crowds flock to burrinja community opening

Saturday saw the official community opening of Burrinja Performing Arts Centre in Upwey. People came out in droves to look a the new theatre and gallery spaces.

Here I am pictured with long time Burrinja volunteer, Tracey who was keenly handing out brochures to everyone as they passed by.

Organisers had put together an amazing program to showcase the centre and there was something for everyone.

To start the days proceedings Aunty Dot Peters did the traditional welcome to country.



















Next up was a presentation to Burrinja Executive Director, Ross Farnell. Ross and his team have done a tremendous job throughout the construction and the Committee of Management (of which I'm a member) thought it was important to recognise his efforts.

To kick off the perfomances in the theatre a community choir made up of choirs across the region, too many to name, sang as One Voice One Community. It was a fitting start, Burrinja exists because of the enormous support of our local community.

Local singer and choir leader, Barb McFarlane, led not only the community choristers but the audience too in beautiful group singing.

Suzanne Frisk did a great job keeping the singing going.

Chris Risely led local choir Sweet Sassafras in a great rendition of Beds are Burning to celebrate the landmark decision to award the Gunditjmara and Eastern Maar people native title rights in South Western Victoria.













Utassy Ballet School delighted onlookers with a mix of traditional and contemporary dance pieces. It was wonderful to see the potential the new theatre brings.

Last, but certainly not least, we were treated to a performance by the Nicholas Chamber Orchestra performing Peter and the Wolf with Derek Guille narrating the story. It was wonderful to experience this long time family favourite live in a theatre setting. Young and old alike were captivated.

It was a wonderful day, hundreds of community members were there to enjoy their brand new $9million facility. I feel immensely proud to have played a part in bringing this state of the art performance venue to the Dandenong Ranges.

it's official, burrinja open for arts

It's been a big weekend for the arts community in the Dandenong Ranges. It was wonderful to join with my colleagues to celebrate this monumental night.

Pictured left to right: Cr's Noel Cliff, Samantha Dunn, Terry Avery (Mayor) and Jeanette McRae.

Friday night saw the official civic opening of the Burrinja performing arts theatre. A grand night, attendees were treated to an amazing performance by Deborah Cheetham and the Short Black Opera including Tiriki Onus.

It was full circle for Burrinja, it's name taken from Lin Onus' Yorta Yorta name meaning Little Star, it was wonderful to hear his son Tiriki sing in his beautiful bass baritone voice.

Many, many community members are responsible for the success of Burrinja, current president of the Committee of Management, Louis Delacretaz and his wife, were there to represent the efforts of many.

Neil McLeod, local artist, was part of the celebrations. Neil's generous gift to the people of the Shire of Yarra Ranges, comprises an exquisite collection of over 300 Aboriginal paintings, Oceanic works from New Ireland and New Britain PNG, drawings, artifacts and photographic slides. We are fortunate to have such works and as a consequence Yarra Ranges has one of the best municipal collections of indigenous art in the country.


There are many people who've played a key role in the journey of Burrinja, from the community who galvanised to save the Shire of Sherbrooke offices as early as 1994, through to the local councillors who continually advocated on behalf of the Dandenong Ranges to ensure unanimous support of council for the project to proceed, the local state member to ensure a financial contribution and the local federal member who filled a desperately needed funding shortfall.

It's been a great collaboration by community and all three tiers of government and I look forward to seeing Burrinja go from strength to strength as a premium performing arts venue in the Dandenongs.

burrinja community celebration day

Well it's been quite a journey for our community. From council amalgamations which saw our Shire of Sherbrooke offices under threat of sale by the Commissioners, a long and passionate community campaign to keep our shire offices and turn them into a community cultural centre, the trials and tribulations of funding, design and construction through to a $9million performing arts facility. What a journey!

And this Saturday is the day when all of community can come and celebrate their achievements at the Burrinja Community Celebration Day.

Saturday 30th July will be a free day of activities throughout the centre, including:
The official opening by Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Terry Avery
Performances in a brand spanking new theatre by Burrinja Choir for a Day, Singularity, Mullum Mullum Indigenous Dancers, Ranges Young Strings, Utassy Ballet School, GEMCO and many more local groups
4 new art exhibitions including Stories of Song and Dance - showcasing items from the Burrinja/McLeod Gift Collection (thanks Neil - we're indebted to your generosity), Our Place-Our Space - Koori Art exploring the theme of identity in contemporary Australia, Focus - a group photographic exhibition behind the scenes of Utassy and ActUp and Rodney Saulwick: Silent Speech and GUIs, a retrospective of Rodney's work
Bush tucker in the newly created Art of Place Indigenous Garden
Mask Making workshop, indigenous weaving, films from the Black Screen Festival
Tours of the centre, led by a dedicated bunch of wonderful Burrinja volunteers
To end the day, the grand finale, a live performance of Peter and the Wolf by the Nicholas Chamber Orchestra with special guest narrator Derek Guille. (small fee of $7 for this one and starts at 4:30pm)

To download a program click here.

What a great way to open, I look forward to seeing you there.

samantha in the press - ethical paper

Come back from the Wilderness
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
27 Jul 2011

samantha in the press - libraries

Libraries in a bind
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
26 July 2011

samantha in the press - public transport

Taxi boundary restricts work
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
26 July 2011

samantha in the press - green wedge

Green wedge claim
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-Sowden
26 July 2011

logging begins at sylvia creek

MEDIA RELEASE

Anger as logging begins at controversial Sylvia Creek forest near Melbourne

VicForests has sent the chainsaws into the Sylvia Creek forest on Melbourne’s north east fringe, despite conceding that the area contains old-growth trees more than 110 years old.

Over 100 people protested at the site near Toolangi last weekend, forcing both VicForests and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to conduct new surveys to check the forest’s environmental values.

“DSE has confirmed the logging coupe contains old growth trees, even though VicForests and Government Minister Louise Asher insisted last week that it was not old growth forest,” said Wilderness Society forest campaigner Luke Chamberlain.

"We demand an acknowledgment from the then Acting Premier that she has either been deceived by VicForests or she herself has misled the public. Louise Asher must apologise to the people of Toolangi."

“As a result of community action, VicForests has been forced to remove three hectares of old growth and rainforest from their logging plans, but they have sent the chainsaws into the remaining forest today.”

DSE and VicForests claim that the area being logged is not suitable habitat for the endangered Leadbeater's Possum, but expert scientists and conservationists disagree.

“Over half the Leadbeater's Possum’s forest habitat was destroyed in the Black Saturday bushfires, so every last bit that survives is incredibly precious, and essential to this tiny animals’ survival,” said spokesperson for local group ‘My Environment’ Sarah Rees.

“The criteria the government is using to identify Leadbeater's Possum habitat are too conservative. We’re talking about Victoria’s wildlife emblem, we should be making sure they multiply and flourish, not simply cling on to the edge of survival.”

“The local community is up in arms about losing this beautiful, high conservation value forest, and is planning further protests.”

The Burned Area Emergency Response Report (BAER) commissioned by the Brumby Government after the 2009 bushfires recommended preserving refuge areas such as those in Toolangi for biodiversity recovery.

samantha in the press - libraries

Pledge to fight Libs' library cuts
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
20 July 2011

samantha in the press - public transport

Platform for change at Ringwood railway station
Leader Newspapers
by Tim Michell
19 July 2011

samantha in the press - libraries

Books shelved
Mail Newspapers
by Russell Bennett
19 July 2011

samantha in the press - green wedge

Wedge plan claim
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-Sowden
19 July 2011

samantha in the press - planning

Mooroolbark planning: shire backs fight to stop units
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
19 July 2011

community grants night at yarra ranges

It was wonderful to join with my colleagues at the Yarra Ranges Community Grants Awards night. Community members and organisations from across the shire came together to receive their grants for an amazing range of projects.

Pictured here with myself are some of the community grant recipients from the Lyster Ward, I am always reminded of what a diverse, passionate and committed community we have in the Dandenong Ranges.

Here's Jordan, committee member from Belgrave Survival Day. Survival Day is a wonderful celebration of indigenous heritage and culture and it's survival since settlement.













Jackie and Vicki from the Southern Dandenong Landcare Group, along with the SDLG members, are a powerhouse in the local community. The SDLG interacts in so many ways with the local community, whether its a land assessment, helping with planting guides, doing revegetation or weed removal works, they are truly passionate and the region and the environment. SDLG were received a grant for their Awesome Ornithorhynkids Day, a day to learn about local waterways, the platypus and how we can help care for it's habitat and ongoing survival.

Selbyfest ran for the first time in 2011, it was wonderful festival and a great example of community involvement. It was terrific to be able to award Leanne and Karl with a community grant for Selbyfest 2012.

Vicki Boyle accepted the community grant award on behalf of the Belgrave South Community House. The house have been awarded a grant to run the All in Gardening project, a gardening group developed primarily for people with disabilities.

Jaime Snyder from Pocket Bonfire Productions received a community grant to run the Hillside Youth Film Festival. The festival is an annual youth focused film festival held in Belgrave, showcasing the best original short firms from emerging Victorian filmmakers.

Liz and Dianne from BRAG were pleased to receive a community grant to fund their Belgrave Historical Plaques and Walk project. The project will see a series of plaques displaying pictures and text showcasing Belgrave's past.

Other Lyster ward recipients include:
Sherbrooke U3A for Shared Learnings in U3As, a combined project with the Yarra Ranges U3A.
Irabrina Childhood Autism Services for the Outer Eastern Sibling Support Camp, to provide children 7-12 years old with a sibling with autism the opportunity to build understanding about autism.
Belgrave Community Arts Project for the Belgrave Lantern Parade, a community celebration of winter solstice.
Fernlea House for Fernlea House in the Valley, investigating a satellite service for palliative care.

samantha in the press - libraries

Anger at moves to cut library funding
Lilydale Leader
by Alex Munro
18 July 2011

save sylvia creek

Today I joined with concerned community members, environment groups and my fellow Councillors, Crs Jeanette McRae and Tim Heenan in the forests of Toolangi.

We were there to show our objection to logging in this region, specifically Sylvia Creek, the coupes know as Freddo (297-826-0002) and Gun Barrel (297-526-0001). Over 100 people were in attendance, a show of real commitment given the chilly, wet conditions.

Yarra Ranges has had a long history of opposing logging in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. In 2007 we opposed logging in Melbourne's water catchments, in 2010 we opposed logging in the Toolangi region because of its impact on tourism, the local economy and environment and this year we signed the Ethical Paper Pledge, pledging to only purchase copy paper with no native forest content.

From left to right: Cr's Jeanette McRae, Samantha Dunn and Tim Heenan of the Shire of Yarra Ranges. Council feels strongly that the Ethical Paper Pledge is an accurate reflection of our commitment to sustainability, protection of the environment, corporate social responsibility and local community needs as outlined in our procurement policy.

This year council also submitted to the VicForests Timber Release Plan (TRP) to outline our concerns about the proposed logging in the region. It has been disappointing to learn that none of the issues raised by the Shire of Yarra Ranges have been taken into consideration by VicForests or the DSE.

In relation to the logging of this particular area council raised a number of issues, specifically around the protection of threatened species habitat.

Council is aware of the extensive impact of the 2009 bushfires on habitat required by threatened species. Coupled with the loss of habitat through logging operations over past decades, there is increasingly less area of suitable habitat for threatened species, including the state's faunal emblem, the Leadbeater's Possum.

In the foreground are concerned community members, this gives an idea of the scale of the forests being logged.

The impact of past logging and the 2009 bushfires has also resulted in a reduced area available for logging, potentially bringing the commercial needs of VicForests into more direct competition for habitat required for threatened species.

Council is keen to ensure that all Special Protection Zone (SPZ) areas are adequately conserved and protected. Council believes this should include avoiding logging operations immediately adjacent to SPZ areas to avoid accidental over logging and unexpected impacts from regeneration burns on habitat critical to the survival of threatened species.

As part of our TRP submission council sought assurances that no new coupes would be granted that have any potential to destroy SPZ forest, or any areas of Leadbeater's Possums' Permanent Reserve System, or other areas previously set aside to secure/conserve forest biodiversity. We haven't had a response to these specific concerns as yet from VicForests, the DSE or the Minister, but given the logging coupe visited today overlaps an SPZ area, I'm certain there's not going to be any consideration of this or the threatened species who call this forest home.

A number of speakers addressed the group including the Yarra Ranges Councillors, I spoke about our long history of opposing logging and the impact of logging on our local tourism industry, Cr McCrae talked about the loss of biodiversity whilst Cr Heenan's message was 'no jobs on a dead planet'.

Council does not support logging of these Sylvia Creek coupes, 297-826-0002 (Freddo) and 297-526-0001 (Gun Barrell), amongst a long list of other coupes that threaten forest biodiversity and species on the brink of extinction.

Council does not support the logging of any coupe either adjacent to Special Protection Zone areas and/or Leadbeater's Possum Permanent Reserve System.

samantha in the press - childcare

Childcare cut a blow to hills families
Leader Newspapers
by Adrian Bernecich
16 July 2011

a new age for libraries

Yarra Ranges is currently reviewing it's library services and we'd like to know what you think. We want to know what you like about your library and what you'd like to see improved.
You can let us know a couple of ways, you can complete an online survey here or come along to one of our focus groups.

Focus groups will be held:

Monday 18 July - 11:15am to 12:15pm Mooroolbark Library
Monday 18 July - 2:00pm to 3:00pm Mt Evelyn Library
Tuesday 26 July - 3:00pm to 4:00pm Upper Yarra Family Centre, Yarra Junction
Wednesday 27 July - 11:00am to 12:00pm Healesville Library
Wednesday 27 July - 2:00pm to 3:00pm Lilydale Library
Thursday 28 July - 10:00am to 11:00am Belgrave Library
Thursday 28 July - 3:00pm to 4:00pm Montrose Library

To book a focus group near you click here or phone Jackie Elward on 1300 368 333, bookings are essential as places are limited.

library funding cuts

report from the roundtable - 12 Jul

I raised the issue of state government cuts to recurrent public library funding as an urgent motion for council to consider.

I thought it was important that council was aware of the issue and considered our position as soon as possible rather than waiting for the next council meeting on the 26th July.

My motion read:
That council:
1) Write to local MPs and the Minister for Local Government requesting:
a) An explanation of why library funding for the Earstern Regional Libraries, both recurrent and indexed, has been reduced for the upcoming year.
b) Immediate reinstatement of indexed funding for libraries.

2) Develop an advocacy plan to lobby local MPs and the Minister to reinstate library funding.

The timing of this funding cut couldn't be worse, Yarra Ranges Council has already signed off on its budget and we only found out about the funding cuts when the CEO of Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation (of which I'm Deputy Chairperson of the board) received the funding agreeement.

For Yarra Ranges and our residents it means a cut of $27,466 in recurrent operational funding for our libraries. There is a real irony given that 2012 is the national year of reading, not a particularly good start. The state government is willing to provide funding to build libraries, supports the Premier's Reading Challenge but has no problem reducing library funding without even consulting with local government.

This funding reduction puts an even greater burden on ratepayers, at a time when we see the state government continually diminishing the amount it invests in library services, now down to a measly 19.2%.

What services will need to be cut, which book stocks can no longer be purchased, this is the reality of operational funding cuts to our libraries.

I have to ask is this state government truly committed to life long learning, literacy and community wellbeing. We have to ensure that at every opportunity we raise the issue with our state government MPs until this funding is reinstated.

I'm pleased to say the motion was supported by councillors unanimously.

samantha in the press - heritage

Museum secures its place in history
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
12 July 2011

samantha in the press - chilcare

Childcare cut a blow to families
Leader Newspaper
by Adrian Bernecich
11 July 2011

want to know the value of your collectible?

Have you ever wondered what that collectible or antique sitting in the corner is worth? Well here's your chance to find out.

On Friday 22 July, Lester DeVere is coming to the Belgrave Library to do appraisals.

Lester has over 25 years experience in the antiques trade as a commission agent and auctioneer.

This session proves to be a great learning experience and a lot of fun too. Libraries have changed a lot, contemporary and vibrant places, they're a great place for community to connect.

Details:
One item per person
Bookings essential: call 9754 7266 or click here
When: Friday 22 July at 11am
Where: Belgrave Library
Cost: free

council tells taxi inquiry

Yarra Ranges used the recent Victorian Taxi Inquiry to highlight that residents are currently missing out on vital health services as well as employment opportunities because of the location and operation of the Metropolitan Taxi Zone boundary.

Because of the boundary Yarra Ranges residents have limited access to key services, including transport, shopping, employment, health and social outings. Yarra Ranges made a submission to the inquiry, supported by the Eastern Transport Coalition.

A lot of people in Yarra Ranges rely on taxis and whilst they live in the Country Taxi Zone they need to access services in the metropolitan area.

While taxis are allowed to pick up fare paying passengers in their zone and take them to another zone, they aren't allowed to pick up a return fare. This results in passengers being refused travel in both directions.

The restrictions also make country taxi licences a financially unattractive proposition. At the moment of a total of 9 country taxi licences in Yarra Ranges, only 7 are in operation.

Already our shire has poor public transport so members of the community are more heavily reliant on taxis, particularly the elderly or people with a disability. Without access to these taxi services our community is even further socially disadvantaged.

Tourism operators also suffer due to the boundary issues, with visitors reliant on private transport rather than taxis.

Council along with the Eastern Transport Coalition is calling for a review of the location and operation of the Metropolitan Taxi Zone boundary. Let's hope we can see some improvements into the future.

yarra ranges preventing violence against women

It was wonderful news to hear that Yarra Ranges Council in partnership with Maroondah and Knox City Councils was one of the four successful applicants for the Preventing Violence Against Women (PVAW) in OurCommunity Program.

Funding of $420,000 has been granted to deliver the project over the next four years. Yarra Ranges is well positioned to progress work in this area with the development of our Promoting Respectful Relationships Forum and our work with the Outer East PVAW alliance.

The program challenges gender discrimination and stereotyping and promotes gender equity and non violence.

Violence against women remains a serious issue and has a long lasting effect on women, children and the whole of community. For women aged 15 to 44 violence is the leading contributor to death, disability or illness (source). There is an enormous cost, not only to the women experiencing violence, but on our health system too.

Once completed the pilot will be assessed as a model to use in the broader context.

yarra shortlisted for international riverprize

It was wonderful to hear that the Yarra River has been shortlisted for the 2011 International RiverPrize, one of the world's most prestigious environmental awards.

The Yarra River was shortlisted from over 50 submissions from 20 countries and it is quite an achievment to get to this stage.
Sharing the shortlist with Charles River - Massachusetts and Mattole River - California, the prize recognises innovative river management. If successful the Yarra River will be the second Australian river to win the award.

Melbourne Water have worked hard since the 1970s to improve the health of this significant river thanks to stronger environmental laws and the diversion of waste to the sewerage system.

There's also been a lot of work on bank stabilisation and implementing water sensitive urban design to better manage stormwater pollution.

It's a river that's dear not only to Yarra Ranges but is a treasure for all Melburnians.

The winner of RiverPrize will be announced at the 14th International RiverSymposium on September 27.

library funding cuts - unannounced and unwelcome

It was disappointing to learn that the Eastern Regional Libraries has received a funding cut from the state government (along with most library corporations across the state), unannounced and only revealed as the library received its annual funding agreement.

At a time when the ERL is casting it's budget for 2011/12, the timing of the funding cut couldn't be worse timed. In the case of Yarra Ranges it means a $5,000 cut on last year's funding and a cut of $ 27,500 on the forecast funding*. So not only a loss of the monies received under the recurrent Public Libraries Grant Program but a loss of indexation funding too.

*note: The forecast funding is made up of last year's funding allocation with the state government's cpi rate of 2.75% applied to make up the total amount anticipated.

There has been no explantion provided by the Government for the cut in funding and given the Yarra Ranges Council has already signed off on its budget for 2011/12, it now puts us in a position of funding shortfall in our budget for our libraries.

State Government funding for libraries has been consistently cut over the years with local government continuing to pick up the slack, but enough is enough. The government needs to reinstate our funding and make a commitment to lifelong learning and the ongoing literacy and learning of our society through library services.

occasional child care at risk

Last week I attended the Save Occasional Child Care Rally in Melbourne.

Coordinated by the Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres among other things a petition of 3000 signatures was presented to parliament requesting the reinstatement of funding.

Last year the federal government withdrew funding from Occassional Child Care Services, whilst this year the state government withdrew it's funding too.

It was evident at the rally that the blame game is well and truly in play. The State Government blaming the Federal Government, the Federal Government blaming the State Government.

Rather than pointing the finger of blame, of more importance to families is for government to reinstate the funding. Occasional Child Care plays a critical role, providing flexible care which can be taken on a sessional basis or casual basis.

It provides children with the opportunity to socialise, gives parents much needed time, whether it be for part time work, to go to medical appointments without the littlies in tow, go to job interviews or manage mental health issues. Whatever the need it is an important childcare service that needs to be funded.

Many community houses in Yarra Ranges provide Occasional Child Care and I am concerned about the implications for them and the families that use the service. I will be calling for a report so council can understand the ramifications of this retrograde decision.

Rather than pointing the finger of blame, both the federal and state governments should be working on a way to make it happen, occasional child care is too important to lose.

excessory comes to yarra ranges regional museum

An exhibition of contemporary Australian Jewellery is one of the first exhibitions at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

Excessory features the work of six artists who transform everyday and found objects into precious objects.

It's about re-using and recycling, making everyday items beautiful and valuable wearable art.

It's terrific to have this exhibition so close to home.

Excessory runs till August 7.

samantha in the press - sport

Yarra Ranges council OK's soccer pitch
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
5 Jul 2011

samantha in the press - libraries

Reform looms for Yarra mobile library
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
5 Jul 2011

yarra ranges mobile library service - what do you think?

report from the roundtable - 28 jun

At council this week, councillors had to consider proposed improvements to the Yarra Ranges Mobile Library Service.

The key improvements recommended in the report include:
- Replacing the existing Ranges and Valley Mobile service with smaller resource vehicles allowing greater access to many sites as well as meeting best practice sustainability requirements from an economic, social and environmental perspective.
- Addressing access issues often experienced by disadvantaged members of the community by expanding the current mobile library service site visits to include caravan parks, aged care facilities, festivals and events.
- Enhancing community wellbeing by supporting the proposed introduction and expansion of library services including offering library programs that focus on literacy and other areas of intererst and identified need.
- Increasing access to Information Communications Technology such as internet, e-readers and audio books through the provision of library services and programs in Community Hubs.

There's some really innovative ideas in the proposal, of particular note is the new way to connect the community in one of our most remote townships, Powelltown, to a library service through the General Store.

Another thing that is a real positive is that this proposed new service reaches those who are most disadvantaged and disconnected with our library service. There's a lot of positives and council looks forward to hearing what you think.

Councillors voted unanimously to release the report for community consultation.

budget ratified for 2011/12

report from the roundtable - 28 jun

This week's council meeting was an important one as it considered our annual budget and council plan for the 2011/12 year.

The budget has been before council a number of times and been through a rigorous review process. It's a budget that looks to the future and delivers on important infrastructure as well as human services.

It addresses our asset renewal challenges into the future and has been developed in an environment of declining financial grants, rising costs and continuing cost shifting from state government to local government.

Specific capital works projects for the Lyster ward in the upcoming year include:
$12,500 for drainage improvements - Gallagher Street, Belgrave
$55,000 for landslip and drainage works - Fairy Dell Road, Tecoma
$40,170 for drainage improvements - Licence Road, Belgrave South
$51,000 for footpath construction - Broadway, Belgrave
$56,300 for footpath construction - Kallista Emerald Road, The Patch
$150,000 for footpath construction - The Patch Road, The Patch
$25,000 for traffic management - Berwick Road, Narre Warren East
$35,000 for wicket relocation - Narre Warren East
$70,000 for trail construction - Birdsland, Belgrave to Lysterfield
$463,500 for renovation works - Belgrave Pool
$3,227,500 for construction and refurbishment - Monbulk Pool

consider the library this school holidays

The Eastern Regional Libraries have a wonderful school holiday program for families looking for activities that wont cost the earth.

From storytime for tiny tots, to spooky stories to monster mania, there's plenty to entertain the kids across the network of libraries that make up the Eastern Regional Libraries.

Click here for the calendar of events, there's something for everyone.

archibald at tarrawarra

People from near and far came to the opening of the 2011 Archibald Prize at TarraWarra Museum of Art in the Yarra Valley on the weekend.

A terrific exhibition in a wonderful location. The 2011 Archibald Prize is well worth a visit.

Winning artist, Ben Quilty, spoke to the audience about his experience in winning the Archibald and the joy of receiving the winning cheque.

His portrait of Margaret Ollie is worth seeing alone, let alone all the other entries in the 2011 Archibald.

This is the only showing of the exhibition in Victoria and runs through to 31 July.