The co-curators of the exhibition are Taree-born Brian Wallace, who founded the internationally renowned Red Gate Gallery in Beijing in 1991 and Catherine Croll, Director of Cultural Partnerships Australia. 2012 is The Year of Chinese Culture in Australia. We talked to Brian Wallace about his work in China and the importance of bringing this exhibition to his hometown of Taree … Read more
Local artist, Helga Visser, studied art in Sydney with the late Archibald Prize winner, Arthur Murch. Helga now resides in Taree, where nature, light and patterns provide fascination and inspiration for her work …
In August 2010, a group of local mountain bike enthusiasts started the ‘Tip Riders’ mountain bike club to represent mountain biking in the Manning-Great Lakes area. Chrissy Jones found out all about the group from Club President, Mark Drury. Read more
Australian Country Music legends, Beccy Cole and Gina Jeffreys, visit the Great Lakes again to perform at Club Forster on Friday 10 February at 8pm … We caught up with the best friends of 20 years to find that fame and industry acclaim hasn’t affected this down-to-earth duo one little bit … Read more
Artisans Retreat is set on five acres of verdant dairy country in Mondrook (near Tinonee). The weekend retreat and artisans’ haven provides a myriad of specialist workshop experiences, including woodturning, fabric painting, jewellery making, plus children’s workshops. Read more
Manning Support Services Inc (MSS) provides a variety and number of services to residents of the Manning, Great Lakes, Gloucester and Hastings areas. One of the services, the National Respite for Carers program, is funded by the Federal Department of Health & Ageing. Read more
At last count, Ranger Mick had done over 33,000 talks over the 20 years he’s been resident ranger and talks person at the Australian Reptile Park … we caught up with Ranger Mick to demystify some urban myths about the Sydney Funnel-web. Read more
Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is a voluntary organisation providing equine assistance activities for people with disabilities. The organisation is hoping to generate support with its fundraising project, Raise the Roof, to enable it to build and erect a roof enclosure for its arena. RDA Taree President, Margie Lewis, tells us about RDA’s work, its volunteers and the importance of Raising the Roof … Read more
Through the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health, the Australian Government is providing funding under the Healthy Communities Initiative to support local government areas to deliver effective community-based physical activity and healthy eating programs. Read more
The award-winning international smash hit comedy, Celebrity Autobiography, visits the Glasshouse direct from the Sydney Opera House this February. Mikey Robins tells us about the show. Read more
Following the roaring success of Skirmish Down Under at Port Macquarie, and much to the excitement of paintball aficionados both young and old, a brand new paintball facility is imminently opening in the Manning-Great Lakes…. Read more
Experiencing first hand the impact children with special needs have on families inspired May Sharp to first establish a special outreach camp and then become a published author. May has just written her second book, Additional Needs! Additional Love! published by Spectrum Publications. Read more
Hot on the heels of a hectic year of performing, Casey Donovan will showcase her unique style and voice at the Saltwater Freshwater Festival on 26 January 2012. Read more
Local OAM awarded environmentalist and Manager at TIDE (Taree Indigenous Development and Employment Services) Chris Sheed speaks with Gemma Bellanto about his passion for the environment, travel, education and the Manning Valley. Read more
A friend and longtime client of FOCUS, Avalyn Jackson of endota diamond beach invited me to come and see for myself just how indulgent a little pampering could be … offering me one of their famed spa packages. Read more
Buckle up this month with Andrew Richmond, as he puts Subaru’s Tribeca to the test … Read more
with Rhoda Roberts, Artistic Director. Come celebrate our National Day on Thursday, January 26 at Queen Elizabeth Park in Taree. The Saltwater Freshwater Festival promises a positive, inclusive family day, for all communities to enjoy. Read more
Mark Mercedes has combined a full-time career in the wrestling ring with his behind the scenes duties of organising and promoting matches. He tells us why wrestling is such a major drawcard for audiences world-wide … Read more
The Great Lakes Biggest Winner Ultimate Thinner for 2011 has drawn to an end, and it’s been the most successful event to date. Read more
Wendy Matthews couples her sublime voice with iconic singer songwriter and long time friend, Glenn Shorrock, for a night of pure musicality in An Evening with Wendy Matthews and Glenn Shorrock Read more
Sometimes it can be difficult to meet people with similar interests, someone you feel you could share a bond with – whether you’re just looking for friendship, or even romance. There’s a plan afoot in the Manning area to get lonely people out of their homes and into the social arena, called ‘Dinner for S.I.T.M. (Singles in the Manning)’. Local lady Jodi tells us what it’s all about … Read more
Angelina Ballerina, performed by the Royal New Zealand Ballet, will be making a stopover at Port Macquarie’s Glasshouse in January. Read more
International Exchange Co-ordinator with the EF Foundation for Foreign Study. Read more
This month I caught up with local home grown author, Aleesah Darlison. My daughter excitedly delved straight into the Unicorn Riders series when I brought it home, and we have been eagerly reading all about the adventures of the riders. Aleesah shares details about her latest children’s book series, her inspiration and experiences growing up in Tinonee. Read more
The Open House Project is a three-year (2012-2015) cultural partnership between Port Macquarie’s Glasshouse and the Sydney Opera House. The partnership is the first of its kind in Australia and will bring untold economic, educational and cultural benefits to the area. Glasshouse Venue Manager Joe Conneely and Executive Producer from the Sydney Opera House, Jonathan Bielski, are both excited to be involved with the project … Read more
Six good friends coming together to create music crafted from their many different individual influences and inspirations. The result is ferocious. From Springsteen to The Clash, Chuck Berry to the ease of a Jamaican Sunday, King Cannons play with ferocity and passion but maintain a certain chill that exudes classic cool. Band member Luke says the group is really looking forward to FOTSUN in December … Read more
Andrew Richmond, Director of Oxley Insurance Brokers, spends a weekend getting to know the 2011 BMW M3 Sedan Read more
“Help take steps to fight breast cancer by showing your pink spirit and participating in the annual Moon Walk fundraiser on Thursday 10 November.” Read more
This month we caught up with Suey McEnnally, an artist who draws her inspiration from the local landscapes and loves to escape to her hideaway in the hills of Elands when she can. Read more
Preparations for Gloucester’s Rural Women’s Gathering in October are moving along at a cracking pace.
