There's no prescribed age for being a writer, and candles on a cake don't govern creativity. Monash Council's Poetic Portraits project is living proof.
Delivered in partnership with RMIT University, this unique intergenerational project brings together 20 Monash residents from all walks of life to showcase their poetry and portraits in an inspiring, accessible exhibition.
From emerging leaders to first-time published writers in their nineties, the 20 participants span different generations, cultures and life experiences.
The result is a project that highlights the power of creativity to build connections, reduce barriers, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Exhibition gives voice to poems
Poetic Portraits takes centre stage at Monash Seniors Festival throughout October, with exhibitions at Mount Waverley Village Shopping Centre and a new dedicated gallery space in the foyer of Oakleigh Library.
Designed with accessibility in mind, each exhibition space includes QR codes linking visitors to audio recordings of the poets reading their work. This feature invites everyone to experience the poems as they were meant to be heard – in the voices of their creators – making the exhibition more inclusive and engaging.
The poems and portraits have also been collected in a custom published book for the participants to keep.
Monash Mayor Cr Paul Klisaris praised Poetic Portraits "a shining example of what we want the Seniors Festival to achieve".
"It celebrates creativity, fosters connections across generations, and underscores the importance of valuing older voices. It beautifully reflects the Seniors Festival theme of 'Connect, Create, Celebrate'," said Cr Klisaris.
The project launched Monash Seniors Festival on Tuesday 1 October 2025 at Huntingdale Golf Course, attracting more than 170 people for live poetry and the unveiling of the poets' works. The event marked the start of a month-long celebration of older adults' contributions to Monash.
Meet Helen, first-time published writer at 94
At 94 years old, long-time Glen Waverley resident Helen Cobb is the embodiment of the project's goals.
"I mostly started writing poems when I was 50. Writing little poems and thoughts," she says.
Ever modest, Helen says she doesn't see her writing as drawing on big literary themes, but as a journal of the everyday and the people and places that matter most in her life. "I'm no Shelley, I'm no Wordsworth. I write poems, not poetry. I call it kitchen sink poetry."
New mum finds connection and creative outlet
New mother Michelle Pan never dared believe she'd be a poet, despite her interest in the medium. Until she saw a poster promoting Poetic Portraits.
"It can be isolating and challenging for new mothers, and I am so happy that the council has offered this great opportunity for me to connect with more like-minded people in my community and learn something new," she says.
Now she embraces poetry as a chance to express her creativity and explore the world as she sees and feels it. "You need to express yourself as a human being," she says. "I want to exactly capture that moment. If something really touches you, you will remember it and you really want to revisit it."
Gallery
