Arts

I’ve read a number of books that delve into issues surrounding Australian food production and it’s fair to say that I found Jill Griffiths’ book What’s For Dinner? the easiest one to digest (pun intended). Jill is a biologist and journalist who’s been writing about the environment and agriculture for more than three decades and her book is a blend of science, history and lived experience.

From the case of the stolen cat flap, to missing lollipops and exploding chocolate milk in a country supermarket, to a custody dispute over a camel - Jamelle Wells has seen the lighter and quirky side of outback courts but has also witnessed the harsh, dark, and petty side of outback life - including the high rates of Indigenous incarceration, alcohol-related and domestic violence.

Colour is uppermost in the mind when you view Craig Gough’s latest exhibition, which is on show at Cascade Art. The exhibition was officially opened by Linden New Art Director and CEO Dr Vincent Alessi last Saturday.

The annual Easter Rotary of Kerang Art Show took place over the long weekend ... The Gannawarra Shire Acquisition Award went to Jan Lawler for her oil/acrylic painting of a kingfisher.

The first topic in the Group’s 2024 competition was "Reflections" and entries were of a very high standard. So readers grab a coffee, sit down and study these creative photos.

People who love dogs often love gardens, and often, keeping mental peace while loving the two can be fraught. Many people have written stories about the perils of dogs and plants ... Doctor Seuss ... Banjo Paterson wrote a poem called “A dog’s mistake” ... Pam Ayres also struck trouble ... Enter Agnes…

Kevin Markwell. Workers involved in the refurbishment of Kyogle Memorial Hall have made an incredible discovery. When they pulled out an old timber cupboard in one of the dressing rooms, they discovered an old notebook sitting among the rat nests and dust.

A packed crowd made sure they did not miss Australian country music icon Chad Morgan’s final ever show at Gowrie Little Plain Hall last weekend.

Nobby State School is very appreciative to Mrs Bowe from Clifton who kindly donated a piano ... This piano is a communal walk-by piano. The children are having the most wonderful time playing it, learning about how pianos work and making some fabulous tunes.

Artwork born from the ashes of the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires will be on public display in Corryong during the upcoming bush festival ... three local artists - Gayle Lee, Gillian Fahle and Ronda Teakel ... All three artists live and work on their cattle farms, which were severely affected by the bushfires.

Shaun Hollis. A decorated RAAF officer who commissioned a painting to commemorate the moment which inspired his naming of the iconic Boeing E-7A Wedgetail defence force aeroplane said he could not be happier with the result. The painting, by Minlaton artist Mark Short, depicts a wedge-tailed eagle taking flight.

Kerry Munns, whose happy abstract art adorns people as well as walls, moved with her family to Cowalla from Beacon about 10 years ago ... As well as turning her paintings into wearable art, Mrs Munns sells her original artworks, opens up her art studio for abstract painting workshops and holds plein air painting classes on her property, alongside the Moore River.

Diana Thurgood’s first novel Second Chance started its life as a short story back in 2011. After years of the story sitting silently to one side Diana later expanded on the original manuscript and submitted it to a publishing house for consideration.   To her delight she was offered a publishing deal ... From her property in the Blue Mountains, Diana spoke with Australian Rural and Regional News contributor, Serena Kirby about the process of turning her 14-year-old story into a published book.

Remember that old saying, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl”?  Peta Credlin AO, host of the “Credlin” program on Sky News Australia, columnist with News Corp, and former Australian Liberal Party dynamo, amongst many other accolades, made a flying visit to Wycheproof over the recent long weekend.

One of the best banjo players in the Riverina has played his last bush dance after retiring from the much-loved Tin Shed Rattlers after 38 years. Ian Charles has been part of the Downside Hall furniture since he first joined the Tin Shed Rattlers as their tenor banjo player in 1986.

The Pacific Belles will perform at the Nhill Airshow on April 13. Swing to their dulcet tones as they sing these war-time classics. Their vintage repertoire includes songs like "Don't sit under the Apple Tree" and "We'll Meet Again." The Pacific Belles are Australia’s hottest retro-style singing trio, inspired by the music of the 1940‘s and have been referred to as "Melbourne's very own Andrew Sisters'.

Clarence Valley Council has taken the silver award in the Australian Street Art Awards in the Best Monument or Memorial category for the 2022 Flood Memorial Murals project. The 2022 Flood Memorial Murals project was one of thirty- four public art experiences recognised as the best in the country at the Australian Street Art Awards.

Sheila Smith recently spoke at Hay Plains Landcare’s Women of the Riverina Forum, as one of Hay’s own women leading the way forward ... Sheila’s story is one of career pursuit highlights, her own exploration of the creative realm and journeys across the globe, that ultimately returned her to restoring a historic home in Lachlan Street.

From the Australian Street Art Awards – an Australia-wide organisation established in 2018 – comes the following message: "We have a surprise! Making good on our promise that size really does matter, we are announcing three extra awards this evening – for Best Small Town Street Art Festival or Event.

After the MaldON WalkON booklet was launched mid last year, all printed copies ran out the door. Friends of Maldon Historic Reserve Group Spokesperson Lee Mead said, “Due to the booklet’s popularity and value to Maldon, we have been successful in gaining a community grant from Mount Alexander Shire Council to reprint lots more copies.”

The Spirit of the Land Lockhart Festival has been awarded a Silver Medal for the Best Small Town Street Art Festival or Event by the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards ... The Spirit of the Land Lockhart Festival is held annually on the second weekend of October and is renowned for its farm art sculpture exhibitions, fine arts and photography exhibitions...