The UNITY festival on 2 October at the Murwillumbah Showground is all about celebrating the dance, music, cuisine and culture of the Tweed’s diverse heritage.

The Caldera Artfest at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre from Friday 1 through to Monday 4 October showcases the region’s bio-diversity through photography, paintings, sculpture, films and displays.

The UNITY festival is a colourful mix of rich and diverse cultural influences from the Tweed and Bryon Shires, infused to create an exciting family event.

The theme for this year is Celebrating Diversity.

Deya Dova (pictured) headlines the Echo Main Stage with her bright and energetic mix of Dance, World and Electro with an Indie Pop twist.

Her exotic sound is based upon her extraordinary vocal talent and draws from indigenous influences from around the world and those echoed in her own ancestry.

The Country Energy Dance Stage showcases African, Indonesian, Filipino, Torres Strait Island, Indian and South Sea Island performers dancing in traditional and striking costume.

For the taste buds, the UNITY festival offers a multicultural menu including Indian curries, Indonesian satays, vegetarian gourmets, bush tucker, Maori burgers and North African Gypsy meatballs and kebabs to name a few. Tickets now on sale at: www.unityfestival.com.au.

The 2010 Caldera Artfest is part of a world-wide celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity.

The exhibition at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre showcases the work of artists concerned about the natural environment and promotes awareness of the significant biodiversity values within Australia’s Green Cauldron.

Artwork and associated product sales will generate revenue for specific land-care projects and artists. Entry to the exhibition if free. For more information visit www.calderaart.org.au

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On closer inspection you can read the names of the streets and roads that make up this imaginary location…

Holiday Let Road; Bong Head Court; and Only People Who Practice Yoga Can Live Here Boulevard, are just a few examples that give a taste of the theme of the work.

Kelly says her painting is intended to be viewed as satirical, with the street names she has used inspired by a mix of her own experience as a Byron shire resident, and the Letters to the Editor she reads in the Echo.

And whilst it may appear to be a slur on the local situation, Kelly says the work is also about the national experience of the sea-change phenomenon, and could be set anywhere up and down the coast, in one of the many small coastal towns that have suddenly gained an influx of new residents. 
 
Kelly’s painting is the centrepiece for a new exhibition opening at Retrospect Galleries, exploring the contemporary Australian landscape, also by chance entitled, You Are Here.

The show features work by a select group of local and interstate artists, including 2010 Byron Art Classic Representation Prize winners Juan Fernandez and Karen Jennings, Alstonville artist Stephen Phibbs and Brisbane’s Lisa Lee.

Melbourne artist Adrian Doyle will be exhibiting for the first time at Retrospect, presenting a new series of works that explore the changing relationship between Australians with the landscape. 

“We are an urbanised community, with an unfamiliar relationship with the rural landscape,” Doyle says.

“Whilst the romantic notion of the Australian landscape still exists, it has been hijacked by sentimentality and nostalgia.

“The true modern Australian landscape is made up of identical clad suburban streets and small suburbs with small, but important suburban stories.

“It is in this mediocrity that Australia finds its greatness, and a large part of its identity.”

You Are Here opens at Retrospect Galleries 6pm Friday, August 27. Opening speech by Mandy Nolan, followed by an informal street naming competition, over beers provided by Byron-based brewers Stone and Wood. 

For more information phone the Gallery on 02 6680 8825 or visit www.retrospectgalleries.com.

Image: Kelly Sullivan, You Are Here.

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The Expo theme this year is’Ageing Well’ and will feature a monster book sale organised by Pinevale residents and staff, with the proceeds from the sale of all pre-loved books going to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

‘Ageing Well’ is all about showcasing some of the opportunities that now exist for older people and their families, who want access to information and services that help in continuing to enjoy a good quality of life.  

More than 40 community organisations, private businesses and health promotion practitioners have booked in for the event, together with entertainers. 

As well as being able to provide specific information about ageing – perhaps trying out mobility aids, or having a remedial massage or having your blood pressure checked – the expo this year will have a definite spring flavour with a plant display, a fashion parade, homewares, gifts and accessories, lots of live music and good food.   

Organisers can still take some bookings from community groups and businesses who have a focus on the older population and would like to be involved in this informative and fun event.

Stalls sites are in the grounds of Pinevale and are outside, under cover. Pinevale can help with shades and chairs. 

Entry is by gold coin donation for those attending and stalls are free, however, organisers do ask for a small gift to the resident fund-raising commitee. 

Funds raised from entry into the expo will go to Pinevale Resident’s Fundraising Committee.

For further information phone Anna, Jan or Sonia on 6624 5010.

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Over 80 volunteers are needed to roll out this exciting community event. Most jobs are required on the day of the event, with a smaller number of jobs required prior and post event.

Volunteer team leaders and volunteer team members are needed in the areas of:

·        Set up and dismantling marquees and infrastructure  – Friday 1 & Sunday 3 October

·        Bar service (RSA certificate required)

·        Waste management staff and bin monitors

·        Children’s art workshop assistants (blue card required)

·        Ticketing staff

·        Social researchers – conducting surveys

·        Production assistants

·        Assistant stage managers

·        Performers liaison officers

·        Parking attendants

·        Stage MC

·        Market stall assistants

·        General hands

Each volunteer is requested to work a five-hour shift and will receive free entry into the event, optional free camping on site, a meal pass and complimentary bottle of water.

All volunteers will need to attend a briefing session on Thursday 30 September at the Branding Rail, Murwillumbah Showground, from 5.30-6.30pm. Team leaders will be requested to attend an extra briefing session on Wednesday 29 September (time and venue to be confirmed).

This is an ideal opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills and be part of the amazing UNITY community. Volunteers can fill out a form online or call Kerry or Lisa on (02) 66723063.

About the UNITY Festival:

• The UNITY festival is an colourful mix of rich and diverse cultural influences from the Tweed and Bryon Shires, infused to create an exciting family event.
• The theme for this year is Celebrating Diversity and will feature world music and dance, exotic costumes, global food and local art.
• The UNITY festival, now in its second year, is being extended to a 10-hour event and will offer a Main Stage headlining DEYA DOVA and a Dance Stage featuring African, Indonesian, Filipino, Torres Strait Island, Indian and South Sea Island communities.
• Free children’s activities include making dream catchers, tunnels, gardens and puppets with recycled materials and drumming and weaving workshops.
• UNITY festival 2010 is a green power and waste-wise event. Save money and book your tickets online – only $15 (adult). Concession $10, Children under 16 free. Tickets also available at the gate. Visit the website for bookings and further information – www.unityfestival.com.au.

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The theme for this year is Celebrating Diversity and will feature world music and dance, exotic costumes, global food and local art.

The UNITY festival, now in its second year, is being extended to a 10-hour event and will offer a Main Stage headlining DEYA DOVA and a Dance Stage featuring African, Indonesian, Filipino, Torres Strait Island, Indian and South Sea Island communities.

Free children’s activities include making dream catchers, tunnels, gardens and puppets with recycled materials and drumming and weaving workshops.

UNITY festival 2010 is a green power and waste-wise event. Save money and book your tickets online – only $15 (adult).
Concession $10, Children under 16 free. Tickets also available at the gate. Visit the website for bookings and further information – www.unityfestival.com.au.

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Come and experience true musical magic when Musica Viva Lismore presents the bubbling personalities and virtuosic talents of Genevieve Lacey [recorders] and Karin Schaupp [guitar] in a program that spans from the Renaissance to the present day, from sonatas to folk songs and much more.

Together they have established an enviable reputation both within Australia and internationally.

They have been performing as a duo since 2004 and are highly acclaimed for both for their individual musicianship and the close musical rapport they convey as performers.

• St Mary’s Anglican Church, Norton St, Ballina,
• Thursday, 23 September, 2010
• 7.30pm
• Tickets: Adult $30, concession $25, student [including TAFE & SCU] $15
• From Lismore Music Magellan St [66213105]
• La Boutique, River St, Ballina
• At the door

PICTURE: Karin Schaupp and Genevieve Lacey.

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Join Sandy Gandhi, Alesha-Nicole (she makes Priscilla look like a desert), Cathy Martin and the fabulous Jackie Loeb who does Julia better than the PM herself!

Jackie brought the roof down several times at this year’s Big Joke Festival, and for those of you who missed it, here’s your chance to catch her  (check her out -  www.jackieloeb.com)

If you’re having a Birthday, come and party with the girls – discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

“Looking forward to seeing you all,” said Sandy, Australia’s most easterly Indian.

Hilarious Hysterical Wickedly Wacky Women Jackie Loeb & Sandy Gandhi in
WET YOUR PANTS
The musical!!
A mostly all-girl environmentally sustainable, drought-resistant Comedy Spectacular
Including a torrent of under-wired support from
‘Funny’ gal Alesha-Nicole … she put the Grrr into girl!
Cathy Martin on her new-age boyfriend, Open Mike
And a special appearance by the raining ‘PM’ herself!

2 SHOWerS only
Friday 27 August The BANGALOW BOWLING CLUB
Saturday 28 August The BYRON BAY BOWLING CLUB
SHOWS START @ 8 PM – Restaurants open at 5.30 PM
Tickets $25 – Early Booking Recommended – 6687 1005 or Email: sandy.gandhi@bigpond.com
Proudly Sponsored by Mullumbimby PRINTWORKS – 6684 3633

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So begins a love affair with Italy and Italian food that stretches over 30 years and several visits as Victoria is tugged repeatedly from her Sydney life back to Gianfranco’s restaurants.

It is an addiction fraught with challenges and difficult to shake.

“Amore and Amaretti”, Victoria’s first book, is a disarmingly vulnerable autobiographical account of growing through love’s seasons.

Structured as a diary spanning 22 years, the book is interspersed with humour, heartbreak and mouth-watering regional recipes – the signature dishes of Gianfranco’s restaurants.

Amore and Amaretti will be launched at the Byron Bay Writers Festival.

An intimate dinner with Victoria Cosford will be held at 6:45pm on Tuesday August 31 at The Byron at Byron Resort, where Head Chef Gavin Hughes will cook recipes from Victoria’s book and guests will hear first-hand of her Tuscan adventures.

Two courses and a glass of Italian wine will be $45 and reservations can be made by telephoning 6687 5674 or emailing caroline@carolinedesmond.com.au

“It is very exciting and tremendously relieving to have finally managed to get my story out, which I have so wanted to tell, into book form,” said Victoria Cosford.

“Most of the recipes are fairly simple and I do hope that they bring some pleasure.”

“Victoria’s marvellous descriptions of restaurant life take us behind the scenes to a Tuscany rarely seen by tourists and travellers,” said Joanna Savill, Director of the Sydney International Food Festival. “She’s an immensely talented writer and cook”.

Outside of cooking in Tuscan restaurants, Victoria’s adventures and achievements to date include achieving a BA in languages at ANU in Canberra, many years selling advertising space for publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the Italian newspaper ‘La Fiamma’, teaching Italian cooking at community colleges for 20 years and working extensively in the hospitality industry in Sydney including three years’ co-running a cafe on the Northern Beaches.

She has lived in Byron Bay for the past 10 years, working at The Byron Shire Echo for the past eight.

Victoria is currently leader of the Byron Bay convivium of the Slow Food Movement and for the last few years has worked as a reviewer for the annual Sydney Morning Herald ‘Good Food Guide’.

Amore and Amaretti is available now at Mary Ryans book stores for $24.95.

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And, with more than 350,000 registered caravans and recreational vehicles in Australia today, this industry is among the fastest growing tourism sectors in Australia.

The show is in its 13th year and last year broke two significant records – more exhibitors and more attendees than ever before.

In addition to the hundreds of exhibitors, the show will feature entertainment, including motorcycle sensations the Freestyle Trial Team who continue to thrill their fans with their dazzling motorcycle feats.

There will also be a race-car simulator for race-car fans, and helicopter winching displays.

And those who like Aussie bush entertainment should make their way over to the Country Energy entertainment stage to hear balladeer, Errol Gray, perform.

For fishing fans, the Yamaha Fishing Tank will be there again this year, along with a fishing simulator which will excite the experienced and not-so-experienced fisher.

For the kids, there will be rides, face-painting, stilt walkers, and even a visit from Big Dog to ensure the little ones are entertained.

The show also offers a lucky-door prize. Every paying visitor to the show will have a chance to win a three-metre Quintrex tinny and motor valued at $2100, courtesy of Watson’s Trimming and Marine.

The Yellow Pages 4WD Caravan Camping & Marine Show is a major fundraiser for Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, but also provides a major boost to the Northern Rivers economy.

The first 12 years of the Show has raised more than $800,000 for the rescue helicopter and last year injected approximately $2 million into the local economy, providing spin-offs to local accommodation providers, hotels and restaurants.

The Yellow Pages 4WD Caravan Camping & Marine Show will be held at Lismore Showground this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 9am each day and close at 4pm.

For all the details visit the official show website www.lismore4wdshow.com.au

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The resort reopens its doors on July 7. To celebrate, The Byron at Byron Resort is launching year-round happy hour from 4:30 – 6:00pm every Sunday to Thursday (excluding Christmas holidays), a share plate menu from Head Chef Gavin Hughes from midday to 6:00pm, a new signature Spa menu and a new rainforest meditation walk.

“These are big changes for us,” said John Parché, General Manager of The Byron at Byron.

“We’ve been here for five years now so we needed to refresh the resort. We really wanted to open up more to locals, to be a place where people come every week rather than every month or three.

“Happy hour should be a lot of fun. The new share plate menu offers dining flexibility and the locals card is about acknowledging and welcoming our local community.”

Restaurateur James Lancaster, who ran the highly regarded Johnson Street eatery Olivo for eight years, joins the resort team as Food and Beverage Co-ordinator this month.

No bookings are required for Happy Hour, which will offer a selection of $10 cocktails, $6 wines and $5 beers.

Voted #2 Spa in Australia by the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards 2010, The Spa and Wellness Centre at The Byron at Byron Resort launches a range of new journeys for the body and soul in July.

The Spa offers result oriented facials and signature treatments such as the Rainforest Body Ritual and Native Flora Journey, using 100% natural hand made products from the iKOU eco spa range as well as continuing to work with Pevonia Botanical spa range.

Conceptualised by Spa and Wellness Centre Manager Naomi Quarrell, the new menu takes inspiration from the surrounding rainforest.

For restaurant or spa bookings or to receive your complimentary 10% discount locals card, telephone 1300 554 362 or email info@thebyronatbyron.com.au

PICTURE: James Lancaster with head chef Gavin Hughes.

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