The Line Through Brunswick is an extended documentary project using words and photographs to capture and celebrate everyday moments, shared journeys and the character of the neighbourhoods connected by the Upfield train line and bike path. Conceived by local writer and poet Kevin Brophy, who worked with photographer Nicholas Walton-Healey, the project developed over a three-year period (January 2023-March 2026), eventuating in an exhibition at the Brunswick Neighbourhood House.

While focussing on Brunswick’s 3.5km of rail soon to be absorbed into the existing northern Sky Rail project, the project extended beyond the initial parameters of Park Street and Moreland Road. Supported by the Merri-bek Council, and overseen by the Brunswick Community History Group, the conversation between poet and photographer formed one of two project parts; the second evolving through the encounters shared with different people along the line. The portrait photograph and narratives resulting from this process led the poet and photographer to see that the line plaits along its length the lives of artists, gardeners, orchardists, parkland protectors, bicycle mechanics, bar and café owners, walkers, commuters and cyclists – everywhere showing the marks of its history.

The project was supported through the publication of two articles in the Brunswick Voice (available here and here). The short video above was commissioned by the Merri-bek Council to screen in the public projection spaces of Michelle Gugliemo Park and Coburg Library during and after the exhibition.

ABOVE: Photo of Nick and Kevin by Mark Phillips of the Brunswick Voice