'Reach out and touch somebody's hand, make this world a better place if you can.' The lyrics in this song famously sung by Diana Ross are poignant when it comes to connecting with our community. We should never underestimate a simple smile, kind word or a warm embrace. It's time to put our mobile phones down and take the time to connect with each other before it's too late...

Although her body was slowing failing her, Helen found almost daily joy in taking slow strolls down our street, through the community, to the local park. She would often socialise with neighbours and photograph local flora and fauna en route. I was always amased by her incredible ability to relish and capture the nature beauty surrounding her, especially in the midst of personal chaos. Like so many, the eventually of death brought clarity and focus. Her presence and perspectives were gifts to us all.

This is a celebration of my home town and how I have found myself in a community that creates and sustains an environment that enables people to explore the possibilities of their lives. This image is constructed from things I value in my community. A sense of place and interconnectedness, history and story telling. It also reflects that when we are born into strong communities that strength stays with us wherever we find ourselves in the world.

~ In your absence, your presence is vast. In your absence, I push the sky to the edges. ~ We are all beginners at death. As a community, let us embrace this knowledge and walk together with death.

I painted this old tree, a year before it died. Then 2 years later, the owner, dear friend, Brian, was diagnosed with cancer. Brian's best friend and I, drove from NSW to SA to take care of him in the last weeks of his life. Unexpectedly, I have become a companion to many in those last weeks of life. My spiritual life has expanded expodentially because of these amazing opportunities to feel more, deep love in my heart. I am very blessed to share many special moments, where nothing really matters, except truth and love.

The phrase "Connecting with Community," sounds so easy, but for those living in isolation just the thought of leaving the safety of home is an impossible task. The girl in the image has her back turned away from us, and gives the impression of turning away from the community, but perhaps it's community that has turned away from her.