History corner and book review
The History Society has received a copy of a book "Mining Towns and Schools in Outback NSW’, "dedicated to the men, women and children who endured tremendous social and physical hardships in outback NSW during the 1800’s and first half of the 1900’s". Author John Selwood compiled the book after a 40 year teaching career, which started at a one teacher school at Afterlee…
Nearly there
White Cliffs artist Jenny Hayes is getting close to the finish of the mural on the long side wall of the White Cliffs Hotel. Jenny said it took a long while to gather the material for the design, relying on family and local residents memories, old papers and historical documents along with research into the variety of dinosaurs that once inhabited this region.
Record amount of Hokey Pokey fun during 2024 Grafton Jacaranda Festival
They put their right feet, left feet, right arms, left arms, heads, knees, shoulders, elbows, and bottoms in, and they shook them all about, they did the Hokey Pokey and they turned around, and that’s what it was all about as hundreds of participants attempted to set a new record for the biggest Hokey Pokey in Australian history during the 2024 Grafton Jacaranda Festival.
Rare glimpse into a wonderland
Shades of Gray is a magical, metal garden wonderland that is only open for a few weeks each year ... at the intersection of Farnsworth and Brown Streets in Castlemaine … a detailed and quirky ‘Chook House’ filled to the rafters (literally) with metal chickens. “This will break the internet!” he laughed, posing beside Romeo the rooster.
From “The Voice” to Mt. Wycheproof Cup: Elias Lanyon’s anthemic debut
In some exciting news for live music fans, Boort singing sensation Elias Lanyon will be a special guest at the 2024 Elders Mt. Wycheproof Cup Day this weekend to perform the National Anthem prior to the staging of the Elders Mt. Wycheproof Cup.
Liadaan’s magical mystery garden tour
Nancy Whittaker. Liadaan has created a magical garden just down the road from the Maldon CBD ... Within the garden there is an outdoor gallery full of trailing plants in hanging baskets, ceramics and mixed media sculptures, together with oil on linen paintings of flowers and fruit. Just in time to complement the Festival of Gardens.
Family dream comes to the screen
The story of an American father and his two sons who swam Australia’s longest river, the Murray, is now available for streaming in Australia ... ‘Take Your Dream’ was made by the Helmick family ... The film features their 120-day swim down the Murray from Corryong, through Lake Hume and Lake Alexandrina, eventually ending at the mouth of the river in Goolwa, South Australia.
Indigenous art collaboration
Students at Leitchville Preschool have a new art installation to admire, and it’s one they can be proud to say they have been a part of ... Tobie Cameron, a Kalkatungu man, was commissioned to paint the artwork, and visited the preschool to discuss the concept, design and process with students and staff, and to guide them through their involvement.
Wiregrass project update
The Kaniva and District Progress Association’s Wiregrass Heritage Trail project is progressing well, combining art, history, and community input to bring Australian social history to life. The project launched in July 2023 with an initial community meeting to gather local input, followed by the start of video storytelling, capturing the community’s connection to the trail’s history.
A day of familiar difference at multicultural festival
Daniel Puentes. We may all march to the beat of our own drums, but this day showed just how well those drums fit together, and how community comes from the harmony of us all. From the moment I arrived at the festival held at Donald’s Memorial Park to the minute I left, this event left me filled with community spirit.
I Feel Alive and Can’t Complain wins major prize for artist who grew up as an ‘army brat’
The winners were announced at the Coraki Art Prize Gala Night at the Coraki Youth Hall ... Organiser Tanya Alderman said there were more than 100 youth entries. Best in Show went to Hollie McKenzie from Whian Whian for her artwork I Feel Alive but Can’t Complain. She won $2000 sponsored by Casino RSM Club.
Morton and Lucashenko in conversation about controversial new book
Researching the Robodebt controversy couldn’t have been easy – journalist Rick Morton faced the challenge and wrote a book about it. Morton will discuss his new book Mean Streak in a special conversation with author Melissa Lucashenko in Kyogle...
Our top snapper!
Kybybolite Football Club’s Noel Black is South Australia’s Community Sports Photographer of the Year. Black, commonly known as Blackie, was bestowed with the award at the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Community Volunteers Awards ... in the William Magarey Room at Adelaide Oval, with more than 300 attendees.
Wagga artist to deliver exhibition using horse poo and weeds
...an art exhibition made from horse poo and priority weeds of the Riverina by local emerging artist Emily Shannon at the Station Creative Workspace. CULTIVATE is an innovative and experimental depiction of some of the most vulnerable plants from the Box Gum Grassy Woodland (BGGW) ecological community.
Film had a profound effect
A compelling feature film that seeks to initiate and deepen conversations around mental health particularly within the agricultural community, was screened to nearly 100 people at the Corryong Youth Club Hall last Friday evening. Leila McDougall, scriptwriter, lead actress and co-producer of ‘Just a Farmer’ - based around the community of a farming family who lose husband and father to suicide - spoke afterwards...
Piano takes pride of place
A time-travelling piano extravaganza with songs that span centuries will be performed in Corryong this Saturday ... a one-of-a-kind musical journey ... Damon Smith’s Piano-Palooza, an innovative and educational piano-centric showcase that will leave you mesmerised.
Natimuk hosts a vibrant weekend of art: Open studios, film, and cultural celebrations on November 2-3
This November 2-3, the charming town of Natimuk will transform into a hub of creativity with a series of exciting art events presented by local arts organisation ACT Natimuk. The Natimuk Open Studios Art Trail invites the public to explore local artists’ studios, engage with their work, and discover the diverse visual arts scene that Natimuk has to offer.
Prof Milburn brings local tales to life: Turning pages telling stories
In a celebration of community and creativity, Prof Milburn prepares to launch his book, capturing the heart and history of Wycheproof. After many years of diligently researching the history of Wycheproof and the district, Allan ‘Prof’ Milburn thought it was time to share all the stories from his journey.
Full of heart: The community choir with a big impact
Kate Hill. The night is young, the wine is flowing and drifting out from the main stage of the Coonawarra Soldiers Memorial Hall is the sound of twelve singers belting out the classic Let’s Put the Rooster in the Stew. "We’re pretty rough and ready - definitely one of a kind," said Coonawarra Community Choir Leader and Joanna resident Anne Woodard, with a laugh.
Participatory arts program coming to Narrandera
The Cad Factory, National Museum of Australia and Petaurus Education Group are delighted to announce the launch of the River Country tour in Narrandera this month. River Country explores the cultural, creative and spiritual connections with Murray-Darling rivers and wetlands.
Lockhart flagship event Spirit of the Land never fails to amaze
Sean Cunningham. Lockhart's Spirit of the Land Festival was hailed as a "highly successful" event once again last weekend. Held in Lockhart on the second weekend in October each year, Spirit of the Land is an annual festival which attracted a large crowd of locals and visitors.
Review – Opportunity Makes the Man: The Labours of John Alexander Gunn
This wonderful book introduces a man who was a true hero. He defeated the dragon of anthrax, found a pot of gold, married a beautiful maiden, encountered a demon and died at the peak of his powers. Anthrax is a ferocious beast: in the 1880s it could kill 500 sheep in one day ... The story is brilliantly told in Peter Symes's biography of Gunn.
