Robin McKay’s Architecture Talk

After training at the new University of NSW robin McKay met and married Wendy (nee Lamrock), then travelled and worked overseas before returning to Australia in 1966. He designed their new unconventional “open plan” and environmentally super-sensitive house in river road, emu Plains, near the home of the artists Gerald and Margo Lewers. (He has anecdotes to share about being called on by Margo for assistance.)

In 1969 robin set up practice in Penrith, restoring and occupying the old 1896 “Coach House”. for the next 50 years a steady flow of projects ensued including a full range of commercial, industrial, institutional, educational (from pre-school to university), medical, civic, hospitality and, yes, even residential buildings. He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2009 for “a significant contribution to the architecture of the Nepean area,” together with much community involvement.

In 2019 he decided to relinquish formal registration as an architect and still remains registered now as a “non-practising architect”.

Monday, 8th May at 10.30am

Sonia farley Studios - Penrith regional Gallery, Home of the Lewers Bequest

86 river road, emu Plains

Morning tea followed by a powerpoint presentation by retired architect, robin McKay: tHe PeNrItH ArCHIteCt’S PrACtICe -

Cost: $20.00

Bookings are essential and must be made by thursday, 4th May.

BOOK in person at the Gallery or by phone 4735 1100 or www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au

All proceeds go towards essential conservation work.

Two of Us — The Songs of Lennon & McCartney

tWO of Australia’s most applauded performers, Darren Coggan and Damien Leith, are back on stage with their revered tour, celebrating two of the most inspiring songwriters of all time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

two Of Us – the Songs Of Lennon & McCartney is a magical, intimate and acoustic portrait of the songs that changed the world.

the two-hour show features back-toback hits with immortal songs from the Beatles treasure trove of pop history, along with the richness and diversity of Lennon and McCartney’s solo careers including Hey Jude, All You Need Is Love, Yesterday, Imagine, Mull Of Kintyre, eleanor rigby, Let It Be, Jealous Guy, Beautiful Boy, Blackbird and so many more, accompanied by the lush sounds of the Strawberry fields Stringed Quartet.

Set against the backdrop of popular culture, the stories and the messages in these songs are timeless, they have become part of the fabric of our existence and the foundation of popular music as we know it today.

Darren and Damien are well-placed to be paying homage to these iconic musicians, both have a long history of writing and performing, garnering acclaim from audiences throughout Australia.

Damien Leith became a household name when he won Australian Idol in 2006. Since then, he has made an indelible imprint on theAustralian music scene as a prolific singer-songwriter, producer, author, playwright and tV and radio personality. With multiplatinum selling albums under his belt and acclaimed sold-out tours paying homage to greats like roy Orbison and elvis Presley, Damien is one of the country’s most beloved performers.

Darren Coggan is a masterful storyteller who has carved an impressive career in the Australian country music industry with a swag of Golden Guitars under his belt. Darren is equally at home in musicals and on screen, currently presenting the lifestyle tV program Sydney Weekender. He has received critical acclaim for his portrait of Cat Stevens which has seen him perform sold-out shows around Australia and internationally, including Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Glasgow Concert Hall and Liverpool Philharmonic. for Damien, there has been something about the Beatles that has consistently inspired him throughout his career. ‘So many occasions in my life have a Beatles song associated in my memory,’ Damien says. ‘their melodies, their words, their song structures – it is absolute genius. this show has had an unbelievable response, we’re blown away by it. Darren and I both like to have a chat on stage, so not only are audiences hearing their favourite Beatles songs, but the show has a very personable feeing to it.’

Darren says these songs are still as relevant to music fans today as when they were first penned. ‘The evolution of the Lennon and McCartney songbook, from their earliest compositions together, to their hits as solo artists, remain so durable because they broke their barriers between high and low art, and between musical genres. these songs still sound so fresh and infectious, they have become part of the fabric of our existence and the foundation of popular music as we know it today. the songs of Lennon and McCartney will outlive us all.’ two of Us — the Songs of Lennon & McCartney is on at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Saturday 13 May at 8pm. tickets: Standard $65, Concession $60. www.thejoan.com. au/events/two-of-us/