Women of the LMRIA share their flood stories
An exhibition at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery celebrates a group of local women who banded together after the 2022-23 floods.
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An exhibition opening at the Murray Bridge art gallery has focused on a group of inspirational rural women who come together after the impact of the 2022-23 floods.
Rise from the Overflow follows the journey of six women of the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area (LMRIA): Mollie Jones, Kylie Hunt, Alex Westlake, Vicki Jones, Kate Bartlett and Kathryn Rothe.
Narelle Zanker, who recently won young farmer of the year at the South Australian Dairy Awards, also joined the event's panel.
The LMRIA is comprised of 170 kilometres of levee protecting the reclaimed floodplains from Mannum to Wellington.
The founder of Women of the LMRIA, Ms Westlake, started the project as a response to the vital need for social networking and wellbeing.
"It was the first important step to unifying our community during times of great challenge and grief," she said.
"This project actively contributes to the disaster response and recovery space in unique ways that are not offered through any other agency or support network."
Ellie Marinakis was the photographer responsible for the amazing photos that captured the stories and families of LMRIA women.
The exhibition offers large-scale photographs and biographical video works.
Ellie Marinakis' portraits capture moments in the lives of Kathryn Rothe, Kate Bartlett, Vicki Jones, Alex Westlake, Kylie Hunt, Mollie Jones and their families. Photos: Ellie Jade Photography.
Journalist turned farmer Angela Good suggested a rebrand of the group might get more media attention and support.
"We've well and truly reclaimed the land back ... this may help reinvigorate the project by giving it a new image," she said.
The project was jointly funded by the state government under the disaster recovery funding arrangements.
Kylie Hunt and her daughter Hayley pose in front of their own photograph while the women of the LMRIA chat at Sunday's event. Photos: Liana Webster.
Gallery director Fulvia Mantelli said one of the things that struck her about the project was the deep love and care it took to create it.
"This is a conversation that we really need to continue to build, and get the message across to the city," she said.
"It wasn't until I spoke more with Alex, read their stories, that I understood what the land went through.
"They're superheroes in our community."
- See the exhibition: Visit Murray Bridge Regional Gallery before 4pm on Sunday, September 7.
- Read more: Mollie Jones | Kylie Hunt | Alex Westlake | Vicki Jones | Kate Bartlett | Kathryn Rothe
- More information: www.elliejadephotography.com.au.
Correction: The spelling of Ms Marinakis' surname has been corrected.
