AS YOU LIKE IT

Essential Theatre’s production of As You Like It presented by Moira Arts & Culture at Byramine Homestead on Sunday 20th February transported a captivated audience into Shakespeare’s world.

St Kilda Film Festival Numurkah Town Hall

St Kilda Film Festival Cobram Community Cinema.

St Kilda Film Festival

ART FEST 2021

Forty participants immersed themselves in 14 workshops offered over the weekend 6th & 7Th November by MAC Inc Art Fest, many taking home prized items created with newly found skills.

Moira Shire Afternoon Tea.

Moira Shire Council invited Moira Arts & Culture Board members to an afternoon tea in appreciation of the effort and dedication of MAC Inc in promoting the Arts in Moira Shire and its integral role demonstrating the efficacy and value of community leadership in artistic and cultural endeavor.

The Spooky Men’s Chorale

“The Spooky Men’s Chorale” in concert at the Numurkah Town Hall on Tuesday 25^th May presented by Moira Arts & Culture Inc., was received with a standing ovation from an appreciative and enthusiastic audience.

Some audience members travelled over two hours to attend coming from Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Tocumwal, Echuca, Wyuna, Tongala, Kyabram. Bamawm, Mooroopna, Shepparton, Wilby, Yarrawonga, Katamatite, Cobram, Numurkah, Strathmerton, and Nathalia.

Comments from audience members included “Fabulous evening entertainment”, “Beautiful harmonies and funny lyrics”, “Great”, “Brilliant”, “Clever”, “Funny”.

The 12 male member group, led by Stephen Taberner, the Spooky Men’s Chorale emerged from the Blue Mountains in 2001, armed with no more than their voices, a nice line in deadpan, and an ill-matched set of hats. They have toured throughout Australia and internationally.

Touring with Regional Arts Victoria, “The Spooky Men’s Chorale” are performing in Essendon, Hawthorn, Yarck, Marysville, Mount Beauty, Bairnsdale, Phillip Island, Werribee, Murtoa, Ararat, Clunes, and Albury.

Moira Arts & Culture Inc. were delighted to bring the group to the Goulburn Valley to perform in the Numurkah Town Hall.

BLURRY BORDERS PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

Blurry Borders Photographic Exhibition at Cobram Library with “Meet the Photographer” presentation. Kristan Emerson told his story and the story behind each of his amazing photographs. Kirsten is legally blind with only 3% vision in one eye but captures shapes and colours with his camera.
The exhibition is on display at the Cobram Library till 5th March before moving on to the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Centre 7th March to 27th March.

MACBETH

Essential Theatre’s production of MACBETH presented by Moira Arts & Culture Inc at Byramine Homestead captivated the appreciative audience. With patrons arriving from Yarrawonga, Cobram, Numurkah, Katamatite, Strathmerton, Waaia, Katunga, Tocumwal, Echuca, Shepparton and Sydney. Feedback ‘Another superb Shakespeare”, “Fabulous to have access to such a professional production in Moira Shire”, “Perfect location for outdoor theatre”, “Excellent performance as always. Look forward to Essential Theatre’s offering each year”.

MOIRA ARTS & CULTURE INC. 2020 SEASON LAUNCH

Moira Arts & Culture Inc. launched their exciting 2020 Season at Killara House, Sunday 12th January. Featuring award winning author Clancy Tucker and a quilt exhibition by Michelle Bordignon.

CAFE CULTURE

“DR HERNANDEZ”

Dr Hernandez was the last in the Café Culture Series for 2019.
Even had many dancing to their infectious music.
A great night of exciting rhythms, instrumental and vocal music. Even had many dancing to their infectious music.
Feedback comments included:
“WOW – still jigging, fabulous rhythms – could not sit still, great music”
“Keep up the events. They add colour and variety to our life in Moira Shire”
“Great presentation. Supper excellent.”
“Great balance of instruments. Upbeat & appealing music. Enjoyed the dancing. A great vibe”
“Another great musical offering from Café Culture. Foot tapping Cuban sounds. A Great night”

THE KUTCHA EDWARDS HOUR

The Kutcha Edwards Hour Live in Nathalia jointly presented by The GRAIN Store and Moira Arts & Culture lived up to its reputation of being more than music and entertainment, more than history and culture. Kutcha enthralled the audience with his songs as he shared his story.
Madi Walker Colville was the support act.

SINGING IN THE RAIN

Moira Arts & Culture Inc (MAC Inc.) were proud to be associated with Moira Shire and Movies at Numurkah, in presenting the very successful Seniors Week Event on Tuesday. 150 Seniors from across the Shire were bused in to the Numurkah Tow Hall. Davis Geddes as MC made all welcome with Cr Marie Martin welcoming all before cutting the special cake with representatives of MAC Inc. and Moves at Numurkah plus the winners of the hat competition. The Numurkah Ukulele Club then entertained before the Baulkamaugh CWA served lunch. During lunch Geoff Austin provided background music on the piano before the screening of the film “Singing in the Rain”. The film was well received.
Congratulations to Bellamee Russo, Events Coordinator with Moira Shire for organising such an outstanding and enjoyable function.

MAC INC ART FEST 2019

Received great feedback from Art Fest this year.
:Had a great day with fabulous classes”
“Thank you for a fantastic day had a ball”
“so much fun”
“Terrific weekend – thank you MAC Inc.”
“Had a wonderful time making soap”
“Some wonderfully talented teachers sharing their knowledge. Excellent weekend, everyone was happy.”
The vibe throughout the weekend from participants to tutors was one of enthusiasm and enjoyment.
65 participants immersed themselves in 111 workshops, with four undertaking 4 workshops!

CANYON

Moira Arts & Culture Inc. as part of the Café Culture Series presented “Canyon” at the Yarroweyah Hall on Friday 30th August.
In August 1969 Woodstock Music Festival presented the newly formed Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young debut concert.
Fifty years later 4 piece band “Canyon” marked the Woodstock 50th Anniversary with a regional Victorian tour to 18 towns.
The performance was well attended with some audience members setting the scene by dressing in their most colourful and peace loving, flower power outfits.
Comments from audience members included. “Just brilliant. Fantastic harmonies, amazing guitar work”. “Grateful to have such talent in the country”. “Fabulous evening. Great band – very talented musicians & harmonies brilliant. Trip down memory lane”.
The audience were treated to a welcome drink and nibbles and enjoyed a delicious supper provided by Cobram Anglican Grammar School parents and friends.
The final Café Culture Series concert presented by Moira Arts & Culture Inc. will be on Friday 22nd November, “Dr Hernandez” in the Yarroweyah Hall. “Dr Hernandez” play an exotic tonic of rootsy electro-cumbia, soulful boogaloo and funky reggae, music for dancing, listening or just lounging

ST KILDA FILM FESTIVAL – YARROWEYAH HALL

Moira Arts & Culture Inc. screened the St Kilda Film Festival in the Yarroweyah Hall to a good audience coming from Cobram, Yarrawonga, Nathalia, Barooga, Numurkah.
Feedback from audience included “A great night, great variety”, “Thankyou for bringing this tour region, please continue to do so. Have enjoyed a night out, something different, will highly recommend.” “Very different to what I imagined”. “An interesting mix of film.

St Kilda Film Festival –

Numurkah Town Hall

St Kilda Film Festival screened at Numurkah presented by Moira Arts & Culture Inc. A good audience with numbers from Numurkah, Shepparton, Melbourne, Cobram, Finley and Berrigan.
“A great night”, “Very different films – a bit edgy”, “Excellent opportunity to see some great short film” “Thought provoking”.
Screening tonight (Saturday) at Yarroweyah Memorial Hall at 7.30pm with supper during interval. Tickets available at the door. Do not miss this wonderful opportunity to discover Australia’s diverse filmmaking talent.

Galahs & Gumtrees

Moira Arts & Culture Inc. held a members function to thank the members for their support. Poet Tammy Muir was featured with an exhibition by artist Bev Williams.

THE NEW HIP

“The New Hip”, the second in the Café Culture Series was presented by MAC Inc. at the lovely Yarroweyah Memorial Hall Friday 3rd May.
The audience were captivated by the performance with such comments as “Marvelous – clever and talented”. “Thank you MAC Inc for another great event”. “You can’t beat live music!! – great musicians, talented and entertaining”. “Great fun and audience connection”.

A LITTLE BIT OF BLUE – COBRAM

Another show, another captive audience for “A Little Bit of Blue” this time at the Cobram Community House brought to these tiny tots by Cobram Community House with Moira Arts & Culture Inc. and Regional Arts Victoria.

A LITTLE BIT OF BLUE – STRATHMERTON

Little Bit of Blue entranced the students from Strathmerton Primary School with noisy interaction.
Student feedback “Awesome”, “Loved it”, “Thanks for coming.”
Congratulations to the students and teachers for well behaved students.
Thanks to the Katamatite Plan Steering Committee who together with Moira Arts & Culture Inc. and Regional Arts Victoria brought this puppet show to Strathmerton.

CAFE CULTURE FEVER

Café Culture opening performance for 2019 “Fever” was hot!
Talented engaging performance to a very appreciative audience.
“Real entertainment, great rapport with audience, great artists”
“The standard of performance was excellent, a great experience.”
:Great night, very enjoyable”.
“Fabulous! My husband did not even go to sleep!”
“Fantastic, enthusiastic performance”
Some of the comments from the audience.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Essential Theatre’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” presented by Moira Arts & Culture Inc. at Byramine Homestead captivated and enthralled those present.
Audience feedback included: Fabulous, Wonderfully Engaging, Love the troupe – love the venue, Great venue – good time of day, Fantastic Evening, Girls 17 & 14 loved it, Come again.

2019 SEASON LAUNCH

MAC Inc. launched their 2019 season at a special preview function in Killara House on Friday 18th January.
An exhibition of art work by Felicia Lacey and music by Ash Kennedy complemented the power point presentations reviewing 2018 events and previewing planned events for 2019.
The evening was well attended and enjoyed by those who ventured out on such a hot night.

BOLLYWOOD

The final performance in the 2018 Café Culture Series was Bollywood presented in Strathmerton.
An exotic colourful taste of Indian culture with feedback from the audience: A beautiful spectacle, fabulous night, just fantastic.

ACCESSIBLE VIDEO MARKETING WORKSHOP

Presented by Danny Cleary the Accessible Video Marketing Workshop was held Sunday 7th October at Strathmerton Primary School.

ART FEST 2018

An outstanding weekend of creativity at MAC Incs Art Fest 2018. Thanks to the 50 participants who participated learning new skills or honing old skills. Judging by the comments they all enjoyed the experience.
Thanks to the tutors of the 20 workshops offered for sharing their skills.
Big thank-you to Karyn Day for organising the weekend.
“Absolutely beautiful country welcome Friendly artists and fantastic workshops.
Lunch and afternoon tea was delicious
For sure I’ll be doing next year”  –  Jodie.
“Thank you for a fabulous day. Loved both the workshops I did. Great tutors & fun groups. Lovely lunch. Will certainly be back next year!” –  Julie
“Had a fantastic day with a brilliant teacher Jacky, such a talented lady !!!” – Sue.
“I loved my afternoon session, thanks so much Janet.” – Beryl.

DR CRASK AND HIS SWINGIN’ ELIXIR

Dr Crask and His Swingin’ Elixir provided a fabulous night of music, prompting many to strut their stuff on the dance floor.
Feedback from audience members included: Great swinging music – fabulous entertainment.
As usual Café Culture Series did not disappoint.
Great Ambience. Friendly. Well done.
Very, very good.

St Kilda Film Festival a sell-out!

The St Kilda Film Festival presented by Moira Arts & Culture Inc (MAC Inc.) at Yarroweyah Memorial Hall was a sell-out with audience members coming from Shepparton, Nathalia, Numurkah, Strathmerton, Tocumwal, Cobram and Yarrawonga. The audience also included American & British guest from the Numurkah time-share.
The program of 12 short films from this year’s St Kilda Film Festival showcased an eclectic selection from the next generation of emerging filmmakers from across the country. What they all had in common was a fresh innovative approach that informed and entertained and greeted by applause from the captivated audience.
The films included documentaries, animation, drama and comedy.
Comments from the audience included ” Great night, well organised and run”, “Such interesting themes and topics”.
The audience were treated to a drink and nibbles on arrival, and a delicious supper at interval provided by the Yarroweyah Memorial Hall Committee.

MAC Inc. Fifth Birthday Celebrations

Moira Arts & Culture Inc. (MAC Inc.) celebrated their fifth year with a birthday party in Killara House Cobram.
Members and supporters from Nathalia, Numurkah, Strathmerton, Tocumwal, Cobram, Katamatite and Yarrawonga joined in the celebrations.
Established in 2013 by Moira Shire and proudly sponsored by Moira Shire, MAC Inc. is an independent, incorporated not-for-profit organisation which continues to grow and is proud to be able to deliver a diverse program of events, workshops and opportunities to encourage and nurture the arts across the whole of Moira Shire.
Jackie Lee provide the celebrations entertainment for the birthday, encouraging audience participation, and the Baulkamaugh CWA provided a sumptuous supper.
A power point presentation screened the notable events presented by MAC Inc. over the last 5 years and promoted the upcoming St Kilda Film Festival on 14th July and the Café Culture Series Dr Crask & His Swinging Elixir on August 24th, with the Art Fest of twenty taster workshops September 22-23rd.
Last year MAC Inc. presented 11 performances/events in Nathalia, Numurkah, Yarroweyah, Cobram, Strathmerton, Katamatite and Yarrawonga. And gave sponsorship to Cobram, Nathalia, Numurkah and Yarrawonga Agricultural Shows, Numurkah Foodbowl, Strathmerton Community Plan, Katamatite Community Plan, Nathalia, St Marys, Numurkah, Glenvale, Cobram, Cobram Anglican Grammar, Sacred Heart Yarrawonga Secondary Colleges, Cobram Cemetery Trust, 1000 Voices Yarrawonga, Numurkah Rotary Art Exhibition, to encourage and nurture the arts.
Moira Arts & Culture Inc. has commenced planning for next year’s events.

Big Tops & Tiny Tots

Big Tops & Tiny Tots wowed Katamatite with an audience of 136, – 55 adults and 81 children, Luth Wollff delighted all with this most entertaining show.
Great to hear squeals of delight from the children and the obvious enjoyment as parents watched their children interact and participate.
Thanks to the Katamatite Community Plan, Katamatite Primary School and Katamatite Kindergarten, a great show of community spirit.
The show them rolled onto Strathmerton to enthrall the little ones.
Thanks to the Strathmerton Community Plan and Strathmerton Primary School Parents and Friends.

Red Dress & The Sugar Man

Red Dress & The Sugar Man, another fabulous show in the Café Culture Series presented by Moira Arts & culture Inc.
Marisa Quigley and her 5 piece backing charmed the audience with her singing and story telling.
Yarroweyah Hall proving to be a great venue for the Café Culture Series and once again the Cobram Anglican Grammar School Parents & Friends hit the spot with their delicious supper.
Here is some of the feedback from the audience:
Another fabulous talent – well put together performance.
Prose and music just brilliant combination.
Very enjoyable evening.
Tremendous show!
Café Culture us eclectic – and that’s it’s strength.
Very much enjoyed the evening – thank you.
Can not wait for the next performance in the Café Culture Series, Dr Crask & His Swinging Elixir on Friday 24th August at the Yarroweyah Hall. Do not forget to wear your dancing shoes!

 Pacific Belles

Pacific Belles was an outstanding performance to kick off the Café Culture Series in the Yarrawonga Hall.
Some of the audience feedback:
Wonderful harmonies – fabulous performance. Uplifting.
Fantastic quality performance.
Wow!
Great feedback on change of venue to the Yarroweyah Memorial Hall.
Fabulous supper from the Cobram Anglican Grammar Parents & Friends.

Twelfth Night

Moira Arts & Culture Inc. presented Essential Theatre’s production of Twelfth Night at Byramine Homestead.
A large an enthusiastic audience were entertained with an excellent performance.
Some feed back from the audience.
Great venue/great show.
Great entertainment – most enjoyable night – great venue.
Thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Wonderful engaging.
Great venue – perfect evening.
Wonderful!
Estelle Chalker captured the night with her camera.

2018 Season Launch

THE WIKIMEN

Fantastic final performance in the Café Culture Series by The Wikimen.
Some of the feedback:
Great individually by blended extremely well.
Loved having something different in the area.
Brilliant musicians, great combinations of voices and instruments.
Thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Wonderful entertaining night.
Look forward to 2018.

I VIAGGIATORI

MAC Inc. presented I Viaggiatori in the Cafe Culture Series On Friday 11th August.
Comments from the audience:
“Wonderful night, very interesting & informative”
“My father came over on a boat – it was a familiar yet new look at his journey. The music was excellent”
“Always proud of events organised by MAC Inc.”

THE EXOTIC LIVES OF LOLA MONTEZ

The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez was presented at the Barooga Sporties on August 10th to rave reviews.
“Great opportunity, great experience, thought provoking story and content”
“Didn’t know what to expect, was thoroughly enjoyed!’
Great venue, looked good – great atmosphere”

THE CROW FAMILY

MAC Inc. presented The Crow Family in association with Regional Arts Victoria in St Marys of the Angels Secondary College auditorium, Nathalia on Sunday 6th August.

MILES and SIMONE

Miles & Simone impressed with their music and humorous banter at Strathmerton.
Some feedback from the audience: “Fantastic show. Their music is beautiful and relaxing, and I love their story telling and audience engagement:”
“So awesome to see this kind of event happening in this area”.
“Quality entertainment – thoroughly enjoyable evening”.
” Great show – great talent, wonderful opportunity to experience locally”.

Members High Tea

The second MAC Inc. event for members a High Tea on June 4th was a great success.

A warm friendly atmosphere, delicious afternoon tea and an art exhibition from the Cobram & District Artists Society allowed MAC Inc. to thank our members for their support.

Bush Gothic

The second performance in the Café Culture Series.

Sonidos Flamencos

The first performance in the Café Culture Series captured by Estelle Chalker.

Much Ado About Nothing

Essential Theatre returned to present Much Ado About Nothing at Byramine Homestead.

MAC Inc. 2017 SEASON PREVIEW

Some 60 guests attended the evening to hear about the upcoming 2017 season of MAC Inc.

BACKWARDS & IN HIGH HEELS

Fantastic finale to Café Culture Series with Kelly Auty giving a high energy, informative and engaging performance in Backwards and In High Heels.
Kelly presented a powerful journey through the music, lives and fashions of some of the great women singers of the 1950’s to 1980’s.

ART FEST

Budding artists had hands on experience at Art Fest 8th & 9th October 2016.

The Lagerphones

Captivating the audience with their verve and musicianship the Lagerphones played the blues, classic jazz and their own improvisation of old-time tunes at the Café Culture Series performance Friday night.
The six lads knew how to swing it, to the delight of the audience, with outstanding individual solos stealing the spotlight.

Melbourne Guitar Quartet

The Melbourne Guitar Quartet performed at the Cobram Italian Social Club on Friday 29th April, the second attraction in the Café Culture Series.

Their combination of innovative arrangements and superb ensemble playing was a joy to listen to.

A sea of kids welcome Justine Clarke to Moira.

Justine Clarke delighted a crowd of children and adults at her performance at The Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Resort on Wednesday 24th February. Accompanied by her three piece band Justine sang and danced, leading the audience, up on their feet, in song and dance.
Comments received “What a fabulous performance! Justine was FABULOUS and the venue perfect”. “Loved being on the floor together, very good venue”. “Amazing show. So lucky to have shows like this coming to our rural areas”. “Fantastic, congratulations on having Justine locally. We really appreciated it”. “What a wonderful concert. Fantastic day for all the kids”.
The audience came from near and far, Oaklands, Jerilderie, Wangaratta, Cobram, Nathalia, Numurkah and Yarrawonga.

CO-CHEOL

The first performance in the Café Culture Series was Co-Cheol on Friday 19th February.

ROMEO & JULIET

Moira Arts & Culture presented the Essential Theatre Company production of Romeo & Juliet on Thompsons Beach, Cobram, February 7th

TALISKA

Taliska wowed an appreciative audience at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitors Information Centre on Saturday 5th December.

From much loved Scottish songs and airs to foot-tapping jigs and reels the audience were captivated by the stunning musicianship of Geoff Jones on pipes, whistle and bodhran, Angus Dowling on fiddle, Claire Pattie vocals and harp, accordion, horn, Louise Godwin on cello and Marcus de Rijk vocals and guitar.

______________________________________________________

NUMURKAH LAKE SCHOOL OF CELTIC MUSIC & DANCE

The second Numurkah Lake School held over the weekend 16 to 18^th October proved very successful. Commencing on Friday with workshops then at night with an “Open Mic Night” at the Shamrock Hotel, the workshops continued on Saturday and Sunday. Tutors in guitar, bodhran, banjo, vocals, dance, fiddle and mandolin instructed students, young and old.
Saturday night a “Ceili” provided a fun family night with the “Grand Finale” concert on Sunday showcasing the students and tutors.
Tutors included Felix Meagher – guitar, Leamon Chambers – bodhran, Vince Brophy – banjo, vocals, Marie Broader – Irish set dance, Ewen Baker – fiddle, mandolin and Alan Evans – tin whistle.
Students made progress and enjoyed the weekend, with some returning next year to learn another instrument.

________________________________________________________

The St Kilda Film Festival, Australia’s longest-standing and publicly owned film festival,  hit the road in June and July, visiting 10 regional destinations across Victoria to screen Top 100 highlights. There are 9 regional towns which host the film festival and we were lucky enough to have 2 in Moira, these being Yarroweyah 1 screening on June 29 and 2 screenings at  Yarrawonga. Both venues received great responses from the communities with all attending enjoying the events. Our communities were able to experience some of the best talent in Australian filmmaking and Moira Arts and Culture Inc. we’re proud to help facilitate this. By bringing this unique arts and film culture opportunity to Moira.   2015 Program highlight films include:  The Wonderful (Winner Best Original Score), A Single Body (Winner Best Short Film), Falling (Winner Best Achievement in Screenplay), The Eagle (Winner Best Original Score), The Story of Percival Pilts (Winner Best Animation), Bunny New Girl (Winner Best Comedy), Something to Crow About, The Fan (Winner Staff Choice Award), Grey Bull (Winner Craft Award).  We would like to congratulate Grey bull on winning the Craft Award and all those involved with its production, as it was Filmed in our very own town of Nathalia. Thank you must also go to the Yarroweyah Hall committee and the Yarrawonga / Mulwala golf club for their support of this event.

_______________________________________________________

Performances of “The Anzac on the Wall” came to our Shire on April 22 and 23^rd.
Anzac on the Wall told the story of Australian courage in song with humour, poetry and yarns to celebrate the centenary of Gallipoli in 2015.
Presented by TV presenter – turned bush poet, Jim Brown and musician Vince Brophy playing an array of instruments that complimented the poetry and song

______________________________________________________