Editorials

Q1) What drew Et Tu Theatre to Dennis Kelly’s Orphans, and why does the play feel particularly relevant to audiences now? Amy: We always seek out plays that tell stories in different ways, from perspectives we might not instinctively consider. With Orphans, Dennis Kelly invites us to think about how far we will go for the people we love, through the lives of a family in crisis, navigating the fallout of a violent act. It’s thrilling, shocking and so incredibly…

OzGREEN’s Macro Muster 11 will be held at Bellingen Showground on Friday 30 October. This free, all-ages event brings together families, young people, volunteers, scientists and environmental organisations for an afternoon of hands-on science, river discovery and community connection. Hosting its eleventh event, the Macro Muster is Australia’s largest citizen science macroinvertebrate monitoring program of its kind. Participants work with scientists to sort, identify and count freshwater macroinvertebrates — commonly known as waterbugs — collected from twelve sites across the…

Festival coordinator Bridget Rees invites audiences to join a weekend filled with music, workshops, dance and community at this year’s festival. “There are still some spaces at the Old-time Music School and Beginners Bootcamp, where participants will be in the safe hands of amazing tutors from the US and Australia. They will be inspired and ready to take part in the weekend. “Visitors can stay for the whole weekend and enjoy the atmosphere of the beautiful campgrounds while being right…

Taranta Festival is more than an event. It is an annual art project brought to life through the work, ideas and imagination of an entire community. Its production process, and the weekend itself, may look different from other festivals, but each year it delves more deeply into the values, connections and identities that shape the region. This year’s guests come from further afield than ever. Ars Nova Napoli will bring Neapolitan folk music to Australia for the first time, while…

Celebrating the extraordinary artistic talent that flourishes throughout the region, the Arts Trail Weekend invites locals and visitors alike to explore the stunning landscapes of Bellingen Shire while meeting the artists, makers and creative practitioners who help make this such a vibrant and inspiring place to live and visit. Over two days, a diverse network of 40 open studios, galleries and shared creative spaces will showcase the work of 100 local artists and craftspeople. Stretching from the lush hinterland communities…

A year after a freak emergency eye incident in his adopted home of Spain led to the cancellation of an Australian tour, Chris Klondike Masuak is back for selected dates up and down the East Coast. Masuak and his crack band, Dog Soldier, play The Federal Hotel at Bellingen on Friday, October 16 with support from Lismore’s Love City Radio, featuring former members of Slug, Celibate Rifles, No Man’s Land and the Screaming Tribesmen. Admission is free. “The Shiny Side…

This stunning new temporary visitor centre will now be the hub for all face-to-face visitor information, retail opportunities and ranger-guided tours until the redeveloped Dorrigo Rainforest Centre opens in 2028. Situated just 1 kilometre from the park entrance along Lyrebird Lane, Maam Ganiyaygamba provides easy access to lookouts, rainforest boardwalks and waterfall walking tracks. Amenities nearby include accessible flush toilets, seating and a large picnic shelter with electric barbecues. Maam Ganiyaygamba means meeting place in Gumbaynggirr, has been thoughtfully designed…

With more than 150 million streams worldwide, over 15,000 independent physical sales, sold-out tours, and performances alongside Xavier Rudd, Niall Horan and Foy Vance, as well as appearances at Splendour In The Grass and Bluesfest, Lionhart has carved out a reputation as one of Australia’s most compelling live singer-songwriters. ‘Drawing from folk, soul, americana and indie rock, Kyle’s music has long been compared to artists such as Ben Harper, Matt Corby and Jeff Buckley — combining earthy acoustic songwriting with…

Co-curated by former Bellingen Video owner Rod O’Hara, the programme celebrates classic and much-loved films chosen to bring the community together for a relaxed and memorable night out. Rod said, “When programming for Bellingen Film Lovers, I’m always looking for interesting hooks. An important anniversary, a cultural moment or even the changing seasons can provide the perfect reason to revisit a great film and see it through a new lens.” True to the spirit of community accessibility, tickets range between…

THU 1ST Wax On: Bellingen Vinyl Society, Bellingen Brewery, 7pm, free Glen Price, Grafton Hotel, 7pm,  free Musical Bingo, Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga, 7pm, free Sarah McKenna, The Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour, 5pm, free FRI 2ND Kinsfolk Sessions with Laura Target & Friends, 5 Church St, Bellingen, 6pm, bookings advised: Ph: (02) 6655 0873 COLLINS IN THE AIR TONIGHT: Phil Collins Tribute Show, Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga, 7.30pm, tickets $30 + BF/$35 Around the Fur: DEFTONES TRIBUTE & Follow the Leader: KORN…