New Artist in Residence 2025-26

Published on 11 August 2025

Dr Tamara Jordan - Edendale Community Environment Farm

A passionate visual storyteller, art educator, and wildlife carer, Eltham-based Dr Tamara Jordan will undertake her residency to develop a new children’s book exploring themes of coexistence, conservation, and sustainability.

Drawing on her experience as a wildlife carer, Tamara’s creative process will involve in-depth research into sustainable gardening practices at Edendale. Her aim is to inspire young readers through engaging stories that highlight environmental and wildlife welfare, while also offering practical, everyday actions for positive change.

Tamara will be based in the Edendale Homestead, where she’ll find creative inspiration in the surrounding farm, native animals, visiting community members, and the natural beauty of Edendale and its environment.

The Nillumbik Shire Council Artist in Residence Program offers unique opportunities for artists to immerse themselves in the Shire’s natural and cultural landscape, while developing new work and engaging with the local community.

Residencies will take place across four locations: Edendale Community Environment Farm, Baldessin Studio, Banyule Nillumbik Tech School, and Eltham Library in partnership with Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL).

Mayor John Dumaresq said that Nillumbik’s Artist in Residence Program continues to support diverse and exciting artistic practices that reflect our community’s rich cultural fabric.

“These residencies provide artists with the time, space and resources to grow their practice, while also creating opportunities for residents to connect with artwork that reflects the spirit of our Shire,” he said.

“We’re proud to support our local creatives. The unique stories they tell through their work becomes part of our cultural heritage. We look forward to seeing the creative outcomes that emerge from these residencies in the year ahead.”

For more information about the Artist in Residence Program, visit: nillumbik.vic.gov.au/AIR