Community
23 July, 2026
Unleashing a creative wave
A SMALL group of local creatives is inviting likeminded people to turn whatever’s lying around their shed, garden or craft box into something wonderful in a bid to brighten winter.
The Mortlake and District Creative Wave is a free community initiative open to everyone within 60 kilometres of Mortlake, including Terang, Noorat, Caramut, Panmure and the many smaller towns and localities across the district.
The event has been launched by Mortlake and District Creatives, a grassroots not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to supporting creativity, strengthening community connections and celebrating artists, makers and creative people across the Mortlake district and surrounding region.
The initiative encourages participants to reuse and reimagine everyday materials already on hand, demonstrating creativity doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated.
There are no judges, no competition and no artistic experience required. Whether it’s a painted rock, a chalk drawing, a knitted creation, a sculpture, a poem, a song or something completely original, every contribution is welcome.
The initiative recently won support from the Fletcher Jones Family Foundation, following a creatives event hosted by Moyne Shire Council and Regional Arts Victoria earlier this year.
Nicole (surname withheld on request) from Mortlake and District Creatives said the project was designed to help the community feel closer, even while everyone creates in their own way and their own time.
“This is about bringing a bit of light and connection into the colder months,” she said.
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“You don’t need to be an artist and you don’t need anything fancy.
“All you need is an idea and the willingness to play full out.”
A creative gathering was held at Mac’s Hotel last Wednesday night to officially launch the creative wave, with in excess of 20 creatives joining together to discuss projects, share ideas and connect in a relaxed social setting.
Participants interested in being part of the Mortlake Creative Wave are invited to register their interest before Thursday, August 6, spend August bringing their ideas to life, and share their finished creations during the Creative Wave celebration from August 28–30 using the social media hashtag, #MortlakeCreativeWave.
Four $100 prizes will be drawn at random from participants, reinforcing the project’s focus on participation rather than competition – with works not being judged.
Nicole said organisers hope to see creative projects popping up across the district, from front gardens and shopfronts to schools, community groups and neighbourhood spaces, creating a colourful wave of creativity throughout the region.
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