Life & Arts

Jazz

The day the music died – Dave Price, 98 hangs up his clarinet

Terry Collins. At the age of 98, David Price is saying goodbye to the community band Tempo Terrific. Price has played bass clarinet with the band since its formation in 1998.

Banjo trail

New trail tracks our heritage through verse

Mark Collins, Corryong Courier
Arts
An entirely different High Country experience will soon be available for locals and visitors alike to learn more about our region through the writings of one Australia's most famous poets. The Banjo Paterson High Country Trail will connect the landscapes that inspired the poet's iconic verse in the Victorian High Country such as The Man from Snowy River.

Maitland

Hunter Valley Steamfest returns this April

Contributor, ARR.News
Community
Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 is fast approaching, with a packed program set to bring Maitland to life on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Alongside the headline ARTC Rail Program, there’s plenty happening across the city for all-ages.

Shepparton

A wild, fun and magical journey to find that elusive Green Sheep

Contributor, ARR.News

Showgirl

Darling Downs 2026 Showgirl chosen

At the Toowoomba Royal Show on Saturday afternoon, judges selected the entrant who will represent the Darling Downs at the State judging during this year's Ekka in Brisbane. The winner is Bridgette Langton, who is the Goombungee-Haden Showgirl for 2026.

Donald murals

More murals for Donald

Daniel Puentes. Melbourne street artist Heesco has once again brought his unmistakable creative energy to Donald, unveiling not one but two striking new murals that are already breathing fresh life into the town's landscape. With his remarkable eye for detail and storytelling through art, Heesco continues to transform everyday spaces into vibrant landmarks worth celebrating.

History in art

Birchip silo art reaches finish post

A defining moment in Birchip's history now stands proudly above the town, with the remarkable story of Ray Neville and Rimfire brought to life on the Birchip silos. The project, driven by Birchip Community Forum, was first initiated by the late Joan Glen in 2023 and has been passionately carried forward by her husband Rod.

Longevity

Classic recipe for a long life

"Moderation in everything," Mary Cartwright says is the key to living 100 years, a milestone she will reach on May 28. "I've never driven a car so walk everywhere and keep my mind active – knitting, crocheting and reading," she says.

Quiz #9/2026

Quiz #9/2026

Quiz #10/2026

Quiz #10/2026

Quiz #7/2026

Quiz #7/2026

Quiz #8/2026

Quiz #8/2026

Quiz #11/2026

Quiz #11/2026

Astrophotography

From lockdown hobby to gallery walls

Emily Gladdis, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times
Arts
For Nhill’s Ryder Byrnes, a passing moment of boredom during Covid lockdowns opened the door to an entirely new world - one measured not in kilometres, but in light years. Ryder, 46, lives in Nhill and has developed a strong passion for astrophotography, capturing everything from deep space objects to sweeping Milky Way scenes.

Performance

Harmony in action at Castlemaine State Festival

Michelle Dorian, Tarrangower Times
Arts
Resonant Heart, a performance at Castlemaine Town Hall ... Featuring two artists from Iran as well as Indian, Balkan, Sudanese and Sephardic Jewish influences, the all-female Resonant Heart ... provided an antidote in music, poetry, dance and puppetry ... Later ... a rousing and enjoyable set to a receptive crowd at Maldon’s Holy Trinity Church...

Talking music and more

Regional theatre

JUTE to lead statewide support for regional theatre makers under refreshed RASN network

Pip Miller, Pip Miller PR
Arts
Queensland’s regional theatre sector is set for a new phase of growth, with Cairns-based JUTE Theatre Company appointed as the state’s dedicated industry provider under the refreshed Regional Arts Services Network (RASN).

Arts festival

Traces: unique arts experience at Castlemaine Festival

Contributor, Tarrangower Times
Arts
If you’re looking for a Maldon connection to the upcoming Castlemaine State Festival, read on. Simon Dow and Tim Dargaville have teamed up to create a space in which to contemplate, exploring themes of transition, decay and slowing down. The autumn timing and the location – in an old stables building – complement the music and imagery that form the work.

Anglican church

Sparkling moment as new Assistant Bishop consecrated

Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
Reflecting on her recent consecration as the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Grafton, the Right Reverand Tiffany Sparks said while her heart is bursting with joy, she feels incredibly humbled and blessed to work within the ministry while sharing inspiring and uplifting messages of love, friendship and faith, with communities within the Diocese of Grafton, which stretches between the state border and Port Macquarie.

Wilcannia

Baaka Cultural & Arts Centre – Getting close to opening

Wilcannia News
Arts
The Baaka Cultural & Arts Centre is moving into its final stages, and the team is very excited to share they are on track to open in the second half of this year ... The building architect David Kaunitz was also out visiting the Centre on his annual trip with students from the University of Sydney.

Festival - Lightning Ridge

Festivals - Rochester

Guardian of Harmony by Kristina Greenwood

Ripple Fest and Rochester Mural Festival bring creativity to Rochester

Contributor, ARR.News
Arts

Gallery

More than art on walls: Tweed Regional Gallery delivers almost $20 million to local economy

Contributor, ARR.News

Farmer to potter

Gallery Central featured artist: Peter’s pottery

Peter Colbert has lived all his life in the Wimmera, farming west of Nhill. He has been a potter for many years, and now that he is retired from the family farm, he is enjoying being able to dedicate more time to his hobby.

Denmark

Wendy’s dream world on show at gallery

Denmark Bulletin
Arts
Patricia Gill. Denmark-raised Wendy Binks’s exhibition, Elephant Dreaming, will reveal the origins of her renowned animal paintings in works featuring birds threading through leviathan images. The author and illustrator of children’s books, Where’s Stripey, Scrambled Eggs and Invincible Me, has turned her attention to the landscapes of her childhood that shaped her early creative life.

Festival

Barossa turns up the volume with Barossa Food & Wine Village

Contributor, ARR.News
Council
When the final siren sounds at Barossa Park on Saturday, 11 April, the party is just getting started as Tanunda’s main street transforms into the ultimate post-match destination with food, wine and entertainment. A hallmark event on the Festival of Footy calendar, the Barossa Food & Wine Village, returns for Gather Round 2026, reimagined on a bigger scale.

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