These bold and intuitive works explore and portray some of the relationships or not, (distances) between mainly elderly, traditional, farming couples - their reaction, or not, of each individual to the other as well as individually toward the environment in which they find themselves. Robert's paintings are rich in the application of the paint and vibrant colours and gestural marks of his linocuts echo the brushstrokes of his paintings.
At the source of every great project is usually a facilitator. It could be an organisation, a company, a government body or individual. Usually they provide a base source of money to get the artistic juices flowing.
There are many forms of funding and sponsorships – Local, State or Federal – who, where or what is the correct channels are a number of areas where we can help you.
East Gippsland Shire Council provides an equitable process of access to financial support to individuals and non profit organisations wishing to present quality, innovative arts, cultural or community events, activities or projects. All these will be assessed on how they foster local identity, distinctiveness and community spirit. We can also assess the appropriateness of the application for State or Federal Government funding or grants.
Priority for funding usually comes down to goal indicators that have been determined by the East Gippsland Shire. For a project to be successful it should be able to demonstrate an ability to develop and deliver a financially viable and soundly managed program. Also important is the link with the project to the celebration of local or specific communities within the region.
Events, art and culture are about connecting people, places and history, so it is important to represent how a project might demonstrate this so that funding can be realised. Encouraging collaborative applications from organisations and community groups who work together on a project represents this aspect, and is highly regarded.
The funding process is aimed at cementing a community with creative and complimentary environments in the East Gippsland region.
Australia’s Coastal Wilderness National Landscape was launched by the Federal Minister for Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP last Friday 1 August in Torquay in association with the launch of the Great Ocean Road National Landscape.
The Launch was attended by a number of East Gippslanders including Chair of the Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Steering Committee Phil Rickards who is also the Tourism Coordinator for the East Gippsland Shire.
In his address, Minister Ferguson acknowledged that whilst he would have liked very much to have launched each of the eight individual landscapes in each region, due to time constraints that had not been possible. However, he said he hoped to be able to visit the Australia’s Coastal Wilderness region at some stage in the future.
The Minister acknowledged the work of the Steering Committees in getting their respective landscapes accepted into the program.
“I would particularly like to welcome members of the landscapes steering committees who I know are passionately enthused about this project. Enthusiasm in a service-oriented industry such as tourism is critical. So is innovation and I believe the National Landscapes Program will provide the impetus for Australia as a nation to view the relationship between tourism and our natural landscapes in an innovative light.
“Much like the members of the Steering Committees, I am passionately enthused by the natural beauty of Australia. I do believe the landscapes which surround us are unparalleled in their beauty. In the fiercely competitive world of tourism they present us with enormous opportunity and point of difference.
Who would not want to visit those National Landscapes already launched, they being The Australian Alps, Australia’s Red Centre, The Flinders Ranges, Australia’s Green Cauldron and the Greater Blue Mountains? I am pleased today to add the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s Coastal Wilderness to the list of regions included in the National Landscapes Program
“To qualify as a National Landscape the location must be a world-class landscape of natural, cultural and spiritual assets, distinctive to Australia.
“Australia’s Coastal Wilderness has a significance which has long been internationally recognized. It is a site of more than national significance and includes Croajingolong National Park which was in 1977 proclaimed a World Biosphere Region by UNESCO.”
“The landscapes I am announcing today have been included in this unique program because they are more than just a group of appealing destinations. They are regions, which as a whole, are much greater than just the sum of their parts. They are distinctively Australian natural and cultural environments. And they will appeal to Tourism Australia’s target market, experience seekers; travelers of all ages who wish to experience new adventures and destinations which enable them to engage with a local culture.
“I congratulate the steering committees for the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s Coastal Wilderness on achieving National Landscape status for these wonderful regions”, concluded Minister Ferguson.
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