2pm.
If you are in Tassie tomorrow, drop on by.
Merry Christmas from Poatina!
Merry Christmas to everyone! Thank you for your support over 2012!
Here is a few pictures from the past few weeks Christmas activities including our Kris Kringle evening with the whole village giving a small gift to someone else!
A Christmas market at the Chalet with home made lemonade, Poatina Produce, The Poatina Tree Artworks, Secondhand clothing, and loads more! All topped off with a wonderful meal from the Chalet, and a beautiful Christmas play.
On Christmas eve the youth of the village enjoyed singing carols to all the houses in the village, and Christmas day there was special Christmas church service and a gathering of people over the evening meal in the park eating tasty left overs from lunch.
A wonderful collection of celebrations around a special event that changed the world.
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas, from Poatina Village.
Trinity College ended a great year with Pancakes, Glassblowing and a Graduation Service.
Trinity College ended the year with all sorts of activities and events.
A pancake breakfast was held for the village a few weeks before the end of term. It was to raise funds for children to be able to attend school in Jamaica.
The senior school had a very special time making paper weights at a glassblowing workshop. Southern Cross Television recorded some footage for a new TV advertisement that will be aired soon, promoting Scholarships in Glass and Music for 2013. http://www.trinitycollege.tas.edu.au/
And huge congratulations to all students for another year, and to the four students who graduated from year 12!
Well done to everyone! Have a great Christmas.
Trinity College & lots more to come!
There is loads of stories and events that have happened in the village over the past month that we will share with you this week, so get ready for a few more posts including our Kris Kringle night which was such a special time!!
Trinity College held its annual Cafe Arts evening towards the end of the semester.
The theme was based around the curriculum for 2012 which was Sustainability.
Here is some pics of the night! Thanks to all the students, teachers, parents & audience, that made the night such a special time.
Glass Workshops are going strong!
The new Hot Glass Studio at the new Art Centre has run a number of workshops since it opened, each with wonderful feedback.
The workshops were organised in partnership with Merinda Young of Tudor Rose Glassworks in Kingston, with 8 glass artists traveling up from down south to participate over 4 days.
The workshops were a variation on our usual beginners glass blowing workshop, allowing artists who are familiar with kiln-forming processes to bring along some glass plates that they had fused with their own designs and have them ‘rolled up’ and blown into a vase by Rodney Young, one of our most skilled glassblowers.
Watching the rollups and assisting in their making was a fantastic experience for each participant and when they weren’t watching their piece being made they also had a great time learning the basics in working with hot glass with Keith, making a number of paperweights and small vessels.
The workshops were a huge success and there’s a growing waiting list for the next opportunity! Check out the responses and the pictures below.
“I enjoyed everything, the motel, the people, the food, the township! A very warm atmosphere and not just from the glass furnaces!!”
“Thank you so much for such an inspiring workshop and sharing your amazing knowledge and skills with me. I take good memories and friendship and some lovely glass from my efforts with me from this experience. Thank you Thank you!”
“It has certainly been an experience! Did not realise I was capable of doing anything artistic, but with Keith and Rodney’s expertise, have managed a couple of creations that I am not embarrassed to say are mine! Thanks to them both and Chris for a productive weekend.”
“A one in a lifetime experience. I am privileged to have been able to take part in such a remarkable, friendly and enlightening work shop. I have new heros!”
“Having a go is magic! Watching skilled craftsmen and empathetic teachers was inspiring. So wonderful for a teacher to be the student.”
“Fantastic, – so great to see the dream and vision becoming reality”
“Good accommodation and very friendly people just made the experience brilliant.”
“Brilliant! Learnt so much! Food wonderful – an awful lot of it! Lovely peaceful town. Thankyou.”
“Amazingly excellent. BLISS BLESS and heaven”
“Absolutely loved it. Bed very comfortable, electric blanket warm and very cosy. Food great, atmosphere great, loved it and will be back. Thankyou for making me feel welcome and I will come again!”
“I am overwhelmed, exhausted and exhilarated. It has been two very intense days and I’ve loved every minute Amazingly good experience. You guys are so patient and helpful. Thanks!”
If you are interested in finding out more, or taking part in a workshop, there will be a Beginner’s Glass Blowing Weekend 1-2 December 2012. Phone Keith for more details on: 0402314816.
Meet a Greek night
At community tea this month welcomed a special visitor from Greece. We had a “Meet a Greek night”
We ate some very nice Greek food, listened to Greek music and did some Greek dancing. We also heard stories from Fusion Greece about the work Philemon and his team are doing to help bring peace and joy amidst the very challenging economical times.
If you would like to find out more about the amazing work they are doing in Greece check out their web site.
Also if you would like to commission them to do any graphics or video work, drop them a line! http://www.streetlights.gr
Fund Raising for Jamaica at Trinity College
The Jamaica day at school was fun – Now a Pancake breakfast to enjoy!
On the 16th of October, Trinity College participated in a Jamaican themed day to raise money for the work Fusion is doing in the Caribbean.
As part of this, students were given the option to bring a gold coin donation and come in Jamaican themed dress. Students dressed in green, black and gold. There was lots of colour, food, games and fun. Lunch comprised of Chicken curry, Jamaican beef patty and bread rolls, and for desert Banana smoothies! Thanks to those that helped make the day a load of fun for all.
As a continuation of the fundraising the school is also running its Annual Pancake breakfast.
So if you are in Poatina – it is on Tuesday 30th of October from 7:30-8:45am. Drop into the dinning room at the hall for some wonderful food and fun before your day begins.
2 pancakes for $3.50 and
Smoothies $1.00 extra.
All funds go towards supporting mission in Jamaica
Trinity College – New library building official opening!
Students at Trinity College have begun using their new library and teaching spaces as they start Term 4. Senior students have joined Junior students as they move in to the new facilities at the beautiful Valley Learning Area. All students will use the new building and benefit from learning and playing in closer proximity as the move enhances the value of learning together in community with peer mentoring and student leadership.
The journey began in 2007 with plans for a major development of the College facilities at the beautiful Valley Learning Area. This new library (made possible with BER funding) is the first step to enhancing our learning facilities. It provides a beautiful library room with wireless internet and panoramic vista, a new College reception area complete with reception desk made locally from local timber, a study area for year 11/12 students and classroom for year 7-10 students. A downstairs, multi-purpose space with wet area will be used for gatherings, art, craft, Science and movement. Toilets complete the facilities, with change rooms to be fitted out in the near future. Additional buildings are planned to provide more classrooms and facilities as the College grows.
The Official Opening and Open Day was held on Thursday, October 18th with Acknowledgement of Country and presentations followed by student-led tours and activities. All were
welcome to come and celebrate this significant point in the development of the College. Scholarships are available for 2013 in Arts, Academic and Leadership.
Since the birth of Trinity College in 2000 education has been an important component of life in Poatina Village (acquired by Fusion from the Hydro in 1995 to support young people needing a supportive and caring environment). The College (Kindergarten to Year 12) serves children from the Village as well as the surrounding district, preparing young lives for the challenges they, their families and communities will face – “Learning Together With Hope.”
Enquiries are welcome on office@trinitycollege.tas.edu.au
PORLARE
Did young Porlare walk this way Many years ago Did she stand right here on well worn paths
And call this place her home
As the seasons cycled through the years
Who took her by the hand
And shared the many secrets
Of this untamed land
Where the springs of water flowed
Where danger lurked unseen
Inheriting the stories
Of what had always been
Did she find warmth and shelter here
From the snow and bitter wind
And respite from the summer heat
Under the bush canopy
Did the spirits of her ancestors
Make her fears take flight
As under moon and dazzling stars
She stared into the night
Did she laugh right back at the kookaburra
As he mocked her from up above
Chase lizards through the undergrowth
And wallaby through the scrub
Were her days filled with laughter and learning
In her bush classroom
Was she puzzled when dark shadows came
To cast a chilling gloom
Did she wonder why they had to hide
And only move at night
What were they supposed to do
Give in, or stand and fight
Did she know the fear of being driven
From her beloved land
To be hunted, trapped and slaughtered
By another’s hand
A refugee in her own land
Displaced by white men’s fear
Taken with such brutal force
From all that she held dear
What will those who live here now
Pass on to those who come
Will lessons of the past be learned
Can such hurt be overcome
What imprint on this ancient soil
Will our footsteps make
Will they respect the land they cross
Or will they simply take
Will they trample, or tread lightly
Will they monitor their pace
What will be our legacy
When we’re long gone from this place
Diane Adams
Written for the occasion of the Official Opening of the Trinity College Library, in recognition of the indigenous inhabitants who once lived and traversed the region in which the school now stands, as well as those who inherit their legacy.
From the Big River tribe, Porlare was the second wife of Umarrah, loved and respected leader of the Tyerer-note-panner band of the North Midlands
The new Poatina Arts Centre has opened it’s doors!
It was a very exciting weekend for the new Poatina Hot Glass Studio as it opened its doors for the first time in the new Arts Centre building!
The students had the opportunity to work with the instructors to make their very own paperweights and tumblers.
Younger and older participated in the workshop all reported of it being a fantastic time, although a bit hot!
The Probus group from Deloraine said:
“It was wonderful! They are so patient and very clever!”
“I loved the food at the restaurant, and have had a wonderful time.”
“We are going to tell all our friends, they must come and visit this place!”
“Poatina is such an amazing place! Thankyou!”
New Trinity building is now finished! YAY!!!!!
There is a lot of excitement and joy this week! After about eight years of planing ,and dreaming, and work, and many many people, putting hours and hours into the project, the new Trinity Library and teaching space is finally finished! (Now is the time to get a little vocal, and yell out a huge Yippeee!!!)
The students began their first day in the new building yesterday 9th of October, here is some pictures for you to enjoy!
We are hoping that you can join us for the official Opening at 11am on Thursday the 18th of October to celebrate our reaching a significant point in the development of the school.
The journey began in 2007 when we commenced planning major development of the College facilities at our beautiful Valley Learning Area. The new library (made possible with BER funding) is the first step in enhancing our learning facilities and is finally reaching completion, with students using the rooms at the start of our Term 4.
Since the birth of Trinity College in 2000 education has been an important component of life in Poatina Village (acquired by Fusion from the Hydro in 1995 to support young people needing a supportive and caring environment). The College (Kindergarten to Year 12) serves children from the Village as well as the surrounding district, preparing young lives for the challenges they, their families and communities will face – “Learning Together With Hope.”
As valued members of our school community we invite you to celebrate with us the opening of the new facilities on Thursday the 18th of October, 2012 commencing at 11am. The official opening will include a Welcome to Country by Aunty Nola from the Aboriginal Elders Council of Tasmania; Acknowledgement of Country and presentations by dignitaries, staff and students. It will be followed by tours of the school, other activities and a light finger-food lunch.
Please RSVP by email to office@trinitycollege.tas.edu.au
Yours sincerely,
Steve Cooper
Principal
Poatina was the highlight of our trip!
“Poatina was the highlight of our trip, and your hospitality and community was encouraging”
That was a recent comment from a teacher who brought a group of 34 students & 3 teachers to Poatina during their Tasmanian school excursion.
Students and teachers from Wagga Wagga Christian School spent two days in the village, getting a feel for community life, and also doing some very helpful Community Service, particularly at the New Arts Centre, moving a mountainous pile of rubbish, cleaning up the site ready for landscaping.
Some of our Trinity Senior students took them on a bush walk, and they attended Poatina Worship service on the Sunday. On Monday morning the Wagga Wagga students spent time with the Trinity College students, and had a load of fun learning and singing a song together.
“We really enjoyed our time in the community, the people are so nice and friendly, and we met a lot of new people!”
Community tea, past present & future
We had a huge gathering at our August Community tea in the Chalet.
The night was filled with lots of wonderful food, fellowship and fun. The newly formed ‘Poatina Patches’ Craft group shared some craft with us. Showing us part of the past, the present and a they had a wonderful activity for the future.
Each resident received a small square of fabric to put their own creative touch to. In a few weeks the group will sew all of them into one large patchwork piece! What a wonderful idea ladies! It will be exciting to see what the final outcome will look like! (stay tuned)
After dessert our local Artist in Resident musician, held a concert in the Chalet lounge, sharing songs she had written and finished off during her four-week stay in the village.
Thank you for your wonderful gift to us!
