Arts

Paul Simons is a genuine phenomenon. He is a charming, unassuming person, who is also a captain of industry ... this account of his life shows that when an opportunity presented itself, he had the courage and self-assurance to take it and do whatever he had to do.

Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) announced last Friday 7 February that a large crew, shooting for a Hollywood movie, will arrive to film in Castlemaine over the next week. Permits are still being finalised so not all details are available, but the council advised that a Liam Neeson movie called The Mongoose will be shot in the centre of town in streets including Lyttleton...

Madison Eastmond. The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) have collaborated with First Peoples of the River Murray and Mallee Region (FPRMMR) to develop a field guide on the plants and cultural significance of Riverland floodplains.

Jessica Lowe. Bellringing, also known as campanology, is a unique form of music. I always enjoyed hearing the bells ringing from St Andrews Anglican Cathedral when I lived in Lismore ...

"Life Without Me" is written by the much-awarded Australian playwright Daniel Keene. It is a funny, honest and heartwarming story that invites us to question life itself, or at least our own.

The appetite for community art workshops continues to grow in Buloke, offering a much-needed escape from busy, always-on lifestyles ... In December, Charlton artist Bronwyn Fisher’s decoupage sessions in Nullawil and Nandaly attracted participants of all ages...

Adair Dunsford. Naracoorte artist, Lisa Caon is the first to exhibit in 2025 in the New Talent Art Space at the Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery. Her exhibition entitled “I See You Wave” features seascapes and mosaics inspired by Lisa’s lifelong association with Robe which began with childhood stays at the coastal town with her grandparents.

Narrandera Camera Club has kicked off again week with interest growing following its successful photo exhibition "Our Patch in Focus" at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery ... The display showcases 135 beautiful photos by the club’s photographers capturing the essence of the Riverina.

Gai Pritchett. Two of Yamba’s talented artist’s, Jillian Bowles and Belinda Laurie, have joined forces to bring a vibrant and colourful exhibition to The Old Kirk Gallery at Yamba Museum.

New resident to Donald, Lara Dormain has joined the shared shop with her business, “Take a seat with Lara”. Lara creates custom made art noveau designer chairs.

A new pictorial guide to wetland birds of north-east Victoria is now available to help for people to get to know their local birdlife. There are 52 species of wetland birds featured in the guide including 14 threatened species.

The 2025 Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) were held in Tamworth on January 25, with Clarence Valley country music star and proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man Troy Cassar-Daley one of the most celebrated artists on the night. Cassar-Daley won five Golden Guitars, bringing his total to a record 45.

Heather Fleming. A new book detailing the story of the Modern Merino sheep in Australia was launched at the Grampians Estate Cellar Door at Great Western last weekend. "Collinsville and Beyond: a pastoral history of the Modern Merino," was written by Chris Guthrie, well known breeder, classer and consultant from Rich Avon, near Donald.

Christine Webster. A Waikerie dance group featuring 12 women over the age of 60 is entertaining the community and keeping physically and mentally fit by taking part in weekly classes. The Waikerie Golden Girls Dance Troupe was formed after retired dance teacher Pam Tink started running classes for seniors at the local CWA Hall about three years ago.

Born in Wales, Paul spent his early childhood years amidst the rigours of the Great Depression... A career in the British Merchant Navy took him to all corners of the globe ... Settling in Australia, he took a job at the bottom of the rung of Woolworths, rising through the ranks to become perhaps its most successful CEO. When retirement should have beckoned, a third career as a Superfine Merino woolgrower has occupied Paul to the present day.

This February, the Wycheproof Railway Station will transform into a space of storytelling, healing, and connection as part of the “Visions of Tomorrow” workshops and exhibition. Guided by Gunditjmara and Wotjobaluk artist Tanisha Lovett and Barkindji Ngiyampaa Maligundidj artist Tracy Wise, the “Visions of Tomorrow” initiative provides up to ten participants with an opportunity to explore artistic traditions, reflecting on their own connections and local history.

Serena Kirby. One of Denmark artist Peter Usher’s paintings has been selected for Leeuwin Estate’s Art Series wine labels. Peter joins the ranks of other leading Australian artists to appear on the labels that includes works by John Olsen, Arthur Boyd, Sir Sidney Nolan, Robert Juniper and Clifton Pugh.

One of the Clarence Valley’s most promising musical talents, Sumira Mahoney will say farewell to the region with a special concert including family and friends titled ‘Text Me Back’ at the Harwood Hall on January 31, before she leaves to study musical theatre in Sydney.

Sarah Brehaut. On Saturday 9th November the Dunoon Sports Club was pleased to host the Dunoon Music Festival, proudly sponsored by Planet Music. With seven bands lined up for the day, a sound engineer, volunteers galore, food vans scattered out the back and Anna’s Greek Kitchen fully stocked for the day what could possibly have gone wrong?

Twenty-five finalists were selected from over 80 entries, showcasing the incredible diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistic expression ... The $10,000 Koori Mail Art Award was won by Penny Evans for 'The Elephant' 2024.

Joanna Tucker. Self-taught Wallaroo artist Debbie Seater has her art projected on the iconic Karoonda Silos in the Murray Mallee for all of January. Her eleven artworks have been created in multiple mediums —which is not uncommon for Ms Seater.