Community
30 May, 2025
Community pavers officially unveiled
CAMPERDOWN and District Community House’s Community Garden is now a bit brighter thanks to the official unveiling of the new community art project on Tuesday.
The project, which has been two years in the making, involved Terang-based artist Michelle Shearer leading a number of workshops which allowed community members to create their own individual art paver to be laid in the community garden.
A number of residents attended the unveiling, including students from Camperdown College who created some of the designs on the pavers.
An afternoon tea was provided at the unveiling, with attendees enjoying conversation over a light snack.
Ms Shearer spoke at the unveiling, saying it was good to see the final product after two years of work.
“This has been two years in the making – from the first time Emily (Mercer, Community House coordinator) and I walked through the garden and wondering what creative applications we could apply to the garden,” she said.
“We had ideas for a few projects, and this one was the one that won out.
“Emily did a great job of chasing funding to make sure it could happen– we had a bit of a slow start with it within the community engagement, but it really raced towards the end.
“Thanks to everybody who created designs, particularly those kids from the school whose designs are also in here.
“The project is called ‘The Stories That Pave Our Way’, and there is a tree we have lovingly dubbed ‘The Sharing Tree’ because this is an area where the community has met with the sharing of cupboards for a quite a long time.”
Ms Shearer said the art project aimed to create a space for conversation within the community, since the community garden sees regular use from community members keen on sharing produce and getting their hands dirty.
“Initially, we thought the pavers might represent people’s individual stories – what they’ve actually evolved into is a source of conversation,” she said.
“You walk around and look at it, and there are things to talk about depending on where you’re standing and what angle you’re looking at.
“The pavers reflect all sorts of different things, and there are lots of peoples’ hands in the design – the community designed this and then a few people from the community group and myself poured these, and then there’s the man who laid the project.
“There’s lots of hands involved, and it’s just fantastic to see the final product on the ground.”
Camperdown College student representative council coordinator Tanisha Dooley said it was pleasing to see the work of students on display.
“A group of Junior and Senior Campus students have designed a series of stencils that are now featured on the pavers at Camperdown Community House,” she said.
“These artworks symbolise the students’ deep connection to their community and to Camperdown itself.
“The opening of the Community Art Project was attended by Year 6 students Amelia, Airly and Pippa; Year 8 student Oliver; and Year 10 student Mercy.
“Well done to all the students who contributed to this fantastic project.”
Read More: Camperdown