Having run for 23 years, the Awards showcase and endorse Coffs Coast First Nations community members who are leaders in their field – people who are seen as achieving and modelling positive behaviour and goals. 

Leaders and future leaders alike were able to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! – reflecting this year’s NAIDOC Week theme.

The Awards have continued to grow each year to become a major event for the Coffs Coast.

The nominees and winners were:

Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Award

• Amber Hamer
• Lilly Glegg
• Kaleesha Morris
• Joshua Maguire
• Lachlan Skinner
• Yandaarra Advisory Committee

The winner was Kaleesha Morris.

Kaleesha works in language ecology and revitalisation. She is a strong Gumbaynggirr speaker and instructor and has worked with many First Nations communities in law and policy, strategy and governance, environmental management and cultural education.

Her favourite quote is “When we learn our native languages, we learn of ourselves. We are one and the same,” which sums up her deep connection and understanding of language and its significance to Aboriginal peoples.

“I’m very humbled to be honoured in the memory of Aunty Grace Roberts, one of our strong Goori martriarchs,” Kaleesha said.

“There’s no better model of leadership than that of our Mother, Grandmothers and Aunties. Ngaaja Garla-ngarraanga – I pay my deep respects.”

Aunty Award

• Aunty Angela Brown
• Aunty Kathleen Flanders

The winner was Aunty Kathleen Flanders.

Aunty Kath has been a member of Abcare Elders, SIS Program Galambila. She is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to assist where possible. Aunty Kath is a upstanding role model for our community. She has been involved in juvenile issues at Acmena with other Elders as part of an Indigenous youth program.

Uncle Award

The winner was Uncle Johno Miers.

Johno is very passionate about what he does for his community, He is a volunteer for community radio and is a personal carer for several people it the area – a wonderful soul whom gives so much and asks nothing back.

Aboriginal Community Organisation or Business of the Year

• One Mob Radio
• Aboriginal Employment Strategy
• Echidna Kids Day-care
• Garlambirla Aboriginal Elders
• Garby Aboriginal Elders
• Pathfinders LTD Coffs Harbour

The joint winners were Aboriginal Employment Strategy and Garby Aboriginal Elders.

AES Employment is a great organisation for all Indigenous Australians looking for that chance to prove themselves to employers. Without this organisation, they struggle to get a foot in the door this is where AES make it possible with the support needed. 

Garby Elders are vital to keeping Gumbaynggirr culture alive and thriving. They have a big responsibility to make sure Aboriginal lands are cared for and respected. The elders have respect from people in their clan and the clans who make up the rest of Gumbaynggirr nation. They are deadly protectors and modern day conservationists.

Sports Achievement Award

The winner was Dustin Parry.

Dustin is a 10-year-old boy that has excelled at sports his whole life, he shows aptitude in cricket, soccer, golf and tennis. Dustin currently plays in the under 12s cricket team for the Diggers Cricket Club and is this season’s top batting average and bowling average for his age group. In soccer he is a great goal keeper. He is currently working on his golf skills at the Coffs Harbour Driving Range.

Arts and Cultural Achievement Award

• Lachlan Skinner
• Marley Morgan
• Danielle Burford
• Mudjai – Jeremy Devitt

The winner was Mudjai – Jeremy Devitt.

Mudjai is wise and welcoming. He expresses the beauty of culture in a way which fosters a sense of coming together in the local community in a way which is two-way strong. Always walking shoulder to shoulder in respect and brother/sisterhood. When he speaks he connects you to something deep and that two-way strong time feels closer and more possible. Mudjai puts heart and soul into community connections.

The Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards are the flagship event in the NAIDOC Week celebrations on Gumbaynggirr Country. Well done to all of this years nominees and winners.

Pictured above (L-R):

Aunty Leanne Fisher (Grandaughter of Aunty Grace Roberts), Uncle Johno Miers (back row), Aunty Kathleen Flanders, Kaleesha Morris, Shonelle Pholi, Lauren Dootson (back row), Dustin Parry, Jodie Dootson. Missing from the picture is Mudjai – Jeremy Devitt.

Photo credit: Marley Morgan Photography

The post Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards 2022 Winners Announced appeared first on Coastbeat.

He and his wife Zilhing Takluem arrived in Australia in 2013 and ever since, they have been longing to get back on the land. 

Mr Manrhing secured work as a picker on a blueberry farm in Coffs Harbour, on the NSW Mid North Coast, but he’s always wanted to have his own farm.

“I enjoy farming … I wanted to start a business, my own business,” he said.

He also found foods like okra and rosella leaf, which are popular in Myanmar, were impossible to find or too expensive to buy from local shops.

Mr Manrhing’s dream of starting a farming business was shared by many of the region’s Myanmar community members, who came to Australia already equipped with agriculture skills.

Together, five refugee families approached not-for-profit group Settlement Services International (SSI) for help.

“They really highlighted three things: they wanted to work together, they wanted to farm and practise their cultural, traditional skills, and they really wanted to be self-sufficient and create something for their future generations,” SSI’s Rebecca Mordaunt said.

The group registered as a not-for-profit called the Myanmar Community Agriculture Co-operative.

Starting the farm

Joshua Allen used to run an organic vegetable farm on his 13-hectare property at Nana Glen, 20 minutes north-west of Coffs Harbour, but it had been lying dormant for a couple of years.

“It was probably 12 months ago that we were out there wondering what’s going to happen with the farm,” Mr Allen said.

“We were approached by [small business program] Ignite and SSI who said we’ve got a community looking for a farm.

“It was kind of a match made in heaven.”

Mr Allen gave the co-operative two and a half hectares, with each of the five families taking a half-hectare block and leaving some land for livestock.

After a five-month grace period to find their feet they now pay rent for the land.

Adjusting to a new landscape

The farmers have had unexpected challenges farming in Australia.

“Soil is very good in Burma, here we need to use fertiliser,” Mr Manrhing said.

Communicating, understanding rent and learning how to run a business in Australia have also been challenging. 

“It’s very hard for me because I don’t really understand English,” Mr Manrhing said.

“I also don’t have experience here, so [I’m] learning many different things like what seed, how can I buy things and just everything [has been] very difficult for me.”

Van Sui Tiel and her husband Som are another family that make up the co-operative.

They lost the majority of their summer crop due to record rainfall and flooding.

“When we started this farm the rain was too much and before, we planted zucchini and they nearly died and we planted again and they died, everything died,” Ms Tiel said.

“We also planted beans … but a lot of rain destroyed [it] all and yeah, we couldn’t sell everything.”

Ms Tiel finds time to come out to the farm when she isn’t caring for her young kids.

“I have three kids. Two are in school and the other is in child care, so after I drop them off I come straight [to the farm],” she said.

The farm is also completely organic, so the farmers don’t use chemicals to control pests and weeds.

“I spent all day yesterday pulling out the weeds … some weeds I have never seen before … it is hard work,” Ms Tiel said.

Helping his parents 

Thang Kin Shetta is the youngest member of the group and joined the co-operative to give his parents more opportunity.

“The biggest thing is language for them and they don’t speak very well but they know where to go … and where to buy so they know everything — it’s just language,” he said.

He balances full-time work at a glass factory in Coffs Harbour with helping out on the farm.

“[I go to the farm] mostly on weekends,” Mr Shetta said.

“It’s good to work the early afternoon shift [at the glass factory] because I’m free in the morning and when it’s sunny I have to go up to the farm, watering stuff and come back to work.

“It’s hard work but I love it.”

Selling their produce

The group has started selling some of its produce at local markets, but has plans to expand further.

“I know that they’re really keen to open up a bit of a shopfront here at the farm and invite the community in,” Ms Mordaunt said.

She has been helping the group from the beginning of their journey and said they had been incredibly resilient. 

“It’s such a massive learning curve creating a business here in Australia,” she said.

“But then the challenges of learning about different soils and the different varieties of food that Australians purchase and then, of course, we’re dealing with a La Nina event, so there are challenges with the weather as well.

“I take my hat off to them, their commitment has been just amazing and really inspiring.”

This story first appeared on ABC on 29 May 2022 by Keely Johnson and Landline on ABC iView.

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The Reserve Hall hosted much anticipated dances throughout the year with local and visiting bands,
bingo during holiday periods, church services, concerts, boxing training and matches, and
community events.

Coffs Harbour Council Mayor Councillor Paul Amos said “this has been a valued place for the local
community and visitors for over 100 years, since the first reserve hall building was constructed in 1911. Bringing this hall back to life provides our current generations a glimpse of what our social life
used to be like. It’s a brilliant project.”

The current large timber hall was the second hall to be built on the reserve in 1929, as the 1911 hall
had quickly become too small. The first hall was then used as a temporary school and later as
refreshment rooms, operated for much time by Mrs Richardson infamous for scones and sponge
cakes.

As the centenary of the current hall approaches, upgrades of equitable access, new amenities, a
kitchen and appropriate repairs and conservation works will bring it back into use again.

The aim is to create a flexible and adaptable space that can be turned to suit any function such as:

• Conferences/workshops
• film nights
• dances
• parties, weddings, dinners
• games for holiday makers
• community fundraisers.

The proposed upgrades and changes, which will help this hall continue in its important community
role, are sensitive to its assessed heritage values.

Stage 1 restoration is a $500,000 project with 50/50 funding between Coffs Harbour City Council and
Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. This stage will ensure the structural integrity and
weather/vermin proofing of the building, including reroofing and repairs to the subfloor.

The following stages will see the upgrade of the building including recladding, new windows and
doors, installation of commercial kitchen and construction of a fully accessible adjoining amenity
building. All works will be contingent on the availability of funding.

The Historic Heritage Assessment, prepared by Clarence Heritage concludes with the following
statement of significance:

The Sawtell Reserve Hall demonstrates historical significance and rarity as a weatherboard
public building from 1929 of which few survive in Coffs Harbour. It demonstrates exceptional
social significance as for its association and contribution to the development of community
life of Sawtell. Replacing a previous hall built in 1911, it demonstrates a long standing and
ongoing continuous use on this reserve. Aesthetically it is an important example of a timber
and iron vernacular construction of locally derived material and demonstrates the
importance of timber as an early building material which was connected to economic growth
of the town and the development of the jetty and the railway.

The post Sawtell Dance Hall to Refind its Boogie appeared first on Coastbeat.

Speaking from Nymboida Camping and Canoeing Centre, festival Creative Director Laena Stephenson said, “We have been monitoring the effect the persistent rain has had on our campgrounds and concluded they will be unsuitable for hosting up to 1,000 visitors in June.”

“Regrettably, we’ve had to make the tough decision to postpone to the beginning of October, by which time the grounds will have had time to dry out.”

This year’s festival has benefitted from substantial grant and sponsorship funding and organisers are in the process of contacting funders, contractors and performers to lock in the new dates.

“It’s looking as though the vast majority of our artistic program can be delivered intact later in the year, so please watch our website and Facebook page for updates,” said Phil Nicholas, festival Event Manager.

The revised festival program will be published at www.clarencevalleycampovenfestival.com

Festival-goers who have already booked are invited to move their camping reservation to the October long weekend or to the 2023 festival which will take place on the June long weekend next year. If neither of these dates suit, please contact the NC&C office on 02 6649 4155 to arrange a refund.

The post Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival postponed appeared first on Coastbeat.

This June long weekend the Nymboida Camping and Canoing Centre will host the Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival. Meet ABC star dirtgirl, her best mate scrapboy and Costa the Garden Gnome. While the big folk focus on the art of camp oven cooking, the dirtgirlworld crew will dive into their grubby bucket to offer a day of heart-led recovery for young families.  Join their kid-friendly workshops, growing fire-ready families.

Flourish at the Camp Oven Festival

Flourish! is where games and nature scavenger hunts meet spoken word mashups and a pillowcase fight. Sounds like fun? Flourish! is a great way to explore how families can prepare their hearts, heads and hands for emergency events.

A Family Focussed Festival

Festival Creative Director, Laena Stephenson said this major addition to the festival program will appeal to young families looking for a great day out.

“We’ve noticed over the years that younger families from Grafton and Coffs Harbour tend to come along as day visitors,” she said.

“So this year, we’ve packed as much entertainment into each day as possible. On top of that, we’ve actually reduced the single day ticket price for families,” she said.

The dirtgirlworld crew will appear on Saturday 11th June with music, art and poetry activities beginning at 8.00am. More grubby fun workshops are scheduled for the afternoon, repeating on Sunday 12^th June.

Costa the Garden Gnome is making a special appearance on the Saturday morning – catch him while you can!

Food Tasting + Live Music

The festival also features camp oven cooking demonstrations and competitions, with several opportunities to taste main course dishes and baked goods. There’s live music throughout the weekend, an art and craft area featuring rolling workshops and roaming street theatre acts. Fancy a cuppa? Try your hand at the billy boiling contest.

Nymboida Camping and Canoeing accepts NSW Discover vouchers. Call them on 02 6649 4155 or visit their website.

The post Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival, June 10-13 2022 appeared first on Coastbeat.

Mylchie and the Three Boys: Not Too Busy, Not Too Quiet, Just Right

Love will be in the area when Mylchie Avila stands to pledge her commitment to Australia this Australia Day, cheered on by her three boys: husband and Coastbeat crew member, Zac Robinson, and their two young children.

It’s a classic story of a holiday romance that lasted, becoming a love affair with a new family, a new country and a new town.

Mylchie is from Cebu in the Philippines, where she enjoyed a fulfilling career and a rich social life, in a country where, Mylchie says, ‘camaraderie is very big’. Then her Aussie cousin came to visit, bringing with him his schoolmate Zac, and everything changed. Here at Coastbeat we are familiar with Zac’s charm and determination, so we could have warned her if we’d known…but we don’t think Mylchie minds, although it took a few goes to find a place that could compare to her own Filipino paradise.

‘It was difficult at first,’ Mylchie explains over the phone, in a small break from her youngest boy, who is being weaned at the moment and not sounding happy about it. ‘Sydney is so different – no connection and rush, rush, rush all the time. Then we moved to a rural town and that was too quiet. But Coffs Harbour is just right.’

Just like a fairytale.

We asked Mylchie why gaining Australian citizenship is important to her.

‘It is important to give me more of a sense of belonging. I become a part of Australian society: I have a say, I can vote, and there are more opportunities for the kids. Citizenship represents freedom and security. And no more paperwork!’

How do you manage living with two different cultures?

‘As I grew up in the Philippines, that culture is ingrained in me. Now I am slowly immersing myself in Australian culture by participating in every opportunity. The sense of community here in Coffs is much more like my village.’

What does she love about Coffs Harbour?

‘The beach, the easy-going way of life. And my garden. I love to have the outdoors lifestyle.’

To get to know more people, Mylchie has joined a local netball team, a classic Australian sport, where she plays wing defence. She and Zac also own Cornerstore Frances & Long and a coffee cart, Tin Donkey, which she runs while Zac is at the Coastbeat office.

What does she expect of the citizenship ceremony?

‘An enjoyable day, some socialising and a delicious high tea!’

And as an Australian in the future?

‘I am looking forward to being able to self-actualise and make the most of the opportunities and my full abilities, to be the best version of myself that I can.’

That sounds like a happily ever after.

This year’s Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will once again take place at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Hardacre Street.

More than 16,000 people from over 150 nations have been invited to become citizens, at one of more than 400 ceremonies being held across the country on Australia Day 2022.

Here at Coffs Harbour we will welcome 88 new Aussies from 25 countries.

The ceremonies will begin at 8.30am. In addition, there will be light music, face-painting and a clay workshop for children with Gumbaynggirr artist Tony Hart.

The post A Fairytale for Australia Day appeared first on Coastbeat.

We live in community with each other, yet each of us holds our own understanding of how things are and should be. How do we make all our different points of view work together so that we can form a happy community, a prosperous, generous and caring community, that honours our ancestors and makes our descendants proud?

For Aboriginal Australians, the 26th of January is symbolic of the day in 1788 when their peoples came in contact with colonial England. Colonisation changed their way of life forever and forced them to survive multiple injustices throughout the following centuries. Yet the oldest human culture in the world lives on, embracing 21st century life with spirit, generously sharing their knowledge of this land with all who live here.

We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders, past present and future, particularly those of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung, Dunghutti and Biripi Nations, traditional custodians of the lands that Coastbeat calls home, and share with you the wisdom of Aunty Patricia Walker, Manager of the MiiMi Aboriginal Corporation in Bowraville:

Aunty Patricia Walker

‘When I first considered the issues around celebrating Australia Day, I got annoyed and started responding with passion and a little anger. Then I thought to myself, take a breath and step back and remember to answer with your truth, integrity and honesty.’

My Truth

I can easily reflect on the past injustices to my people, but what about reflecting on Aboriginal knowledge and traditions that can be instilled in all our children and their future carriage in a right for justice and caring for country.

I can easily reflect about the loss of many Aboriginal languages in this country but how about today we reflect on the resurgence of Aboriginal languages and the young and old embracing this resurgence with pride and passion.

I can easily reflect on a failed education system about Aboriginal history not being taught in schools but how about today we reflect on teaching our children the importance of inclusiveness and unity and build a better educational system for Aboriginal Australia.

I can easily reflect on the loss of country for my people but how about today we reflect on the Welcoming To Country and Acknowledgment of Country which is now part of Australian official ceremonies, sporting fixtures, celebrations, amongst others.

As I reflect on what my parents’ experiences were, the stories are scary and real, but that did not stop them from instilling in myself and my siblings a respect given to them exclusively, respect given to family, respect given to others (in that very order). Maybe we as a nation need to reflect on building foundations that our children need so they can create and build positive change to walk hand in hand with each other for a respectful community?

If you ever find yourself reflecting on today’s event, remember one thing “We are all in this together”.

Read about the new Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School set to open in Coffs Harbour in February.

The post Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. appeared first on Coastbeat.

The creation of this landmark place of learning is the dream of Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) founder and CEO, Gumbaynggirr Bundjalung man Clarke Webb. 

“For our children to express who they are as Goori people and be really proud of that is important to their self-esteem and also their educational outcomes.”

International Best Practice

Classes will address the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) outcomes, like any other school, but the teacher will be speaking in Gumbaynggirr for all lessons except English. GGFS teachers use First Nations ways of learning, like lessons on Country and storytelling, acknowledged by educators internationally as some of the most effective ways to engage children.

GGFS Chief of Operations and Programs Director, Gumbaynggirr man, Nathan Brennan, believes that “Strong in culture means strong in education.” The students will be “immersed in language”, which teaches underlying Gumbaynggirr philosophies of respect for Country and celebration of cultural identity.

“Language and culture are one and the same and key to any culture, across the world,” says Nathan Brennan.

Fresh Air for Education

Classes on Country will take students outdoors for lessons, where core subjects like mathematics and geography are taught using the environment as one big, natural textbook.

“For example, we examine rocks, counting the different types that occur in the landscape – this is maths,” says Nathan. “We count flora and fauna and start to learn about biology and ecology – that’s science.”

A Dream Come True

The Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School has been years in development, with a successful pilot running in 2021. Funding has come from philanthropic donations and the support of local businesses, who understand the value of the Gumbaynggirr culture for everyone.

The Class of 2022 will comprise 15 students from Kindy to Year 2, with plans to expand to Year 6 by 2024, eventually becoming a fully-fledged K-12 school. The classroom teacher is Gumbaynggirr woman, Ms Tahnee Philp, returning to Country from a successful teaching career in Sydney; there will also be two Gumbaynggirr specialist language teachers.

World Connection

The opening of GGFS upholds the United Nations’ International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly to empower First Nations language users. The Declaration works to empower ‘Indigenous peoples’ rights to freedom of expression, to an education in their mother tongue and to participation in public life using their languages, as prerequisites for the survival of Indigenous languages many of which are currently on the verge of extinction’ (UNESCO, 2020).

Holding Culture High

Founder Clarke Webb says, ‘This school is important on a number of levels. Firstly, it is key to the revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language and culture, and secondly, it is of the utmost importance that our children can attend a school that holds their culture in the highest regard, ensuring they feel culturally safe on a daily basis.

You’re not wrong, mate.

We wish the kids, the teachers and the families all the best and congratulate the dedicated team at the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation for making their dream a reality. This is a proud moment for everyone who knows how vital education is to the success of future generations of Australians. Garla-Schoolgu – back to school!

Plans for NAIDOC Week 2022 have been announced! Read all about it here.

The post Freedom to Speak appeared first on Coastbeat.

2022 Theme and Date

NAIDOC Week 2022 will take place between July 3-10. This year’s theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! According to the National NAIDOC Committee: 

“We have a proud history of getting up, standing up, and showing up. From the frontier wars and our earliest resistance fighters to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities fighting for change today—we continue to show up.Now is our time. We cannot afford to lose momentum for change.

We all must continue to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change and keep rallying around our mob, our Elders, our communities. 

Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, Constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism—we must do it together. It must be a genuine commitment by all of us to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! and support and secure institutional, structural, collaborative, and cooperative reforms.

It’s also time to celebrate the many who have driven and led change in our communities over generations—they have been the heroes and champions of change, of equal rights and even basic human rights.

Getting Up, Standing Up, and Showing Up can take many forms. We need to move beyond just acknowledgement, good intentions, empty words and promises, and hollow commitments. Enough is enough.

The relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non‑Indigenous Australians needs to be based on justice, equity, and the proper recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.

Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! with us to amplify our voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome.”

Ideas on How to Celebrate NAIDOC Week:

• Display the National NAIDOC Poster or other Indigenous posters around your classroom or workplace
• Start your own hall of fame featuring Indigenous role models
• Listen to Indigenous musicians or watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history
• Study a famous Indigenous Australian
• Research the traditional Indigenous owners of your area
• Study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts
• Work with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist to produce an artwork representing the theme
• Run an art competition for your school or community
• Visit local Indigenous sites of significance or interest
• Learn the meanings of local or national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names and words
• Invite local Indigenous Elders to speak or give a Welcome to Country at your school or workplace
• Invite an Indigenous sportsperson or artist to visit you
• Invite Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander dancers to perform
• Host a community BBQ or luncheon
• Hold a flag raising ceremony
• Organise a smoking ceremony

Design the NAIDOC Week Poster

This year Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist are being invited to submit artwork for the NAIDOC Week poster competition. The winning artist will receive a $10,000 cash price (tax free). Their artwork will be used as the official 2022 National NAIDOC Week Poster. Additionally, they’ll get a ticket for themselves and one guest to the National NAIDOC Awards ceremony.

The artwork must reflect this year’s National NAIDOC theme: Get up! Stand up! Show up! Poster entries close on March 14, 2022 at 11:59PM (AEDT). Read the terms and conditions and enter here.

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Showcasing Local Talent

‘Connecting the Dots’– Mara Nyiirun.gay Barrayga Nyaagi Djuyal (Come With Us on Country to See Story) features more than 15 local creatives. From visual art to poetry, dance and music, it shines a light on the region’s unique talent. The emersive sound and light installation flows seamlessly from one medium to the next, providing a sneak peek for a longer production due to premiere at ArtWalk 2022. See it at 9 o’clock every night until December 19.  

Talent featured includes:

• Aunty Rhonda, local Birpai Elder & Gathang language teacher
• Mel Streater, local Wiradjury woman, Artist/Designer Marramarra Creative.
• Brad Collins, Artist
• Jo Davidson, Artist
• Lucy Gamsby-Frost, Artist and performer, Good Time Merchant.
• Jeff Streater, Artist
• Josh Moses, Poet, Writer, Performer
• Got Ya Back Productions, Performing Arts & Producers
• Gordon Gamsby, Performer, Good Time Merchant.
• Fiona Joy Hawkins, Musician
• James Bennett, Musician
• Nana Klumpp, Band/Musicians
• Dhoongang Dancers
• La Vive Studios, Dancers
• Port Macquarie Performing Arts, Dancers

The Christmas Bell – A Moment for Us All

Connecting the Dots is one of three productions on show each night. ATt8 o’clock, see The Christmas Bell – A Moment for Us All. The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council launched this special online production in 2020 as a way for the community to come together after a challenging year. Local producers, Got Ya Back Productions, created a 15 minute ‘director’s cut’ and share in the wonderful local talent celebrating and enjoying the places and stories which connect us all. The Christmas Bell screens until January 3, 2022. 

Screening at 8:30 seven nights a week,  Wakulda is a 10-minute production that envelops the audience. Originally launched during the Bicentenary Event, Wakulda tells the important stories that make up the rich history of Port Macquarie. It begins with the traditional owners of the land, the Birpai people, and runs right through to the current day of the Bicentenary of European settlement.  

ArtWalk 2022

ArtWalk will once again take pride of place in the region’s annual events calendar in 2022. The magical main event evening will be on Friday June 10 with the Queen’s Birthday long weekend full of interactive satellite events. With creative projection events running from December 2021 through to June 2022 and beyond, visitors will be entranced by the creativity and vibrancy of the destination. ArtWalk has become the signature cultural arts event with exhibitions, activations, illuminations, live performances, artist markets, workshops, creative installations, and more.

The post Port Artists Connecting the Dots appeared first on Coastbeat.