The Mingenew Project has been an absolute success. I am still reeling from the final week of media, exhibition and farewells.
We must acknowledge the beauty of this project's journey. It all started as a calling from the heart of a community member, Jocelyn Morgan and has resulted in a diverse group of people being brought together through the experience of photography. The photography delivers different things to different people, whether it be a new hobby to master, a way of rediscovering our environment and home or a catalyst for conversation and friendship - it has delivered. I received so much feedback from people, highlighting their appreciation of these different aspects.
That is the beauty of community projects, they never do one simple thing, they start things, they go wherever they go - places you might not expect, but it takes your enthusiasm, your spirit and your uniqueness to make it a success.

So thank you for giving me one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life, on both a personal and professional level. I will hold Mingenew dear and be grateful that I was able to immerse myself in your community (and into your homes) for an entire month. You have wonderful things where you live, I hope you never forget that.

I will be making 100 DVDs of the slideshow (with some special features!) that will be left at the Mingenew Shire. Please collect your free copy from June 16 onwards.

Here is some exciting media we got:
ABC Video on Mingenew Project by Bloke on a Bike, Drew Radford.

And here are the final photographs that you haven't seen online and that were a part of the exhibition...

This will be my second last entry on this site as I leave Mingenew tomorrow.
Photos have been streaming in through my door (and email inbox!) in time to appear in the slideshow tonight. So here are some beauties I wanted to share, some by people we haven't heard from before. The talent keeps growing...

Be it conversations with Ken at the bakery about Chinese stone, a boy pushing a pram on to the footy field mid-match, friendly games of badminton every Wednesday at the hall, measuring water levels on the farm or eating watermelon with dad from the backyard...
These little moments are here, frozen in time for us to cherish.

Here are some highlights from the workshop.

Here are some of the most exciting results which I've turned into black and white as it gives a timeless feel. I've also done a little cropping on some to enhance their impact.

Aren't the kids just bursting with talent?? Is there something in the Mingenew water?

It started like any other weekend, hanging out around the nursery with the family.

Lena found this big frog and showed us how to hypnotise it.

Mum entertained the girls whilst mentally planning the day of burgers, ginger beer and fart bombs.

The boys arrive and they're off down the hill.

But not without a bit crazy bike antics before take off.

The girls and hungry dogs follow on the quad bike.

And dad and Lena stay close to the boys, just in case they get in trouble (as they tend to do).

And as suspected, dad was needed. Here he helps to restart a muddy-puddled bike.

Then we head the picnic spot. A little tree climbing first, then lunch.

The treasure hunt begins. But if you want chocolate, boys, then you'll have to learn to use a compass!

They got the chocolate in the end, and headed back to the house for a swim before cake...

Happy Birthday Hamish!

Often furniture and appliances are left to decay on farm sites. Here an old oven (is it?) is starting to look like it grew here.

This green cupboard is a photographer's delight. I like the balance created by the peeling door.

This is a beauty, I love seeing this stuff in the landscape. The light is perfect for this photograph and we can see this bizarre bus-bit (?) in context.

Steph's been following people at work on the farm. I like that the kids are doing their thing whilst the machine is in action dropping sheep dinner.

This is what I want to see more of! Interaction between Mingenew people. I like how so many people help each other out here, young and old, all pulling their weight (or learning about the job at hand).

For someone who hasn't seen a seeder.. this sure does look like an alien ship! Nicely cropped shot to really fill the frame up with its complex shapes. I like that we can see the little guy up there so we know just how big this baby is.