Sculpture at Bermagui

‘Landed’ by Thomas Westra which won the People’s Choice Award in 2020 and was purchased by Bega Valley Shire Council. Photo by Elizabeth Walton. 'The Lone Figure of Axle Sharmen' by Ross Cameron with Gulaga in the background. Photo by Aiden Lowe.

SCULPTURE BERMAGUI RETURNS

SCULPTURE Bermagui 2020 was incredibly lucky to go ahead. Sandwiched between the bushfi res and the fi rst outbreaks of COVID-19, it was an incredible nine days of joy and amazement that made us all feel a little normal again. 2021 is shaping up to be just as exciting, with the event running from March 6 to 14. The outdoor nature of most of the exhibition, centred on Bermagui’s beautiful Dickinson Point and Foreshore, means that the event is CovidSafe.

The indoor sculptures are to be curated for the fi rst time in the Surf Club, in front of glorious Horse Shoe Bay, with Gulaga as a stunning back drop. What more could we hope for?! Last year there were 129 sculptures in total, 56 outdoor and 73 indoor. 2021 has at least 145 works entered.

“We are wondering what sort of sculptures a year of global pandemic and slow recovery from bushfi re will inspire artists to create; it will be extraordinary,” SCULPTURE Bermagui President, Paul Peyton, said. This year the program includes live music thanks to Four Winds, as well as workshops, artist presentations and tours, and a novel, ‘Sculpture meets Golf ‘adventure. There will be something for everyone. You do not need to be ‘interested’ in art to enjoy this exhibition. Thought provoking, and often fun sculptures stimulate conversation and illicit reactions from both young and old. “Whether you are a golfer, a fi sherman, a biker on a ride along the coast, or a casual visitor, I can assure you it will be well worth the trip!” Mr Peyton said. “Our community highly values this event to remind us how amazing our South Coast location is. The business community especially greatly benefi t from the thousands of visitors to the region. We trust locals and those from further afi eld will make an extra effort to be here in 2021 to enjoy what may turn out to be the ‘best ever’ event to date.

“Check out our website, sculpturebermagui.org. au, and social media for information - and we'll see you in March!”

LIVE LIFE

GET ACTIVE A HEALTHY MOVE

With stunning vistas and a mild climate, Eurobodalla is the perfect place to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Now a new program is encouraging people to do just that – for free. Live Life Get Active is coming to Eurobodalla, with cross-training, boxing and yoga classes in parks at Batehaven and Narooma. The program is the brainchild of Amanda King who, seven years ago, invited Olympian Jane Flemming to help launch and grow entry-level classes for people looking to start – or get back to – a healthier lifestyle. When Eurobodalla Council’s coordinator of recreation development Mathew Neason came across Live Life at a local government sports conference he was “quick to get in touch with Jane and her team”.

“Live Life Get Active is a natural fi t for Eurobodalla,” Mr Neason said.

“We’ve got the right locations and we’ve got plenty of people looking to live a healthier life but lack the time for organised sports or feel a bit overwhelmed at the gym.” Ms Flemming said all people had to do was turn up, the costs were covered. “Our classes are run by qualifi ed local trainers and yoga instructors to make sure the classes are professional, fun and friendly for those beginning or restarting their health journeys,” she said.

“We know team sports are an excellent way to stay fi t but research shows people are moving toward active recreation. Things like yoga, bootcamp, walking and cycling – Live Life Get Active aligns with that. “We fi nd that some of our Live Lifers do go on to join gyms or get involved in organised sports, while others continue exploring new ways to get out in the great outdoors.” Mr Neason said council would pilot the program for 12 months, and there were opportunities for businesses to get involved. “We’ve had Club Catalina come onboard to partner an additional Saturday class at Corrigans,” he said. “Classes like these provide nearby retailers and cafés to build friendship and community when participants visit after classes.” Ms Flemming said Live Life Get Active also provided opportunities for local fi tness trainers and yoga instructors. “These are rewarding 12-month casual opportunities for trainers to develop their own skills and nurture their own businesses,” she said.

“Once signed up there’s up to 200 days of classes, over $1,000 of equipment supplied, and advertising and bookings done for them. Plus, they can use our equipment for their business outside our program.” For more information or to sign up as a participant or trainer visit https://livelifegetactive.com/

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CANDELO VILLAGE FESTIVAL

The quaint village of Candelo is set to host its biennial festival on April 17 this year, a one-day extravaganza celebrating and cultivating the resilience of the community. There will be countless things to experience including breathtaking music, glorious art, a full program of workshops, talks, panel discussions and tours, a dedicated play space for all ages, phenomenal food and drinks and, of course, excellent company. Candelo is a small town in the Bega Valley Shire, best known for its thriving arts scene and farming community. The festival is organised by the Candelo Arts Society, a not-forprofi t organisation established in 1986, and is supported by CreateNSW, South East Arts and Bega Valley Shire Council. Candelo Arts Society believe that the arts - in all their shapes and sizes - are a vital part of what makes a healthy community. “We pride ourselves on hosting a diverse variety of top-notch events that showcase the work and ideas of local, national, and international creatives,” a festival spokesperson said. “Whether it be a community art exhibition, an old-fashioned bush dance, or a biennial village festival, we are a small town that isn't afraid to say yes to some big ideas.” To learn more about the festival, book a ticket, or to express your interest in performing, holding a workshop or hosting a market stall, email info@candeloartssociety.org or visit www. candeloartssociety.org/candelo-village-festival

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Photo credit, Hiromi Matsuoka.

FAR SOUTH FILMFESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS now open

Following the success of last year’s event, Far South Film in southeast NSW is calling for short fi lms from regional fi lmmakers around Australia for its 2021 short fi lm festival.

This year’s festival will be a hybrid, delivering all the excitement of a live event in Merimbula NSW, with a video-on-demand version reaching an Australia-wide audience online.

Held over the weekend of August 20 – 22, 2021, the festival program will include an opening party, two days of fi lm screenings including a youth fi lm session, Q & A sessions with guest fi lmmakers and a live awards ceremony. The festival showcases the talents of regional fi lmmakers and screen content creatives around Australia. Audiences can expect a diverse range of fi lms told from the perspective of these storytellers; unique, beautiful, scary and moving tales from regional voices across our great continent.

To be eligible, fi lms must be under 40 minutes in length and at least two of the key creatives (Filmmaker/Writer/Director/Producer) must reside in a regional area of Australia. Early bird submissions open Monday March 1, 2021 and close Monday April 19, 2021 at 11.59pm AEST.

Final submissions close Monday May 17, 2021 at 11.59pm AEST. The major prize will be $1000 for Best Film with a range of other prizes for different categories, including Best Director, Best Performance, Best Use of a Regional Setting and Best Youth Film. Full submission rules and more festival details are available at https://farsouthfi lmfestival.com