Dancing A Jig With Dad

Matthew Harding, renowned steel, stone and wood sculptor has an extraordinary body of work in Australia and overseas. Tragically, Matthew ended his life on 22 February 2018. Local residents, with the support of Matthew’s partner Freya, have decided to develop a community art installation in the Trent Creek Reserve, Trentham where Matthew lived and worked. The key objectives of this project are: • To ensure that Matthew Harding’s artistic legacy is not only recognised around Australia and overseas but also in his home town, Trentham. • To raise awareness of the high rate of suicide among men in regional areas.

This project will provide a ‘contemplative space’ for people to remember and celebrate Matthew Harding’s life and work.

In addition, it will serve as a ‘healing space’ for Matthew’s extensive network of friends to grieve their loss and to contemplate the mental health needs of so many people, and in particular, men in regional areas.

And finally, the installation will be an ongoing confirmation to Matthew’s partner and four children of the Trentham community’s respect and pride in their partner and father, respectively.