What is your connection to the landscapes of the Scenic Rim? How do you feel about this place where we live, work, play or visit?
If you could write a love letter to these landscapes what would you say?
Here’s what people have been saying at our community workshops at the Arts in the Olives and World Environment Day Festivals during 2011…
“The sound of running water pulsing over rocks, wooing you anywhere you are willing to go…Cedar Creek Falls” Sheralyn
“Enjoyed the nature…of the kind people, of the surrounds and the art…thanks” Janice
“Trees are alive, give life and air – they create such an atmosphere!”
“I like the sound of the running river…I like the sound of the sea.”
“I can’t be without trees!”
“A great artwork for a beautiful area. So scenic and peaceful. God’s Country.”
“I loved the opportunity to ‘brush’ with a community landscape in action, thanks.”
“I loved the blending of the colours.” Penny
“I love this place: so relaxing, mountains are gorgeous, art workshops were fab!”
“I decided to live in this region when, as a teenager, I came from Adelaide for a holiday at Binna Burra and was utterly captivated by the rainforest. Lived at Running Creek for over 30 years now and still love it. Good to see the district celebrated through the arts and I enjoyed contributing.”
“I love the sound of the creek and the songs of the birds; it makes me feel so relaxed.” Rachael
“The changing colours of the hills and mountains.”
“I enjoy the beautiful views.” Annette
“The community spirit and genuine acceptance of everyone.” Carollyn
“Living in harmony with nature and a friendly community.” Pam and Tony
“It is a beautiful and creative atmosphere, eveloped by a passionate community, making a remarkable difference in the world.” Annaleah
“Love the mountains every day, clear days, misty days – I gaze out from home and never tire of the beauty of where I live.” Hazel
“My (and your) land – doesn’t get any better than that.” Douglas
“Our land scape is just amazing.” Aenya and Zoe
“What’s not to love? Nothing like driving home along a scenic route, mountains and a perfect sunset. I love Boonah!” Simone
“Driving over the hill coming into town…gives the sense of ‘coming home’ seeing the town nestled in the valley against the beautiful mountains. Awesome sight!” Karen
“Cool frosty mornings with the sun sparkling on the grass, watching the mist slowly burn away…the clear, pale golden winter sun in the late afternoon and how the land goes still…I could write a book about what I love!” Arwyn
“Peach-orange glows on rugged mountain peaks as the sun rises and sets. The clear blue skies in May with white puffs of cloud. Open rolling hills surrounded by large moutainous massiffs.” Innes
the rim art and ecology 
Mountain Timekeeper
What stories do you hold
in each piece of rock,
each speck of soil?
The grassy pockets
whisper up dread; sighing, bending til breaking
as white feet blunder,
scattering fragments of ancient taboos
Dishonouring crumbles your shield
down the sharp escarpments of us all
Boogah Boogah, time is visible
in your rocky veins
strong against the blue
Layers of dreamtime lore
grasp skywards
calling respect,
Repeat your knowledge.
Does the rain, cry away your pain?
Does the bobbing wattle full of
folly and golden good humour
split smiles in your granite-like armour?
Will entwined arms
black and white,
fleshy barriers of sense and resolve
pressing cardboard banners against the blade,
keep safe the land below your weeping shadow of
doubt and bewilderment?
Will this invasion of strangling, criss-crossed pipes
piercing drills, puncturing the
Land for the next energy fix, the next shoot up,
be the epitaph of addiction scratched onto
our children’s futures?
Stories, zephyrs of hope are gathering stronger.
Brown and blue eyes, hearts in love,
voices becoming one courageous song, one triumphant story
chant the rhythms of peace below the sun,
around your rim of strength
Thank you for your poem Sara. There is no more important time to be writing our love for these landscapes and asking our heartfelt questions.