Tag: festivals

Writers and Readers Festival – Brunch with John Silvester

Posted on by alex

After a successful weekend of events, today is the final day of the Maroondah Writers and Readers Festival. The day began with Underbelly author John Silvester for brunch at Lakeside Cafe in Ringwood.

John Silvester, began by discussing his journalism background, which led to his career as a prominent crime writer. John has published and edited over 30 books on crime and received a Ned Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award together with ‘Underbelly’ co-author’ Andrew Rule.

John spoke about the research he undertakes and his experiences in interviewing the subjects of his books. John also mentioned that a prequel is expected for the Underbelly, which will focus on the identities notorious during the 1980s.

Alex with John Silvester, author of the Underbelly, and organisers of the inaugural Maroondah Writers and Readers Festival.

Brunch was provided by Lakeside Cafe and Collins Bookstores were available to sell a number of John’s books. The Maroondah Writers and Festival became a success due to the strong partnerships which were formed with organisations such as Maroondah City Council, Eastern Regional Libraries, Lakeside Cafe, Collins Booksellers and North Ringwood Community House.

As a member of the Writers and Readers Festival steering group I will be suggesting a continuation of the festival to ensure that the event continues in future years.

I would like to thank the many community members who attended the events over the weekend and to the dedicated people that organised the festival.

Media Release: Braemar returns for more celtic magic at Wyreena

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Popular Irish musical group Braemar will launch this year’s Wyreena Music Cafe series, with a return performance on Friday 29 February.

Councillor Alex Makin said Braemar, who specialise in popular Irish and Scottish folk music, have gained a loyal fan base over many years of performing at festivals and music events.

“After performing across Australia as a highly successful duo, Braemar have introduced a new member, Rob Carroll. Rob brings a strong voice to the group, which enriches and enhances the vocal harmonies for which Braemar are renowned,” said Cr Makin.

“A great night of entertainment is assured, as familiar tunes are blended with fresh arrangements and lush harmonies, similar to the musical styles of folk greats such as The Corries and Gaberlunzie,” said Cr Makin.

“Braemar has received critical acclaim from audiences throughout the country including the Australian Celtic Festival in New South Wales and the Kilmore Celtic Festival in Victoria,” said Cr Makin.

Wyreena Conservatory Cafe is a licensed venue, or you can bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy as you take in the show (a small corkage fee applies). A light supper is also provided on the night.

The Music Café in the Conservatory at Wyreena Community Arts Centre is located at
13-23 Hull Road, Croydon.

Bookings are essential. For further information or to make a booking contact Wyreena Community Arts Centre on 9294 5590.

Media Release: Jacqui Rutten set to perform at Wyreena's Music Cafe

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Popular opera singer Jacqui Rutten is bringing her ‘Sacred Stage’ show to the Wyreena Music Cafe on Friday 25 May.

Councillor Alex Makin said Jacqui Rutten has a beautiful operatic voice that will take audiences on a moving and ethereal musical journey.

“Jacqui is one of Australia’s most accomplished opera singers and composers. She has been involved in various operatic productions including Chamber Made Opera, ABC Radio and a number of international music festivals,” said Cr Makin.

“Jacqui will entertain this month’s Music Cafe audience with a selection of music, using instruments and her wonderful voice that is strongly influenced by the Baroque style,” said Cr Makin.

Tickets for the evening are $20 for adults and $9 for children under 14 years.

Wyreena is a licensed venue, or you can bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy as you take in the show. A light supper is also provided on the night.

The Music Café in the Conservatory at Wyreena Community Arts Centre is located at 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon.

Bookings are essential. For further information or to make a booking contact Wyreena Community Arts Centre on 9294 5590.

Media Release: Calling on Maroondah's young film makers

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Maroondah’s budding young film makers still have the opportunity to enter the Snippets Youth Short Film Festival, with registrations closing on Friday 30 March.

Councillor Alex Makin said the festival gives young people who have an interest in film a fantastic opportunity to get involved and express their creative side.

“Snippets Youth Short Film Festival is a great event because it gives young people a chance to be creative and use their imagination. I encourage all young people to consider getting involved, be they novices or experienced film makers,” said Cr Makin.

“The films will be shown at Hoyts Eastland in April, as part of National Youth Week Celebrations, which will give the film makers some great exposure within the community. Some of the worlds best directors have been discovered at film festivals!” said Cr Makin.

Snippets Youth Short Film Festival is being run as part of an awareness campaign for Ybblue- the youth program of Beyond Blue which is a national depression initiative.

Cr Makin said the festival is aimed at promoting the benefits creative expression can have on mental health.

“Expressing ourselves creatively plays an important part in maintaining a healthy mind and body. I think the film festival is not only giving young people a great opportunity to do this, but it is also highlighting an important issue that can affect young people – depression,” said Cr Makin.

Registrations for the Snippets Youth Short Film Festival close on Friday 30 March, with completed films required by April 6.

The Snippets Youth Short Film Festival will be shown at Hoyts Eastland from 7.30pm on Thursday 19 April.

For further information contact Maroondah Youth Services on 9298 4373.

The 2007 Sustainable Living Festival

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The Sustainable Living Festival, an annual event held at Federation Square, aims to showcase organisations that inspire and promote sustainable communities.

Given that transport, due to car dependence, is the highest household contributor of greenhouse emissions, it was fitting for the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) to hold a stall over the three day festival.

Alex Makin 2007 Sustainable Living Festival

I staffed the festival for Friday afternoon and it was encouraging to see the continued strong interest in sustainable transport from people all across metropolitan Melbourne. Sustainable transport through the provision of rail and tram extensions in growth areas interlinked by frequent and direct bus services is the only way to provide real transport choice to Metropolitan Melbourne and hence mitigate rising traffic congestion and reduce petrol dependence.

The Sustainable Transport Festival is being held from Friday the 16th of through to Sunday the 18th of February at Federation Square. For more information please visit www.slf.org.au.

Stringybark Festival: Community support for better public transport

Posted on by alex

Stringybark is a weekend-long annual community festival organised by Knox City Council and held at the Rowville Community Centre. Like previous years, the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), like other community groups such as the Knox Environment Society (KES) and Environment Victoria (EV), held a stall at the festival to engage the community in the call for better public transport.

Alex Makin at the PTUA stall at the Stringybark Festival (October 2006)

Each year the momentum for better public transport continues to build with the PTUA focusing on the much-needed Rowville rail line and the broken promise of the tram extension to Knox. Stickers calling for the funding of the Rowville rail line were distributed as well as copies of the PTUA’s Rail for Rowville factsheet.

Fund Rowville Rail Now Sticker

With a state election due in five weeks time there has never been a better time to show your support for the Rowville rail line. Stickers can be acquired by emailing me at alex@alexmakin.com.au.

Rail for Rowville FactsheetIn addition to the stickers, the Rail for Rowville factsheet clearly states the economic feasibility of the Rowville rail line and the reasons why it is required within the next five years. While the government was keen to trumpet the Wellington SmartBus service, the fact is that only a rail line will meet the needs of residents, students and businesses by ensuring a fast and efficient public transport option.