Tamara-Anna Cislowska (piano) is one of Australia’s most acclaimed and recognised pianists. Tamara has won international prizes in London, Italy and Greece, including the Rovere d’Oro, and in Australia was the youngest pianist to win ABC Young Performer of the Year at age 14. She is a recipient of the prestigious Freedman Fellowship (2003) from the Music Council of Australia, a 2012 Art Music Award for ‘Performance of the Year’ (ACT) and nominated for a 2014 AIR Independent Music Award.

On Sunday 16 July 2017 at 4:00pm

LOCATION
Benalla Art Gallery
Bridge Street West, Benalla, Vic 3672

Online tickets from Trybooking.com or from Benalla Art Gallery (cash or cheque only). 
Tickets $30 - Concession $25 - Under 18 free

CONTACT DETAILS
Meg Dillon
03 5762 6558
benallamusic@gmail.com

Join the Friends of Benalla Art Gallery at 7 pm on Thursday 20 July at BPACC for a special screening of Whitely, a new documentary on the private life and creative legacy of Australia's most iconic artist, Brett Whitely.

'A visual journey into the private life and creative legacy of Australia's most iconic artist, Brett Whitely, told 'n his own words' using personal letters, notebooks and photographs, interwoven with reconstructions, animations, archival interviews and rare footage.'

Tickets $25   Bar Opens at 7pm.  Film screens at 7.30 pm.  BPACC  57 Samaria Rd Benalla.  

Call for Volunteers  

BENALLA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE  volunteers play an important role as ambassadors for the Benalla area.   Tourism is going through an exciting growth period in the region and volunteering presents an excellent opportunity to contribute to the local community and help visitors make the most of their stay.  You do not need to have lived in Benalla for a long time to volunteer.   If you enjoy meeting and speaking with people, learning about the region and have time to give then join our enthusiastic, fun and friendly team.   Please contact the Tourism Coordinator on (03) 5760 2627 or stop by the Visitor  Information Centre in Mair St and have a chat about volunteering (Open 9am to 5pm daily)
 
Submitted by Jenny McKenna for the Information Centre 

​Some Dates for your Diary

1. Saturday the 29th July 2017 – A Christmas in July at the Swanpool Memorial Hall – a fund raiser for the Swanpool Oval Committee – a delicious two course dinner plus drinks will be on offer – Ticket prices still to be determined but if any Members enjoyed our Christmas in July during the Bald Archy then you will also enjoy this Evening , the same Caterers and the same atmosphere.
2. Saturday the 26th August 2017 to 10th September 2017 (inclusive) --The 2017 Swanpool Bald Archy Exhibition – open 10:00am till 4:00pm daily – Entry is $5.00 Adults and $4.00 Concession – Morning and Afternoon Tea plus a light Lunch and a  main Lunch will be available however the Menu has not been finalised as yet.

BENALLA BRIDGE CLUB

Learn to play Bridge

Always thought you would like to play Bridge??
What is Bridge all about??

Benalla Bridge Club is offering lessons for new players, commencing on Wednesday, March 22nd. @ 10.00 a.m at the Senior Citizens Club Rooms Fawkner Drive Benalla.

Six lessons will be conducted under guidance from experienced Bridge teacher Marjorie Phillips. Follow up support will be given by the Bridge Club

Total cost is $20 which includes a tutorial book​

Book with Marjorie 0407 981 466 or Peter 0438625638

THEATRECRAFT WORKSHOP
Sunday 13th November 2016
12:30 for 1pm

L.U.E.Y. (Let Us Entertain You) Inc., generously sponsored by Regional Arts Victoria, will be hosting a workshop at Benalla Town Hall on 13th November aimed at providing both new and experienced lovers of theatre an opportunity to expand their theatrecraft skills.
​
In this workshop we will be presenting sessions in Lighting (Ian Reid), Voice (Collette Quinn), Movement (Sue Thompson) and Makeup (Barbara Ryan).  L.U.E.Y. Inc. has been lucky to gain such experienced presenters (some you may already know) and is very excited for what they will bring to the day.

This workshop still has some places available. 

​In order to allow everyone attending to get the most out of the day we are limiting this workshop to 60 places.  Tickets are $10 only and for your investment you will receive the following:

• The chance to spend the day learning from 4 experienced presenters
• Afternoon tea
• The opportunity to network with other like-minded people
• A participant memento bag

The Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund is provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria.
 
The contact number for tickets is 0458 468 584 (Your call will e returned as soon as possible).  Please see the downloadable brochure below for more information.

​"Tech Savvy for Seniors classes will return from October – December 2016 and again from February – April 2017. Information flyers are available at the library. Preference will be given to new participants for beginner sessions. If you attended last year you could consider the intermediate level sessions." Foibles Spring Newsletter
 
The Tech Savvy Seniors program is a funded, statewide initiative offered through libraries across the state. It funds training and also provides on-line training resources which we have been able to draw upon for our classes

Beginners classes are being held on Tuesday mornings (10 to 12) from 4 October-13 December.  The classes are organised in blocks of five with the first 5 weeks for computers (Windows or Apple) and the next 5 weeks for iPads/iPhones.   At the beginner level preference has to be given to those who did not attend Tech Savvy Seniors classes at the library last year. 
 
Intermediate level classes are being offered on a fortnightly basis for people who attended previous Tech Savvy Seniors courses at the library or are comfortable with their devices on Thursday mornings from 10 to 12.  

U3A members who undertake Tech Savvy Seniors classes at the library can follow up with sessions offered at U3A or the Senior Citizens.   As older learners, we benefit from plugging in to a range of learning experiences (and reminders of them!) over time.
​
More sessions for both levels are being held at the library from February to April next year – if this time suits you better, your name can be placed on a waiting list.  Find out more by dropping in to Benalla's Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Learning Centre, or downloading the flier below.

​This year's Croquet Come and Try Day will be held during the Victorian Seniors Festival  on Thursday October 6 from 9 am to 12 midday at the Benalla Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Ackerley Avenue.   A good chance to learn to play!  Wear comfortable, flat soled shoes.   Contact Debbie 0407 506 328 or benallacroquet@gmail.com for more information.     

The 2016 Swanpool Bald Archy Exhibition is half way through and we close this Sunday the 4th September 2016 at 4 pm, Father’s Day.
 
If you  would like a great day out , art that will amuse and bemuse, food that will delight and satisfy  and volunteers who will make you feel right at home, then please come.

Do not get to Monday the 5th September 2016 and say I should have gone – it will be too late.
 
Bookings are available so please get a group of 2,4,10,20 or 30 together, you will not be disappointed.
 
Contact for bookings:  Pamela between 8:30am and 6:00pm each day on mobile 0409 223 974.
 
There is an outstanding quilting Exhibition in the Swanpool Bowls Club running at the same time as our Exhibition and co-ordinated by the Benalla Convent Quilters – it is not just a girl’s thing all the men who have gone over from our Exhibition to view it have been impressed, some even saying they may take it up themselves.
 
The Exhibition opening hours are 10:00am till 4:00pm every day until we close on the 4th September 2016.
 
Do not be disappointed book now.
 
 
Regards,
Pamela O’Connor
For the 2016 Swanpool Bald Archy Exhibition

Have you seen the Bald Archy’s yet?    Don’t miss the 23rd Bald Archy Prize 2016 Swanpool Hall (2386 Midland Highway)  on show until September 4th.  10 am to 4 pm daily. Dining room open every day for morning tea/afternoon tea and lunch.  Enquiries 5768 2400.

Are you interested in a volunteer role where you can make a difference to the lives of people in your community and also hold a prominent volunteer role?
 
The Office of the Public Advocate is looking for people in the Benalla area to volunteer as Community Visitors.
​
These are unique volunteer positions which are official Victorian Governor in Council appointments.
 
Community Visitors protect the human rights of people with disabilities by visiting accommodation facilities and monitoring and reporting on the adequacy of services provided.
 
Training and reimbursement of expenses are provided.
 
For more information contact the OPA Volunteer Coordinator on 1300 309 337 or at opavolunteers@justice.vic.gov.au

Benalla Garden Club's trip to Canberra - with a focus on Floriade - begins on Wednesday 5th October with side trips to lunch at the Mayfield Mews historic precinct at Bowning and to Cockington Green miniature village before reaching Canberra and settling in for dinner.

Thursday 6th provides time to wander at leisure through Floriade; then it's on to Tulip Top, a 10 acre garden of magnicent tulips, other spring flowers and blossom trees.  

Heading home on Friday 7th we will stop at The Crisp Galleries/Nursery boasting 2800 varieties of pelargoniums and geraniums, stopping for lunch at Gundagai before returning to Benalla.

Price is $473 twin share (single supplement extra $180).  Price includes two nights accommodation, two lunches, two dinners and Entries; two breakfasts.  Contact Wayne and Sue Walter, Walters Passenger Service, 0357953341 or Mobile 0438953341.

Sunday July 24 at 4pm at the Benalla Art Gallery
 
Join Friends of the Gallery for a delightful chamber music concert by Michael Johnson and his trio. Michael is the resident harpist at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens and is presenting a concert based on the theme of Water. Expect some beautiful music with harp, piano, cello and violin. Join in afterwards for drinks and nibbles.
 
Only 70 seats are available. Buy your ticket at the Gallery . Only unsold tickets will be available at the door.  $25 [$20 concession] Young people at school are free but will need a ticket.

News on Benalla Migrant Camp's blog from Sabine Smythe ... "Unbelievably good news for all of us.  Our success with our State Heritage Application was finally announced Friday last week. Big news - on  Win TV News Saturday night, on ABC Local Radio with Gaye Pattinson on Monday, on Page 3 in the Border Mail on Monday and on the Front page of our local paper, today Wednesday.' 

Heritage Victoria had previously rejected an application to have Benalla's historic Migrant Camp, which housed more than 60,000 new arrivals to Australia between 1949 to 1967, on the Victorian Heritage Register (Benalla Ensign, July 22 2015).  Sabine, who applied to Heritage Victoria 18 months earler for an assessment of the remaining migrant camp huts, was not contacted or consulted; that the assessors did not look inside the migrant huts containing the photographic exhibition and historic memorabilia.  Widely supported appeal processes were followed.  Eight months later, finally news of positive results.

The exhibition located in Hut 11, Benalla Migrant Camp Buildings, in airport precinct, Samaria Road, is usually open on the fourth Sunday of the month from 10 to 3 pm.  The cost is $5 per person, children are free.  To confirm opening and to find out more about the exhibition, check out Sabine's blog at  http://benallamigrantcampexhibition.blogspot.com.au/ .

The Friends of the Benalla Art Gallery’s ‘Yarra Valley Tour’ is to be held on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th of August. 

On Thursday 25th the tour includes visits to Alowyn Gardens; Tarrawarra Gallery and at night to the Athenaeum Theatre to see the Ray Cooney comedy ‘Caught in the Net’.  Accommodation, including dinner, bed and breakfast, has been organised at Lilydale Motor Inn. 

Friday’s itinerary includes visits to Coombe Cottage, the home of Nellie Melba, and the Heide Gallery.  

​The all inclusive cost – apart from Friday lunch--is  $300, single supplement  $50.  To secure your place please forward $100 deposit per person together with your details to: Friends of the Gallery P.O. Box 108 Benalla 3672 or Direct Debit NAB BSB  083-088  Ac/No53 513 3993 Contact Margaret   5762 4934 or 0428 994 633.

​Due to popular demand the ‘Let Us Entertain You Inc’ (LUEY) committee are proud to bring back to Benalla “ Trivial Music Mania” on May 14.  Based on Australia’s longest running music trivia show “Rockwiz”, this fun filled event consists of finding 12 contestants from the 1st round who will be on stage with six local guest impersonators, with performances to be followed by dance music.
 
The Friends of BPACC will supply alcohol at bar prices and you are welcome to bring food .  Tables of 10, tickets $20.00 pp, can be puchased at LUCY LU BOUTIQUE from 23 April.
 
If you know anyone who would like to be an impersonator of someone from the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s music industry, or would like more information, please call Anna Smith on 0429 367 236.

The Benalla International Women’s Day Committee is celebrating International Women’s Day this year by supporting the Swanpool Cinema Food and Film Night on Friday the 4th March 2016.
 
The cost is $30.00 for a two course dinner, prepared by the Swanpool Catering Team, plus the film “ Suffragette”.
 
A limited number of tickets from Swanpool Cinema has been purchased by the committee for the evening. To assist with travel from Benalla to Swanpool, a bus has been organized from Benalla for those purchasing tickets through the IWD Committee, at no extra cost.  The Bus will leave from Benalla Bus Lines, Nunn Street, Benalla at approximately 5:20pm and will return there after the movie.
 
Please contact Pamela O'Connor on 03 5768 2400 if you, your family and/or friends would like to attend - Pamela will arrange to collect your payment and issue you with a Ticket. 

The Friends of BPACC (Benalla Performing Arts & Convention Centre) are holding a National Short Film Festival at BPACC on February 27 at 7.30 pm.

Last year’s 10 film entries came from all over Australia and varied in style, length and genre. The winner of last year’s festival was Venetia Taylor (Broken Hill) who received  $1,000 from the Friends of BPACC for her 2 minute comedy Counsellor  (Broken Hill).   Local resident Hayley Warnock received the Benalla Lions Club $500 encouragement award for her under 2 minutes fiction animation Top Delight.   Grace O’Brien (Wangaratta) picked up the $500.secondary student award from the Rotary Club of Benalla for Tradition, her fiction film under 8 minutes .  Don Percy (Melbourne) won the Friends of BPACC People’s Choice Award of $500 for his hilarious 7 minute comedy Makeover.
 
Judges this year are Frank Bruzzese (winner of the AACTA Award for Producing  Hamish & Andy and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering); Dave Forster (writer for Masterchef and international award winning  short film maker), and Polly Staniford from Aquarius films.  Polly has produced documentaries for the ABC; written and directed 10 short films; won the St. Kilda Short Film Festival with Joey and recently completed a feature film in Berlin

We would like to encourage  our local community to come along and support this initiative.

Adult Tickets $20.00
Students "     $10.00
Family    "      $50.00 
The cost includes a sumptuous supper prepared by the Friends of BPACC.


Anna Smith & Bernice Vance
www.benallashorts.com
Friends of BPACC committee

U3A member and Swanpool Community Cinema member Pamela O'Connor has been in touch with suggestions for movies and related activities over the New Year period at the Swanpool Community Cinema. 

The Dressmaker, and also the Water Diviner, will be showing at Swanpool over the New Year period - check out the U3A calendar or the Swanpool Cinema 'Dressmaker' flier for dates and times.

Pamela suggests

• enjoying a meal before the movie at the Swanpool Store or
  
• bringing a BBQ and using the free facilities under the newly constructed pavilion
• enjoying home-made choc-top icecreams; munching on a bag of mixed lollies or experiencing the scrumptious home-made biscuits the Candy Bar at the cinema has on offer with a cold soft drink; specially made coffee, hot chocolate or choice from a selection of teas.
  

and for matinee goers (or if you are in the area), dropping in to

• Samaria Farm, 2520 Samaria Road.  Open on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00am till 4:00pm (check times on their website over the Festive period), Vicki and Allan at Samaria Farm offer all Day Breakfasts and Light Lunches and will make you most welcome.
  
• Kooyonga Wines to experience local wines at their best.

 
"Whatever you do please come along, we know you will have a great experience and you will be supporting our Community."