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 … In 1991, you founded... [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 … How long have you lived in the Manning-Great Lakes? We moved to the area in 1996. It was to be a complete lifestyle change from busy Hong Kong to quiet country Australia. We still... [Read more]
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. Why form a mountain bike club in the first place, Mark? We really wanted to promote mountain biking in this area, to not only increase the profile of... [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 … Beccy Cole What do you like about coming to the Manning-Great Lakes? It’s not too far from home, so I’m... [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. In February, Artisans Retreat is hosting a three-day Expo, which includes world-class demonstrations with highly skilled artisans,... [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. The National Respite for Carers program provides a respite service for the carers of people who are aged, frail and those... [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. Summer is Funnel-web season. What should people be aware of? Oddly enough, summer is Funnel-web ‘bite’ season. It’s not that Funnel-webs are... [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. As part of this initiative, Great Lakes Council recently announced Rick Naylor as the Healthy Communities Co-ordinator to deliver... [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. You’re visiting Port Macquarie in February for the Celebrity Autobiography show. Tell us about the concept and how it works … It is basically using the own words of celebrities against them... [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…. What motivated you to open a second Skirmish Down Under Facility in the Manning-Great Lakes region? For starters, we love the area. As part of our broader business... [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. What’s your background, May? I’ve lived in the Taree area for the last 25 years. I was a diversional therapist... [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. What’s been keeping you busy professionally in 2011? I’ve been extremely busy this year. 2011 started off with the continuation of The Sapphires doing a season in Penrith NSW, Canberra ACT, then we travelled over... [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. Being a 16 year old in London during the Summer of Love of 1968 has had a lasting impact on Chris Sheed; most of his major life decisions have been predicated by love,... [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. So I took the leisurely drive over to Diamond Beach, located just 16 km from Forster, or 28 km from Taree. endota spa diamond beach has been open for just over 3 years now. I... [Read more]
Buckle up this month with Andrew Richmond, as he puts Subaru’s Tribeca to the test … It must be at least 7 years ago since the last time I found myself behind the wheel of a Subaru. I established a short but close relationship with the hero car of the day, a 2000 model WRX sedan, and I really enjoyed my ride. Now any car enthusiast worth their salt would recall... [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. What is your position with the Saltwater Freshwater Festival – and what’s involved with this role? I’m the Artistic Director. This is the best... [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 … What have you been up to since the International Wresting Australia (IWA) last toured to the Manning- Great Lakes in 2010? IWA has been very busy since last year …... [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. This year’s Biggest Winner Ultimate Thinner had 72 teams, with 4 challengers in each team. Total weight lost was 1457.6 kilos (almost 1.5 tonnes)! Primarily, BWUT is a team competition; however, three categories of prizes were able to be awarded... [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 The artists perform a selection of their many hits, plus a few surprises and personal favourites, dating back to their initial jamming sessions in the late 1970s … They tell us a little bit about... [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 … What... [Read more]
Angelina Ballerina, performed by the Royal New Zealand Ballet, will be making a stopover at Port Macquarie’s Glasshouse in January. Hi Catherine. Give us a bit of your background as a ballet dancer and the companies you’ve danced with? I was born in South Africa, but I moved to Australia when I was 15 to train at the Australian Ballet school. From there, I got into... [Read more]
International Exchange Co-ordinator with the EF Foundation for Foreign Study. What exactly is the EF Foundation for Foreign Study? EF Foundation for Foreign Study is a world-wide exchange program that brings young students, aged 14 – 18, from overseas − for stays of 6 or 12 months. The aim of EF Foundation is to encourage cultural awareness through student... [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. You grew up here. Tell us about growing up... [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... [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 My first experience with BMW’s M3 was a couple of years ago at Eastern Creek International Raceway. With an overcast day threatening to grease the track, a brief sermon about safety and not launching an M3 into a concrete wall, I found myself behind the wheel in... [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.” The Moon Walk fundraiser celebrates and honours families and friends affected by breast cancer, while also acknowledging the courage required of people affected both directly and indirectly by breast cancer. On Thursday 10 November, people are urged... [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. What is your connection to the Manning-Great Lakes region? I have lived in the area for over a decade and currently own a converted tractor shed (like a big warehouse) up in the hills. Good studio …... [Read more]
Preparations for Gloucester’s Rural Women’s Gathering in October are moving along at a cracking pace. More than 300 women are expected to arrive in Gloucester for the Gathering, which is running from 14 to 16 October 2011. Committee Chair, Julie Lyford, is thrilled with the progress and very grateful for the many offers of assistance made by the people of Gloucester. The... [Read more]
