LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT

ARTIST PROFILE: ERICA NEATE

Late one night, just like the breeze that blows across K’gari and over the shores of the Fraser Coast, Erica Neate swept in to Dundowran in a serendipitous flurry. She chose the safe waters of Hervey Bay so her young family could frolic in the ocean and enjoy the beautiful coastal environment they have called home for the past thirty five years.

Upon arriving Erica familiarised herself with the local Butchulla people and realised quickly there was little public representation of their indigenous art and culture. With a natural skill for organising, Erica assembled the very first exclusively-Aboriginal art exhibition at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery. It was the start of rich connection of souls and over the years the relationships have grown to become a strong bind in her community.

Erica is a busy creature and involves herself and others in events that bring peace and joy to those around her. She laughs as she explains her “proactive participation process” which is fancy way of saying she “bosses people around”. It’s her unique way of getting people involved and helping them to discover their hidden talents that brings out the best in the community. She loves creating little ripples that grow in to waves, and is a strong advocate for inclusivity and cultural diversity. Her portfolio is impressively extensive and as a result of her community involvement she has received a number of public recognition awards.

They say if you want a job done, ask a busy person. So when the Butchulla people were invited to lead the parade at the upcoming

COVER IMAGE:

Phoebe Paradise, Moshpit (detail) 2023, digital illustration. A Hervey Bay Regional Gallery commission for Origin Story. On display until Sunday 27 August.

Fraser Coast Regional Council acknowledges to the east, the Butchulla (Badtjala) and to the west, the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) People, their connection to Country (land, sea and sky) and recognises the many places of cultural, spiritual, social and economic significance in the community.

We pay our respects to their Elders – past, present and emerging. The Fraser Coast Regional Council also acknowledges other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who reside in and have connections with the Fraser Coast Region.

STAY INSPIRED!

This guide shares a taste of Council’s arts, culture and heritage program and was correct at time of printing. To keep up to date with the latest information visit our website.

We welcome contributions from our creative community. To find out more email: ArtsCulture@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

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Whale Festival in July, Erica and her partner Jon Vea Vea were welcomed to coordinate the lantern making workshops. Funding was obtained and the wheels were quickly set in motion to work with artists and community members of all ages to build the paper lanterns that will light up the night.

Erica is one of those souls who finds invisible strengths in the world, in nature, culture and people. She walks through life with open arms and welcomes others to embrace more fully our shared journey on Planet Earth. Those little ripples she creates are ever present, becoming waves throughout the community. And just like the cool sea breeze over K’gari, Erica Neate is an eternal part of the Fraser Coast.

Read more stories at ourfrasercoast.com.au www.ourfrasercoast.com.au

Fraser Coast Scene is distributed free as a marketing and engagement initiative of Fraser Coast Regional Council. It’s about promoting Council’s programs and services by sharing stories of our arts and cultural community and their connection to Council’s spaces.

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Music Under The Stars

Mon 3 Jul | 7pM

Come and join Maryborough Music Conference delegates in an evening of entertainment by the Australian Army Band - Brisbane.

The Big Sing

Wed 5 Jul | 6.30PM

Enjoy a night of pub style food, a live band, great company and singing where the audience creates the entertainment!

Good - NT Live

Sun 25 Jun | 4PM

Tue 11 Jul | 1PM

Screening. John Halder is a good man. But good men must adapt to survive. How is it possible to be a ‘good’ person when things are falling apart?

Gala Concert

Thu 6 Jul | 7PM

Join us for a night with international and nationally renowned conductors and over 200 musicians showcasing our world-class music

Queensland Ballet Community Classes

Sparks Dance Centre

Sun 16 Jul

The Brolga Theatre and Fraser Coast Regional Council proudly present a range of classes, suitable for all. No experience necessary.

Rhythms of Ireland

Fri 21 Jul | 7.30PM

Whether you’re a fan of Irish music, dance or simply love to be entertained, Rhythms of Ireland will leave you breathless and longing for more.

WHAT’S ON | JULY 2023

5 Walker Street, Maryborough 4122 6060

Box Office Open Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 4pm

Charmaine Wilson - The Australian Medium

Sun 16 Jul | 2PM

Charmaine Wilson is a world-renowned Australian medium, who has been consistently recognised for her skill and compassion.

Burn the Floor

Tue 1 Aug | 7.30PM

World renown dance company Burn the Floor joins with Indigenous super star Mitch Tambo to create a brand-new dance production.

Riverstage

Brolga Live @ Riverstage

Sat 29 Jul | 3PM - 6PM

Join us at the Brolga Theatre’s Riverstage and terrace for a free family-friendly concert on the banks of the Mary River. Full bar facilities – please no BYO alcohol.

Queen: It’s a kinda magic

Thu 3 Aug | 8PM

Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic is back by popular demand this August for their first Australian tour in two years!

Morning Melodies - Jenny Wynter By Request

Thu 17 Aug | 11 AM

Songbird and improvised comedy queen Jenny Wynter performs By Request, the “side-splitting cabaret” which is never the same show twice.

166 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay 4197 4206

FREE ENTRY Open Tuesday to Friday: 10am - 4pm

Weekends: 10am - 2pm.

EXHIBITIONS: UNTIL SUN 27 AUG

EVENTS, WORKSHOPS AND TALKS

Art Club Term 3

Wednesdays | 4PM

Weekly after school art classes for students in grades 2-5. Led by art teacher Shelly Seashells, your young creatives will explore a range of visual art mediums and delve into the ideas and stories of artworks on show at HBRG. Term pass: $135.

Gordon Hookey: A MURRIALITY

Renowned Waanyi artist Hookey presents perspectives on historical and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, across sculpture, printmaking, video, and large-scale painting.

Origin Story

Inspired by our state’s passion for the greatest sporting rivalry of all time, Origin Story brings together artists from across the region to reflect on the cultural contribution of State of Origin to Queensland’s identity.

Dance Workshop with Georgina Baumann

Thu 6 Jul | 10:30AM

Young groovers aged 5+ are invited to learn a dance routine with dance teacher and former Broncos cheerleader Georgina Baumann from Drifters, Big Notas & Co. Bookings essential.

Images (top le ): Gordon Hookey in his studio. Photography: Rhett Hammerton; (le ) Featuring: Phillip Piperides, Darren Lockyer, 2011, bronze sculpture.

311 Kent St, Maryborough 4190 5818

FREE ENTRY Open Tuesday to Friday: 9.30am - 3.30pm

Weekends: 9.30am - 2pm.

EXHIBITIONS: UNTIL SUN 23 JUL

CREATIVE SPACE

EXHIBITION:

UNTIL SUN 23 JUL

Music for Life

Mark Crocker

Maryborough school’s music program portraits.

Consequences

Kelly Mac

Inspired by our changing natural world, its beauty and its cruelty.

The Glassery

Jo Bone, Lucy Quinn, Aaron Micallef and Christine Atkins

76th Annual Art Competition

Maryborough Regional Art Society

WORKSHOPS & ACTIVITIES

150th Anniversary of Maryborough Trains

Artefacts, models, photos and artworks celebrating our history of train engineering.

EXHIBITION: FRI 28 JUL - SUN 10 SEP

Exhibition Opening

Sat 29 Jul | 2PM

39th Annual Competitive Art Exhibition

Hervey Bay Art Society

Printmaking

Letterpress Workshop

SAT 8 JUL | 9AM – 2PM

With Blair Coffey. Bookings essential.

Print studio

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS 10AM-2PM