Deer Park exhibition puts western suburbs in sharp focus

Click of the West is a celebration of one man’s 27-year exploration of the changes and developments in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Long-time Sunshine resident Des Johnson is the man behind an exhibition open at the Hunt Club Community Arts Centre in Deer Park until May 9.

Johnson’s love for photography began as a child but he began taking his art more seriously in the 1980s after he was diagnosed with heart problems.

“The doctor at the Footscray hospital told me I needed to exercise, walk more, so I bought a camera and started photographing and walking,” Johnson says.

His collection of more than 5000 photos is of considerable local significance. Over the years, he has captured the faces of Sunshine through times of great change.

Johnson’s favourite photo was taken early in the 1990s at Kororoit Creek, Deer Park. He donated this photo to the Footscray hospital.

“I don’t ever want my photographs sold or involved with money. Art is about so much more than that,” he says.

The exhibition is one of Brimbank council’s contributions to Heritage Week, which continues until Sunday.