7News feature | Lost Collective

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Samantha Brett from 7News Sydney about Lost Collective and the work I’ve been doing for over a decade.

It was a surreal experience—being in front of the camera rather than behind it—but a great chance to share the story behind Lost Collective, why I do what I do, and what draws me to these forgotten places.

Correcting the Record

In the feature, I was mistakenly introduced as a former builder, but for accuracy’s sake, I was actually a Fitter and Turner by trade. My career began in heavy industry, working in places like power stations, mines, refineries, and manufacturing plants—often in environments most people would never see. Those experiences shaped my appreciation for industrial spaces and, in many ways, led to what became Lost Collective.

Behind the Scenes of the Feature

For the story, Samantha and I visited a couple of locations that have played a big role in Lost Collective: Eveleigh Paint Shop and Callan Park. These were not just convenient choices; they were sites that have fascinated me for years and remain some of my most popular works.

Eveleigh Paint Shop is a place steeped in history—part of the original Eveleigh Railway Workshops, where generations of workers once built and maintained Sydney’s trains. The layers of paint, the industrial machinery, and the remnants of its past make it an incredible space to photograph.

Callan Park, on the other hand, is a place that carries a different kind of history. As a former psychiatric hospital, its corridors hold stories of both hardship and hope. The architecture, the aging interiors, and the sense of time standing still make it one of the most compelling locations I’ve ever explored.

The Experience of Being on National TV

I won’t lie—I was nervous. Being in front of a camera is a different experience from being behind one, and I was very self-conscious about how I came across. Even now, I’ve only watched the segment once. I hate hearing my own voice and seeing myself on screen, which is ironic considering how much time I spend documenting other people’s stories through photography.

But overall, it was a great experience. It gave me a chance to reflect on Lost Collective, share the passion behind it, and introduce more people to the project.

Watch the Feature

You can watch the full interview on 7News Sydney here.

Looking Ahead

This feature was a great reminder of how Lost Collective has grown over the years. What started as a personal passion—documenting forgotten spaces—has become a way to preserve history, share stories, and connect with people who have a deep connection to these places.

There’s still so much to explore, document, and share. Whether it’s through new photography collections, exhibitions, or future collaborations, Lost Collective will continue evolving.

If you’re new to Lost Collective, explore the galleries and discover the places that tell the hidden stories of our past.