Project Producer

Rachael
www.monumentmarketing.com.au
I created Taxi Project because I have heard so many wonderful taxi driver stories, insights and philosophies and I want to see them captured in words and images. Taxi drivers have a unique insight into life and are able to reflect us back to ourselves. Taxi Project is a privilege to bring into creation.

Editor

Deanne
www.wordsby.com.au
I was hooked on Taxi Project from the first moment. After all, how often are you invited to help collect the stories of Melbourne’s greatest story collectors – cabbies? I am a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the extraordinary stories of the seemingly ordinary lives of people around me.

Writers

Violeta
www.viletters.com.au
I got involved with Taxi Project because I’m a great believer in the power of stories to humanise us. Stories are the antidote to the objectification that drives division among people. Plus they’re so damned interesting.

Greg
I wanted to get involved in Taxi Project because I wanted to learn more about writing, and also the idea of interviewing people has for a long time interested me.

Nadine
www.nadinecranenburgh.com
Each taxi ride I’ve taken has brought a memorable conversation, whether it was parenting advice or a short lesson in Hindi or Thai. I live in Ballarat, so I’m particularly interested in the tales of regional cabbies.

Abby
I am involved with Taxi Project because I believe that taxi drivers perform a great service to all of us and so many take that service for granted. I want to share taxi driver stories with our community to help generate respect for this great group of people!

Deryn
As a cyclist, my experience of taxi drivers hasn’t always been positive – they just get too close sometimes! But then, I’ve seen cyclists do some pretty stupid things too. Getting it right comes down to respecting each other on the road. I think that’s what this project is about – building respect by listening to the stories of the people we share the road with.

Stella
I am a writer, filmmaker and counsellor and love being involved in collaborative projects. I have a strong interest in migrants and migration issues, and find Taxi Project a delightful and important exercise in tracking diversity in Victoria.

Ben
I have always been interested in people, and taxi drivers are definitely interesting! I’m excited by this opportunity to share with the public the stories of these drivers and their lives behind the wheel.

Kimberley
I have always been inclined to jump in the front seat and get to know the person behind the wheel.

Amie
I am taking part in Taxi Project because I believe that Victorian taxi drivers are an integral part of our society. Their stories are fascinating, touching and are finally going to be put into print for everyone to appreciate.

Jill
I believe taxi drivers are the storytellers of our history at the grass roots level on the streets. They have an insight into human nature that most of us will never experience. I am inspired to be part of a group giving voice to these stories.

Sharon
www.summerfilmschool.com
I am totally fascinated by people and why they do the things they do and love working collaboratively, especially with Rachael.

Paul
As a freelance writer, it was only natural that I would want to take part in this great project to document the lives of taxi drivers, many of whom have fascinating stories of their own to tell. It is our job as writers to enable stories that so often go unheard, to be shared by as many people as possible.

Chris
I wanted to do Taxi Project because I am a closet people-freak and I also want to be a writer when I grow up.

Photographers

Simon
www.simonbirch.com.au
Through working on this project I get to capture each taxi driver’s story in a way that offers insight into their lives. Engaging with taxi drivers is like taking a trip around the world and an insight into our own culture and community in Victoria. No other profession mixes with people from so many walks of life.

Christopher
www.flickr.com/people/deerekit
I want to see and show how taxi drivers work, on the road or in the depot, waiting for the shift to start or winding down when it has come to an end. Taxis are all about place and distance: where they set out, where they arrive, and how they are able to make it happen for so many people who need to be somewhere else, soon.

Maurizio
www.newterrain.net
One of the scenes I like in films is when a complete stranger jumps inside a taxi and shouts “follow that car”. I always wondered what the drivers think when that happens. I am very interested in the social and cultural aspects of Taxi Project and the opportunity to photographically narrate the drivers’ stories.

Sudeep
www.ABoyNameSue.com
Life is a journey like taking a ride in a taxi. The meter just keeps a-ticking to the beat of your heart. Whether you have a destination in mind, or are just standing still; alone or with the best of company – remember to enjoy the ride. You hold the passport to your life, to the world, to tomorrow. It’s a privilege to contribute to and capture society, the community, in projects like this one.

Digital

Alex
www.etchgroup.com
I have had many an interesting chat in taxis, before and after being involved in this project. It takes all types and I am proud to be involved in such a collaborative project.

Commercial Advice

Peter
The taxi industry has always been a controversial and sometimes political topic because of its potential to influence perceptions about a city. Taxi Project offers a potential economic upside in positioning Victoria and is worthy of continuing support.

Support Team

Bettina
www.bettinaguthridge.com.au
I am working on Taxi Project because I am so inspired by the untold stories behind the beautiful faces of some of these men and women and I would love the world to know where they have come from and the tales they could tell.

Stephen
I believe in finding something bigger than myself to be involved in. Taxi Project is a way for me to help someone else. Taxi drivers are so widely maligned that I’m sure I have subconscious prejudices toward them. I want to challenge those prejudices head on.

Mick
I was inspired to be part of Taxi Project by Rachael who has a great vision for the project and the passion and energy to make it happen. Taxi Project not only celebrates an important group of people in our community, it also aims to raise money for Very Special Kids. Two thumbs up!

Priyanka
www.coconoir.com.au
Taxi drivers are the pulse of Melbourne, helping us all reach our destinations in a time of need. Acknowledging them for the wonderful service they provide and sharing their personal stories is an absolute pleasure. Helping Rachael achieve her vision is an added bonus!

Luke
When I was told about Taxi Project, I knew I was signing up for something new and exciting. Taxi drivers have so many interesting and wonderful stories to share. Bringing them to the public’s attention has been an exciting experience.

Shane
Having driven a cab many years ago I understand how tough and thankless and just plain surreal the experience can be. Knowing what I know, from my short stint, I/m sure there’s got to be some great stories out there.

Wendy
I volunteered on Taxi Project because I once met a lovely black bearded taxi driver who told me how to cook spinach with lentils.