Together from Mountain to Mouth

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Bellarine Times, Australia
written by Jessica Nicol 09/05/2018

The third biennial Mountain to Mouth event saw walkers follow the lead sculpture Canoe (created by Ocean Grove artist Kerrie Bedson in collaboration with US-based artist Leslie Pearson) from the You Yangs to Barwon Heads.

WALKERS from across Victoria converged on the City of Greater Geelong and the Borough of Queenscliffe as part of the third biennial Mountain to Mouth (M2M) event.

M2M is an extreme 80-kilometre arts walk that draws thousands of people to take part in three main ceremonies, the gathering of the Elders at Big Rock; the gathering of the city as part of Geelong After Dark and on Saturday night, the gathering of the elements on the Barwon Heads foreshore.

Walkers followed the lead sculpture Canoe (created by Ocean Grove artist Kerrie Bedson in collaboration with US-based artist Leslie Pearson) from the You Yangs to Barwon Heads; Canoe was a commission made possible by Deakin University.

Following tradition, the walk culminated in the burning of Canoe, sent out to sea on the Meme, named in honour of founding artistic director Meme McDonald.

Mayor Bruce Harwood said the event managed to showcase a different side of Geelong.

“The weather certainly didn’t dampen spirits and Mountain to Mouth once again proved to be one of our most community-spirited events, showcasing a unique side of Geelong,” Cr Harwood said.

“Thank you to all of the supporters that enable this award-winning event to take place and congratulations to the hardworking officers at the City, whose commitment delivers an exceptional experience for the community.”

In keeping with the 2018 theme, artistic director Margie Mackay wove a narrative of hope for the earth; that which sustains; that which nourishes; and that which heals.

The nine songline stations and the three ceremonies embodied Mackay’s ethos and in turn, further consolidated the foundation of this multi-award-winning event.