Bluestone Rivers

A reflection on gendered violence in our community through music and spoken word. Andrew Hayes is a Ballarat boy. He marvels at the extravagant gutters that line Ballarat’s streets. He grew up walking the bluestone rivers when it rained. Andrew is a multi-instrumentalist and teller of story. Day job? Andrew is the parish priest of Emmaus Catholic Parish, Colac, Lakes to Coast.

Ina Mar is a Munich based artist who creates thought provoking images of women, sometimes joyous and alive, sometimes disturbing, always compelling. When I look at the women in my world you are variously and collectively: joyous and alive, disturbed, disrespected or dead. But I find you compelling. Where do you go when the streets are not safe, if for you, home is not safe either?

I will draw on the mind and hand of the artist, genius that she is. I will reflect on my own experience of life. I will introduce you to Rebekah: Five feet tall. Mother of twins. Master strategist. She is a collage of a thousand women: joyous, alive, dead, disrespected, disturbed. She is a compellingly badass, formidable, woman. She’s silver, but she lives in a city built on gold. If it’s easier for you, she’s just a figment of my imagination.

Why Bluestone Rivers? Because one day, when we run out of tears, the bluestone rivers will still run, not with tears, just with river.

This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.