Wednesday, 17 June 2026

 John PESUTTO (Hawthorn) (10:34): Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Hawthorn Artist Society. For more than 40 years the society has been a fixture of our local community, providing a welcoming home for artists of all ages and abilities from its studios beneath the Hawthorn Arts Centre. Run by artists for artists, the society offers classes, workshops, exhibitions and open studio sessions that bring people together, foster lifelong learning and create meaningful social connections through a shared love of art. In an age where many people are experiencing isolation and disconnection, organisations such as the Hawthorn Artist Society play an important role beyond being a creative outlet. May I place on record my thanks to David Bailey, Kirsten Tarry-Smith, David MacLeod, Graham Hubbard, Jim Moody and Tony Ericson for their tireless commitment and service to art in Hawthorn.