Sunday 2 December 2007
December Member Of The Month
Congratulations to our December Operator of the Month: Country Charm Swiss Cottage, Gorge Walk Guest House, The Ardent Alpaca & Elms on Finch. Our operators of the month have their brochure in prime position with in the VIC and their image and link on the home page of www.beechworthonline.com.au
Indigo Shire / Atauro Island Friendship Group
Indigo Shire / Atauro Island Friendship Group
Media Release
Indigo Shire is in the process of forming a Friendship Relationship with Atauro Island, just off the north coast of East Timor. We are establishing a Friendship Group in the Shire and invite you to attend our Information Day at The Old Priory on December 8th.
To assist our find raising efforts, entry for adults is by gold coin donation, children are free.
From 11.00am until 5pm there will be information stands in the grounds of the Old Priory representing H.I.A.M Health; the Australian East Timor Association (Melb); Great Divide Coffee Roasting (Fair Trade Coffee tastings); the unique eco-tourism development on Atauro Island and established Local Government Friendship Groups.
At 12.00 Gabrielle Samson will speak to a slide presentation about life on Atauro Island. A Community development worker, Gabrielle has worked on Atauro Island for more than 10 years. She originally went to the island to start a kindergarten and then began working with the high school. She has also helped the community start their own development organisation.
At 12.30 There is a singing workshop where we will learn the tune “Mai Mai O Nia Rain” a simple song in Tetum that we can sing together at the evening concert.
1.30 – 3.00 Workshop “What is a Friendship Group?” The aim of this workshop is to provide information to our community about the work and workings of other local government friendship groups and we are looking for ideas from within our own community on how we can support our friendship community, Atauro Island.
Guest speakers will include Gabrielle Samson, community development worker on Atauro Island for more than ten years; Dr.Wendy Connor who works on Atauro Island as a volunteer doctor and representatives from established local government friendship groups.
At 3.30 we are showing the very moving film, “A Hero’s Journey.” Entry is $5 Adults and children are free.
For more information about the day’s program, contact conthw@westnet.com.au.
The information day will be followed by a great concert in the evening featuring Bhan Tre, Braemar and Red Rock. These performers and the sound technician, Darren Christie, are all donating their time and Pam & Graeme at the Old Priory are donating their lovely venue.
The concert begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are $25 adults and $10 children. For more information and bookings, call (03) 5728 2275 or 0428 286 556. All proceeds from the concert will go to H.I.A.M Health. The concert is “café-style” with only 100 tickets available. The three bands have a great following in the North East and we suggest you book your tickets early
Media Release
Indigo Shire is in the process of forming a Friendship Relationship with Atauro Island, just off the north coast of East Timor. We are establishing a Friendship Group in the Shire and invite you to attend our Information Day at The Old Priory on December 8th.
To assist our find raising efforts, entry for adults is by gold coin donation, children are free.
From 11.00am until 5pm there will be information stands in the grounds of the Old Priory representing H.I.A.M Health; the Australian East Timor Association (Melb); Great Divide Coffee Roasting (Fair Trade Coffee tastings); the unique eco-tourism development on Atauro Island and established Local Government Friendship Groups.
At 12.00 Gabrielle Samson will speak to a slide presentation about life on Atauro Island. A Community development worker, Gabrielle has worked on Atauro Island for more than 10 years. She originally went to the island to start a kindergarten and then began working with the high school. She has also helped the community start their own development organisation.
At 12.30 There is a singing workshop where we will learn the tune “Mai Mai O Nia Rain” a simple song in Tetum that we can sing together at the evening concert.
1.30 – 3.00 Workshop “What is a Friendship Group?” The aim of this workshop is to provide information to our community about the work and workings of other local government friendship groups and we are looking for ideas from within our own community on how we can support our friendship community, Atauro Island.
Guest speakers will include Gabrielle Samson, community development worker on Atauro Island for more than ten years; Dr.Wendy Connor who works on Atauro Island as a volunteer doctor and representatives from established local government friendship groups.
At 3.30 we are showing the very moving film, “A Hero’s Journey.” Entry is $5 Adults and children are free.
For more information about the day’s program, contact conthw@westnet.com.au.
The information day will be followed by a great concert in the evening featuring Bhan Tre, Braemar and Red Rock. These performers and the sound technician, Darren Christie, are all donating their time and Pam & Graeme at the Old Priory are donating their lovely venue.
The concert begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are $25 adults and $10 children. For more information and bookings, call (03) 5728 2275 or 0428 286 556. All proceeds from the concert will go to H.I.A.M Health. The concert is “café-style” with only 100 tickets available. The three bands have a great following in the North East and we suggest you book your tickets early
Relay for Human Rights on Olympic Agenda - Global Torch Relay to arrive in Beechworth 2nd December 2007
Following a two-month long European passage with its last stop being in the UK, the Global Human Rights Torch Relay (GHRTR) arrived in Australia, Sydney 27th October for a national tour.
The Torch arrived in Melbourne on the 16th November, and as part of the Victorian leg of the relay, will be received in Beechworth on the 2nd of December.
Torch Relay 9am – 10:30am
Main street Shopping Centre
Inspired by the Olympic torch relay, the GHRTR is an international campaign that seeks to put human rights on the Beijing Olympic agenda. The 12-month global relay calls for an end to all human rights violations committed by the Chinese communist regime. It highlights the persecution of Falun Gong, the most severely persecuted group in China today, the plight of Tibetans, Christians, democracy campaigners, outspoken lawyers and reporters, as well as the fueling of oppression and slaughter in Darfur, Burma, Zimbabwe and North Korea.
During the run up to the 2008 Olympics, the GHRTR will visit more than 100 cities on five continents to publicise its founding premise that the Olympics and crimes against humanity cannot co-exist in China.
The GHRTR was initiated by the Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (CIPFG) which consists of over three hundred legislators, religious leaders, lawyers, medical doctors and human rights advocates from Europe, Asia, North America and Oceania. Established in 2006 its aim is to go into China to independently investigate the persecution of Falun Gong, especially the reported crimes of organ harvesting. www.cipfg.org
The GHRTR is sponsored and supported globally by Asia-Pacific Human Rights Watch Charitable Trust and All-China Alliance for Protecting Human Rights & Opposing Violence, and in Australia by Free China, Darfur Australia Network (DAN), Democracy for Burma (D4B), Tibetan, Vietnamese and many other communities and organisations as well as the Chinese pro-democracy movement.
Media contact: Philippa Rayment 0417 371 305
Website: www.HumanRightsTorch.org
The Torch arrived in Melbourne on the 16th November, and as part of the Victorian leg of the relay, will be received in Beechworth on the 2nd of December.
Torch Relay 9am – 10:30am
Main street Shopping Centre
Inspired by the Olympic torch relay, the GHRTR is an international campaign that seeks to put human rights on the Beijing Olympic agenda. The 12-month global relay calls for an end to all human rights violations committed by the Chinese communist regime. It highlights the persecution of Falun Gong, the most severely persecuted group in China today, the plight of Tibetans, Christians, democracy campaigners, outspoken lawyers and reporters, as well as the fueling of oppression and slaughter in Darfur, Burma, Zimbabwe and North Korea.
During the run up to the 2008 Olympics, the GHRTR will visit more than 100 cities on five continents to publicise its founding premise that the Olympics and crimes against humanity cannot co-exist in China.
The GHRTR was initiated by the Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (CIPFG) which consists of over three hundred legislators, religious leaders, lawyers, medical doctors and human rights advocates from Europe, Asia, North America and Oceania. Established in 2006 its aim is to go into China to independently investigate the persecution of Falun Gong, especially the reported crimes of organ harvesting. www.cipfg.org
The GHRTR is sponsored and supported globally by Asia-Pacific Human Rights Watch Charitable Trust and All-China Alliance for Protecting Human Rights & Opposing Violence, and in Australia by Free China, Darfur Australia Network (DAN), Democracy for Burma (D4B), Tibetan, Vietnamese and many other communities and organisations as well as the Chinese pro-democracy movement.
Media contact: Philippa Rayment 0417 371 305
Website: www.HumanRightsTorch.org
Monday 26 November 2007
Beechworth Visitor Information Centre News
The Beechworth Visitor Information Centre has been extremely busy booking accommodation and selling tickets to the Celtic Festival and Opera in the Alps. Over the Melbourne Cup break accommodation in Beechworth was very nearly sold out! There was an increase in visitor numbers for September as well as email and phone enquiries.
The Beechworth VIC is taking part in a program along with a number of other accredited Victoria information centres to collect data from visitors by getting them to complete a questionnaire. The end results will be used to help in identifying the value of visitor information centres to local communities and assisting to increase tourism yield in the future. The Beechworth online operators of the month for November are Colby Cottages, Railtrail Retreat, The Beechworth Sweet Company and Alba Country Rose B&B.
The Beechworth VIC is taking part in a program along with a number of other accredited Victoria information centres to collect data from visitors by getting them to complete a questionnaire. The end results will be used to help in identifying the value of visitor information centres to local communities and assisting to increase tourism yield in the future. The Beechworth online operators of the month for November are Colby Cottages, Railtrail Retreat, The Beechworth Sweet Company and Alba Country Rose B&B.
FIRST DEMAND FOR POLITICAL REPRESENTATION IN 1853 Memorial Unveiled At Beechworth
The first demand for wider political representation in the Victorian Legislative Council was made at Madman’s Gully, Beechworth at a public meeting of about 800 gold diggers on 2ndApril 1853. It was a continuation of the underlying conflict about injustice and civil liberties which was first manifest in Victoria at Buninyong in August 1851 following the discovery of gold there. Meetings followed at all the major Victorian Goldfields, Mt Alexander, Bendigo and Ballarat. By April 1853 in Beechworth the diggers were disappointed that repeated requests for action to address injustice had been ignored or brushed aside. The demand for representation was seen as the only way to be heard and “to accomplish your objects and obtain your rights”. The unrest and conflict continued across the Victorian goldfields and culminated tragically in the Eureka Rebellion of 3rd December,1854 in Ballarat.
At Madman’s Gully, Beechworth in April 1853 as the rain poured down speakers called for the diggers to have a voice in the Legislative Council:
“Diggers must have a voice in the Council, if you will only combine together, hold meetings such as the present, express your will in a firm and detemined manner, you will accomplish your objects and obtain your rights; there is no need of force and of arms; for reason, mind, intelligence, are all-sufficent for the attainment of your rights. I trust this is not the last meeting that will assemble here, and that diggers will never rest till fairly represented in the Council.”
George Black, Chartist, later a founding member of the Ballarat Reform League
“Do you know what the word representation means? Of course you do! It means that if those who by wealth, or station, or authority, are placed over you, do wrong, you have the power of compelling them to do right. At present you have no such power ... This should not be.”
Dr J.D. Owens, Diggers’ representative, Reeds Creek Petition.
From “The Argus” Friday 8th April 1853
A Memorial Plaque will be placed alongside Stanley Road, Beechworth (Madman’s Gully) and be given to the Indigo Shire by the Ballarat Reform League Inc. This is the sixth plaque placed by the Ballarat Reform League Inc across Victorian goldfields marking the sites of major activity that led to the Eureka Rebellion and the beginnings of democratic reforms to our system of government. The project is generously supported by The Vera Moore Foundation.
An invitation is extended to the public to attend the unveiling of the plaques by Professor Weston Bate at 3pm Thursday 15th November 2007 at Stanley Road, Beechworth. The Rutherglen Brass Band will play “St Patrick’s Day in the Morning” as did Mashford’s Band from Madman’s Gully in 1853. There will be many who will be hoping that it will once again pour with rain as we commemorate that original meeting.
Media contacts: Professor Weston Bate (03) 9592 0657
Tony Moran (03) 5341 2369
John Semmens 0408 318 325
Friends Of The Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival
Friends Of The Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival
6:00pm Wednesday 5th December 2007 – Rotary Park
BYO BBQ - Information night and get together.
Some of the duties that we could ask your help with:
· Casual Volunteering from now and at the festival
· Raise Funds - Raffle
· Help on food stall
· Deliver Brochures
· Supply billets for entertainers.
· Donate goods for food stall
· Take photos during the festival
· Supply advice when needed
· Sponsor an activity
· $5.00 membership
Volunteers will be given a badge to wear when volunteering to show their help and support for this great historic event. The Golden Horseshoes Festival has been a part of Beechworth’s history initially since Daniel Cameron rode the horse with the golden horseshoes down Ford Street in 1855 and then from the 1960’s.
For more information ring Leo on 5728 1873
6:00pm Wednesday 5th December 2007 – Rotary Park
BYO BBQ - Information night and get together.
Some of the duties that we could ask your help with:
· Casual Volunteering from now and at the festival
· Raise Funds - Raffle
· Help on food stall
· Deliver Brochures
· Supply billets for entertainers.
· Donate goods for food stall
· Take photos during the festival
· Supply advice when needed
· Sponsor an activity
· $5.00 membership
Volunteers will be given a badge to wear when volunteering to show their help and support for this great historic event. The Golden Horseshoes Festival has been a part of Beechworth’s history initially since Daniel Cameron rode the horse with the golden horseshoes down Ford Street in 1855 and then from the 1960’s.
For more information ring Leo on 5728 1873
Saturday 17 November 2007
Burke Museum on the hunt for hidden collections as Cabinet of Curiosities comes to town
14 November 2007
Beechworth’s Burke Museum is on a treasure hunt for weird and wonderful local collections to showcase in the Cabinet of Curiosities, on loan from the National Museum of Australia from January to June next year as part of a national tour.
The museum is keen to hear from any individuals or local organisations with a distinctive, bizarre, ornamental, sentimental or just plain ordinary collection of objects small enough to fit into one of the 35 drawers of the Cabinet.
Burke Museum Collections Officer, Linda Peacock, said the exhibition would provide a fascinating insight into the nature of collecting as well as the community from which the collections will be drawn.
“The items maybe as everyday as a collection of ballet shoes from a local dance company or decks of cards from a local Euchre club. The Cabinet of Curiosities is very much about reflecting the interests and concerns of the community and offering local people the chance to involve themselves directly in the process of curating their own exhibition.”
She said that one of the more unsettling inclusions would be a collection of contraband seized from former inmates of the historic Beechworth Prison. Mostly homemade weapons, these sinister objects are remarkable for their simplicity and sheer ingenuity.
The Cabinet of Curiosities was originally developed for a major exhibition at the National Museum in Canberra. An eccentric pyramid of 35 drawers jutting out at odd angles, it was inspired by the original Wunderkammers - Cabinets of Wonder or wonder-rooms, whose intriguing collections belonged to those aristocrats, monarchs or merchants who could afford to create and maintain them. They were usually made from exotic and expensive materials and often filled with contents and ornamental details intended to reflect the entire cosmos on a miniature scale.
In the 17th Century a Cabinet of Curiosities could contain specimens collected during exploration and trading voyages such as preserved animals, tusks, skeletons, botanical and cultural artefacts.
The Cabinet of Curiosities arrives in Beechworth in January after a successful season at the Albury Library Museum, and ahead of a tour to the Tasmanian Museum and Gallery in Hobart (July – December 2008) and the Pioneer Museum in Zeehan, Tasmania (January – July 2009).
For more information about including a collection in the
Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition in Beechworth, contact
Linda Peacock, Burke Museum, phone (03) 5728 8067
Cabinet of Curiosities
Where: Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum
Address: Loch St, Beechworth
Dates: January – June 2008
Beechworth’s Burke Museum is on a treasure hunt for weird and wonderful local collections to showcase in the Cabinet of Curiosities, on loan from the National Museum of Australia from January to June next year as part of a national tour.
The museum is keen to hear from any individuals or local organisations with a distinctive, bizarre, ornamental, sentimental or just plain ordinary collection of objects small enough to fit into one of the 35 drawers of the Cabinet.
Burke Museum Collections Officer, Linda Peacock, said the exhibition would provide a fascinating insight into the nature of collecting as well as the community from which the collections will be drawn.
“The items maybe as everyday as a collection of ballet shoes from a local dance company or decks of cards from a local Euchre club. The Cabinet of Curiosities is very much about reflecting the interests and concerns of the community and offering local people the chance to involve themselves directly in the process of curating their own exhibition.”
She said that one of the more unsettling inclusions would be a collection of contraband seized from former inmates of the historic Beechworth Prison. Mostly homemade weapons, these sinister objects are remarkable for their simplicity and sheer ingenuity.
The Cabinet of Curiosities was originally developed for a major exhibition at the National Museum in Canberra. An eccentric pyramid of 35 drawers jutting out at odd angles, it was inspired by the original Wunderkammers - Cabinets of Wonder or wonder-rooms, whose intriguing collections belonged to those aristocrats, monarchs or merchants who could afford to create and maintain them. They were usually made from exotic and expensive materials and often filled with contents and ornamental details intended to reflect the entire cosmos on a miniature scale.
In the 17th Century a Cabinet of Curiosities could contain specimens collected during exploration and trading voyages such as preserved animals, tusks, skeletons, botanical and cultural artefacts.
The Cabinet of Curiosities arrives in Beechworth in January after a successful season at the Albury Library Museum, and ahead of a tour to the Tasmanian Museum and Gallery in Hobart (July – December 2008) and the Pioneer Museum in Zeehan, Tasmania (January – July 2009).
For more information about including a collection in the
Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition in Beechworth, contact
Linda Peacock, Burke Museum, phone (03) 5728 8067
Cabinet of Curiosities
Where: Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum
Address: Loch St, Beechworth
Dates: January – June 2008
Tuesday 9 October 2007
Congratulations to Iris Mannik
Congratulations to Iris Mannik - Winner of the Dame Phyllis Frost Award
Iris is a very keen supporter of the Sustainable Communities - Tidy Towns awards and views it as a testament to all of the work conducted by volunteers in support of their communities. Iris is able to talk to primary school children about their interests in the environment as easily as she is helping elders work through plans for a heritage project to celebrate the influence of Aboriginal people of the area. Most country towns can boast at least one person like Iris, who can draw together people with diverse interests and help turn individual crusades into community projects. Her enthusiasm, expertise and willingness to give up her time have been instrumental in many of the exciting and innovative projects getting off the ground. Iris' pride in Beechworth and the community shines through at all times; she is a wonderful ambassador for her region and worthy winner of this award,
The winner of the Dame Phyllis Frost Award is chosen by Keep Australia Beautiful Council and the Tidy Town Judges.
Iris now goes on to Swansea in Tasmania for the National Awards in March 2008.
Congratulations Iris from all the team at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre!
Iris is a very keen supporter of the Sustainable Communities - Tidy Towns awards and views it as a testament to all of the work conducted by volunteers in support of their communities. Iris is able to talk to primary school children about their interests in the environment as easily as she is helping elders work through plans for a heritage project to celebrate the influence of Aboriginal people of the area. Most country towns can boast at least one person like Iris, who can draw together people with diverse interests and help turn individual crusades into community projects. Her enthusiasm, expertise and willingness to give up her time have been instrumental in many of the exciting and innovative projects getting off the ground. Iris' pride in Beechworth and the community shines through at all times; she is a wonderful ambassador for her region and worthy winner of this award,
The winner of the Dame Phyllis Frost Award is chosen by Keep Australia Beautiful Council and the Tidy Town Judges.
Iris now goes on to Swansea in Tasmania for the National Awards in March 2008.
Congratulations Iris from all the team at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre!
Sunday 23 September 2007
Can you help me? I have left my booking confirmation at home!
Half of Beechworth received a phone call from me this afternoon. I had a customer who left his booking confirmation (he booked directly with the operator) at home and could not remember the name, address of the self contained property he and his family was booked into.
Jim & Heidi had the gentleman arrive on their door step thinking that he had booked Lakeside Chalet.
He thought the property had views of the lake, to collect the keys from High Street and there were several cabins on the property.
Any ideas anyone? Well we (Jim, Heidi & myself) phoned and eliminated the below properties:
-Albert House
-Blue Wren Cottage
-Beeches on High
-Beechworth Cabins
-Beechworth Hideaway
-Inglebrea
-Lake Sambell Caravan Park
-Lakeside Studio
-Lakeside Chalet
-Lilack Cottage
-Linden Cottage
-Oban House
-The Barn
-The Stone Cottage
-Wolverton Cottage
-Winterwood Park
It turned out that the customer was booked into Rail Trail Retreat.
Rail Trail Retreat has 4 bedrooms (not 2 bedrooms) Views of the lake? Yes if you walk 5mins along the Rail Trail.
And the moral of this story? Make sure you book your accommodation through the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre. We can send you an email confirmation of your accommodation or even in hard copy. Even if you do leave your confirmation at home, I can check on our system!!
Jim & Heidi had the gentleman arrive on their door step thinking that he had booked Lakeside Chalet.
He thought the property had views of the lake, to collect the keys from High Street and there were several cabins on the property.
Any ideas anyone? Well we (Jim, Heidi & myself) phoned and eliminated the below properties:
-Albert House
-Blue Wren Cottage
-Beeches on High
-Beechworth Cabins
-Beechworth Hideaway
-Inglebrea
-Lake Sambell Caravan Park
-Lakeside Studio
-Lakeside Chalet
-Lilack Cottage
-Linden Cottage
-Oban House
-The Barn
-The Stone Cottage
-Wolverton Cottage
-Winterwood Park
It turned out that the customer was booked into Rail Trail Retreat.
Rail Trail Retreat has 4 bedrooms (not 2 bedrooms) Views of the lake? Yes if you walk 5mins along the Rail Trail.
And the moral of this story? Make sure you book your accommodation through the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre. We can send you an email confirmation of your accommodation or even in hard copy. Even if you do leave your confirmation at home, I can check on our system!!
For The King's Pleasure
For The Kings Pleasure
A concert presented by the newly formed Ensemble Non Modo Sed Etiam
featuring
Ursula Genaehr - Recorders
Benedict Wilson - Organ, Spinet
Indulge yourself in Music of the 17th & 18th Centuries
Today, Sunday 23rd September at the Beechworth Town Hall.
Admission $7.00, children free
A concert presented by the newly formed Ensemble Non Modo Sed Etiam
featuring
Ursula Genaehr - Recorders
Benedict Wilson - Organ, Spinet
Indulge yourself in Music of the 17th & 18th Centuries
Today, Sunday 23rd September at the Beechworth Town Hall.
Admission $7.00, children free
September Member Of The Month
Congratulations to our September Operator of the Month: 1860 Luxury Accommodation, Beechworth Bakery, Tanswells Commercial Hotel & Milawa Mustards. Our operators of the month have their brochure in prime position with in the VIC and their image and link on the home page of www.beechworthonline.com.au
Many thanks to Jerusha for drawing out the lucky operators for September.
Beechworth Celtic Festival
Don’t forget to book your Beechworth Celtic Festival Early Bird Tickets (Early bird tickets available until the 30th September 2007) go to www.beechworthonline.com.au
For the Celtic Festival program & information go to www.beechworthcelticfestival.com.au
For the Celtic Festival program & information go to www.beechworthcelticfestival.com.au
Opera In The Alps Tickets Now On Sale
Opera In The Alps – Saturday 19th January 2008.
Australian Music Events is proud to present celebrated international soprano, YVONNE KENNY to Opera in the Alps 2008. She will be joined by Australia’s tenor sensation ROY ALEXANDER BEST, a 100-voice chorus and 50-piece orchestra led by one of the brightest young conductors of his generation, BENJAMIN NORTHEY.
Staged on the picturesque grounds of La Trobe at Beechworth, Opera in the Alps has become firmly established as one of regional Victoria’s cultural highlights since its inception in 1996. Audience members can expect an evening of sensory delights as they enjoy favourites from opera and theatre under the stars and savour some of the
region’s finest gourmet food and wine that are sold at outlets prior to the commencement of the concert.
For those who seek complete indulgence, the Premium Package comprising a two-course preconcert dinner followed by dessert at interval is available. The selection of fine wines will be provided by Brown Brothers. The dinner is held on the lawns of the Pines Convention Centre that commands a breathtaking view of the concert
setting, and is the ultimate way to experience Opera in the Alps.
Tickets are now on sale from the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre.
To book tickets online go to www.beechworthonline.com.au or phone 1300 366 321.
Australian Music Events is proud to present celebrated international soprano, YVONNE KENNY to Opera in the Alps 2008. She will be joined by Australia’s tenor sensation ROY ALEXANDER BEST, a 100-voice chorus and 50-piece orchestra led by one of the brightest young conductors of his generation, BENJAMIN NORTHEY.
Staged on the picturesque grounds of La Trobe at Beechworth, Opera in the Alps has become firmly established as one of regional Victoria’s cultural highlights since its inception in 1996. Audience members can expect an evening of sensory delights as they enjoy favourites from opera and theatre under the stars and savour some of the
region’s finest gourmet food and wine that are sold at outlets prior to the commencement of the concert.
For those who seek complete indulgence, the Premium Package comprising a two-course preconcert dinner followed by dessert at interval is available. The selection of fine wines will be provided by Brown Brothers. The dinner is held on the lawns of the Pines Convention Centre that commands a breathtaking view of the concert
setting, and is the ultimate way to experience Opera in the Alps.
Tickets are now on sale from the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre.
To book tickets online go to www.beechworthonline.com.au or phone 1300 366 321.
Local rising star takes on the cycling greats in Rail Trail V Tour Challenge
Local schoolboy champion, Matt Clark, is throwing down the gauntlet to the international field competing in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour which concludes Stage 3 of the famous cycling race in Beechworth one month from today on Wednesday 17 October.
The 16-year old cyclist is hoping to write himself into the record books with a Rail Trail v Tour Challenge which will pit him against the 98 champions competing in the final leg of Stage 3 from White Post Road Everton to Camp Street Beechworth. Matt will race against the Tour via the Everton to Beechworth section of the scenic Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, a 16 km paved cycle trail and fast-becoming one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations. He has ridden the Rail Trail countless times as part of his training regimen.
If all goes to plan, the anticipated crowds lining Camp Street for the Beechworth finish will have the chance to cheer on a local hero as he sprints to the line ahead of the Stage 3 winner.
The ride will be both a personal challenge for the Year 10 Beechworth Secondary College student and an opportunity to raise the profile of the Scott Peoples Memorial Foundation. Matt and his family were close to 20 year-old Scott Peoples, a Shepparton Cycle Club star and member of the Australian Youth Cycling Team who died in a tragic accident last year.
A member of the Albury-Wodonga Cycling Club, Matt Clark has been racing competitively for seven years. His most recent success came just two months ago when he competed at the Victorian Junior Road Championships where he became dual State Champion by winning both the Individual Time Trial and the Road Race in the under 17 Men’s category. The 2007 season also seen him win the Victorian Under 17 Mens aggregate point score series.
Matt’s coach is Barry Burns, himself a past champion, veteran of nine Sun Tours and junior coach of Benalla champion and past Tour de France sprint winner, Baden Cook who is also taking the field in this year’s Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
“Matt is the first one I’ve been excited about since Baden Cook”, says Burns whose many achievements include coach of the Mayday Hills team which raced across the Nullabor in 1988. Geoff Clark, Matt’s father, was a competitor in that marathon event.
The Matt Clark Rail Trail v Tour Challenge is one of a number of activities being presented in Beechworth from 12 Noon ahead of the Stage 3 Finish in Camp Street around 2pm. Further program details will be announced next week.
The Tour is regarded as one of the world’s prestige staged team road cycling events. In 2007 the 14 teams of seven riders will begin the race in Bendigo on Monday 15 October and finish in Melbourne on Saturday 21 October. Beechworth will also host the Start of Stage 4 of the race to Falls Creek at 10:30am on Thursday 17 October.
The Matt Clark Rail Trail v Tour Challenge is being made possible with the kind permission of the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail Committee. The Challenge is a one-off event subject to a number of stringent conditions. The event will include two motorcycles for both safety and motor-pacing purposes. Marshalls will be stationed at all public road intersections along the Rail Trail to ensure public safety and signage advertising the event will be in place ahead of time at either end of the Trail.
Media inquiries to Sue Couttie, Indigo Shire Council Tourism Development Officer
Phone (03) 5728 8061
The 16-year old cyclist is hoping to write himself into the record books with a Rail Trail v Tour Challenge which will pit him against the 98 champions competing in the final leg of Stage 3 from White Post Road Everton to Camp Street Beechworth. Matt will race against the Tour via the Everton to Beechworth section of the scenic Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, a 16 km paved cycle trail and fast-becoming one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations. He has ridden the Rail Trail countless times as part of his training regimen.
If all goes to plan, the anticipated crowds lining Camp Street for the Beechworth finish will have the chance to cheer on a local hero as he sprints to the line ahead of the Stage 3 winner.
The ride will be both a personal challenge for the Year 10 Beechworth Secondary College student and an opportunity to raise the profile of the Scott Peoples Memorial Foundation. Matt and his family were close to 20 year-old Scott Peoples, a Shepparton Cycle Club star and member of the Australian Youth Cycling Team who died in a tragic accident last year.
A member of the Albury-Wodonga Cycling Club, Matt Clark has been racing competitively for seven years. His most recent success came just two months ago when he competed at the Victorian Junior Road Championships where he became dual State Champion by winning both the Individual Time Trial and the Road Race in the under 17 Men’s category. The 2007 season also seen him win the Victorian Under 17 Mens aggregate point score series.
Matt’s coach is Barry Burns, himself a past champion, veteran of nine Sun Tours and junior coach of Benalla champion and past Tour de France sprint winner, Baden Cook who is also taking the field in this year’s Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
“Matt is the first one I’ve been excited about since Baden Cook”, says Burns whose many achievements include coach of the Mayday Hills team which raced across the Nullabor in 1988. Geoff Clark, Matt’s father, was a competitor in that marathon event.
The Matt Clark Rail Trail v Tour Challenge is one of a number of activities being presented in Beechworth from 12 Noon ahead of the Stage 3 Finish in Camp Street around 2pm. Further program details will be announced next week.
The Tour is regarded as one of the world’s prestige staged team road cycling events. In 2007 the 14 teams of seven riders will begin the race in Bendigo on Monday 15 October and finish in Melbourne on Saturday 21 October. Beechworth will also host the Start of Stage 4 of the race to Falls Creek at 10:30am on Thursday 17 October.
The Matt Clark Rail Trail v Tour Challenge is being made possible with the kind permission of the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail Committee. The Challenge is a one-off event subject to a number of stringent conditions. The event will include two motorcycles for both safety and motor-pacing purposes. Marshalls will be stationed at all public road intersections along the Rail Trail to ensure public safety and signage advertising the event will be in place ahead of time at either end of the Trail.
Media inquiries to Sue Couttie, Indigo Shire Council Tourism Development Officer
Phone (03) 5728 8061
Sunday 9 September 2007
Women In Harmony
Women in Harmony concert
Jazz classics (including Fly me to the Moon) and "Folk Songs of the Four Seasons" by R.Vaughn Williams
Songs by Aaron Copland
Directed by Margaret Phillips
Beechworth Town Hall
Today at 2.30pm
Admission: $10, children free
I have been listening to the warm up and the music sounds absolutely delightful!
Jazz classics (including Fly me to the Moon) and "Folk Songs of the Four Seasons" by R.Vaughn Williams
Songs by Aaron Copland
Directed by Margaret Phillips
Beechworth Town Hall
Today at 2.30pm
Admission: $10, children free
I have been listening to the warm up and the music sounds absolutely delightful!
Wednesday 5 September 2007
High Country Volunteer Summit - Tuesday 11th September 2007
The High Country Volunteer Summit is an annual event held in honor of the wonderful volunteers in the Information Centres throughout the North East of Victoria.
The 2007 High Country Volunteer Summit will be held on Tuesday 11th September 2007. The venue for this years fantastic event is the Old Priory in Beechworth.
MC For The Day
We have been able to confirm that MC for the day will be the very entertaining Jonathan Wright from ABC Goulburn Murray. Jonathan was a guest speaker at last years event and was very well received by all that attended. We are sure everyone will be happy to see that Jonathan will be with us again.
Richard Day
Richard Day is a dynamic professional speaker, corporate facilitator and successful life & business coach and has been working within the leadership, business management, health and personal development industry for twenty five years, both nationally and internationally. We are very excited that Richard has agreed to come along and support our volunteers on their special day!
Charelle Cuolahan
Charelle works as the Industry Development Co-ordinator for Tourism Alliance. A bubbly and outgoing woman dedicated to getting the best out of Information Centres across Victoria. Charelle will be sharing some very valuable information to everyone attending.Charelle has worked in the tourism industry for the past eight years. Positions have included Coordinator of the Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre, Assistant Manager of Johanna Seaside Cottages and Holiday Great Ocean Road and most recently Tourism Officer at the Surf Coast Shire.
Charelle commenced with Tourism Alliance Victoria in October 2006. Charelle supports the facilitation of tourism industry development activities which includes coordinating the Visitor Information Centre program and providing information and support to local and regional tourism associations.
Tom O'Toole
Tom O'Toole is the owner of the Beechworth Bakery chain and has built his way up from humble beginnings. With over 100 speaking engagements around the world every year Tom is an inspiration and entertainer wherever he travels. He words of wisdom and experience come from the heart in an easy to understand format. His Books, Cookbooks, CDs and DVDs provide inspiration and fun to all ages.
Adrian Tame
Adrian a seasoned journalist and editor. Currently Adrian writes for the Herald Sun and is an interesting and unique character who will share from wealth of knowledge, gained from roaming all over our country reporting on tourism destinations.
Leonie & the Fish Philosophy
When The FISH! Philosophy? is brought to life by one of our storytellers, the impact runs deep and the memories are long lasting. That?s because our stories are as inspiring as they are motivating, as humorous as they are provocative, as emotional as they are relevant ? always delivered with a passion that will have a powerful and profound effect on your people and your organization.
It should be a terrific day for our volunteers from Visitor Information Centres across the North East of Victoria.
See you there!
The 2007 High Country Volunteer Summit will be held on Tuesday 11th September 2007. The venue for this years fantastic event is the Old Priory in Beechworth.
MC For The Day
We have been able to confirm that MC for the day will be the very entertaining Jonathan Wright from ABC Goulburn Murray. Jonathan was a guest speaker at last years event and was very well received by all that attended. We are sure everyone will be happy to see that Jonathan will be with us again.
Richard Day
Richard Day is a dynamic professional speaker, corporate facilitator and successful life & business coach and has been working within the leadership, business management, health and personal development industry for twenty five years, both nationally and internationally. We are very excited that Richard has agreed to come along and support our volunteers on their special day!
Charelle Cuolahan
Charelle works as the Industry Development Co-ordinator for Tourism Alliance. A bubbly and outgoing woman dedicated to getting the best out of Information Centres across Victoria. Charelle will be sharing some very valuable information to everyone attending.Charelle has worked in the tourism industry for the past eight years. Positions have included Coordinator of the Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre, Assistant Manager of Johanna Seaside Cottages and Holiday Great Ocean Road and most recently Tourism Officer at the Surf Coast Shire.
Charelle commenced with Tourism Alliance Victoria in October 2006. Charelle supports the facilitation of tourism industry development activities which includes coordinating the Visitor Information Centre program and providing information and support to local and regional tourism associations.
Tom O'Toole
Tom O'Toole is the owner of the Beechworth Bakery chain and has built his way up from humble beginnings. With over 100 speaking engagements around the world every year Tom is an inspiration and entertainer wherever he travels. He words of wisdom and experience come from the heart in an easy to understand format. His Books, Cookbooks, CDs and DVDs provide inspiration and fun to all ages.
Adrian Tame
Adrian a seasoned journalist and editor. Currently Adrian writes for the Herald Sun and is an interesting and unique character who will share from wealth of knowledge, gained from roaming all over our country reporting on tourism destinations.
Leonie & the Fish Philosophy
When The FISH! Philosophy? is brought to life by one of our storytellers, the impact runs deep and the memories are long lasting. That?s because our stories are as inspiring as they are motivating, as humorous as they are provocative, as emotional as they are relevant ? always delivered with a passion that will have a powerful and profound effect on your people and your organization.
It should be a terrific day for our volunteers from Visitor Information Centres across the North East of Victoria.
See you there!
4 Replica Suits Of The Kelly Gang Armour At The Beechworth Historic Courthouse
On the 28th of June 1880 the Kelly Gang bailed up the Jones’ Inn at Glenrowan in what was possibly a failed attempt at Ned’s ‘Republic of the North-Eastern Victoria’. Ned Kelly, Dan Kelly, Joe Byrne and Steve Hart forged their place in history when clad in bullet proof armour they took on ever increasing numbers of well armed Police. The only gang member to survive the gun-battle, Ned Kelly, recovered from substantial wounds in Melbourne before being bought to the Beechworth Court of Assize for the preliminary hearing on the charge of murdering Police Constable Thomas Lonigan.
The Beechworth Historic Court-House is proud to have on display in its Barristers room, 4 replica suits of the Kelly gang armour.
The Beechworth Historic Courthouse is open 9am to 5pm, 7 days. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Family $10.00 (2 Adults, 3 children - aged 5 to 16 years)
Adult $5.00
Concession $3.50
Child $3.00
The Beechworth Historic Court-House is proud to have on display in its Barristers room, 4 replica suits of the Kelly gang armour.
The Beechworth Historic Courthouse is open 9am to 5pm, 7 days. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Family $10.00 (2 Adults, 3 children - aged 5 to 16 years)
Adult $5.00
Concession $3.50
Child $3.00
Wednesday 29 August 2007
Yackandandah
Staff & Volunteers enjoyed a famil trip to Yackandandah on .
Our famil started in Yackandandah at the Visitor Information Centre (of course!)
It was great to walk along the Gorge at Yack. I do have a photo...which I will post online soon.
It was a glorious day and we all enjoyed visiting our members, Maple Grove B&B, Yackandandah Township Hill, Crystal Creek and Best Western Beechworth Motor Inn.
Cheers
Kerry
Our famil started in Yackandandah at the Visitor Information Centre (of course!)
It was great to walk along the Gorge at Yack. I do have a photo...which I will post online soon.
It was a glorious day and we all enjoyed visiting our members, Maple Grove B&B, Yackandandah Township Hill, Crystal Creek and Best Western Beechworth Motor Inn.
Cheers
Kerry
Well Done Anne
Congratulations to Anne for getting the new Beechworth Official Visitors Guide into the Canberra & Tullamarine Visitor Information Centre.
If you would like to order a copy of the Beechworth OVG please contact us on 1300 366 321
Seven weeks out, Beechworth limbers up for Herald Sun Tour
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour, one of Australia’s premier sporting events, is coming to Beechworth in exactly seven weeks.
On Wednesday 17 October from about 1:45pm, nearly 100 of the world’s leading cyclists will end Stage 3 of the Tour from Mansfield with a thrilling 70kph sprint from the Beechworth-Myrtleford Road to the finish line in Camp Street outside Cycles & Saws.
The competitors will stay overnight at LaTrobe University, ahead of the start of Stage 4 from Beechworth to Falls Creek at 10:30am the following morning in Ford St outside the Town Hall Gardens.
Along with the competitors, among them Benalla cyclist and past Tour de France sprint winner, Baden Cook and other international cycling stars, Beechworth will also welcome around 200 support crew, media and organisers.
The Tour is regarded as one of the world’s prestige staged team road cycling events. In 2007 the 14 teams of seven riders will begin the race in Bendigo on Monday 15 October and finish in Melbourne on Saturday 21 October.
In Beechworth, plans to celebrate the arrival of Stage 3 of the Tour are underway. A committee has been established to explore and co-ordinate a range of activities aimed at both generating excitement locally and showcasing the town to both Tour participants and to the wider world.
Activities will include encouraging Beechworth workplaces to become involved in the National Ride to Work Day which co-incides with the Tour’s arrival on 17 October. The highly successful Bicycle Victoria initiative annually sees tens of thousands of commuters ride their bikes to work instead driving or taking the bus.
In Beechworth Tour Day will kick off with local workers and school children cycling to a celebratory outdoor breakfast in Camp Street where they will register to be in the running for a prize to be drawn by the winner of Stage 3 later that day.
Locals will also be encouraged to get into the spirit of the Tour by wearing yellow as a colourful nod to the Stage leader’s yellow jersey. Further details of local activities will be announced soon.
On Wednesday 17 October from about 1:45pm, nearly 100 of the world’s leading cyclists will end Stage 3 of the Tour from Mansfield with a thrilling 70kph sprint from the Beechworth-Myrtleford Road to the finish line in Camp Street outside Cycles & Saws.
The competitors will stay overnight at LaTrobe University, ahead of the start of Stage 4 from Beechworth to Falls Creek at 10:30am the following morning in Ford St outside the Town Hall Gardens.
Along with the competitors, among them Benalla cyclist and past Tour de France sprint winner, Baden Cook and other international cycling stars, Beechworth will also welcome around 200 support crew, media and organisers.
The Tour is regarded as one of the world’s prestige staged team road cycling events. In 2007 the 14 teams of seven riders will begin the race in Bendigo on Monday 15 October and finish in Melbourne on Saturday 21 October.
In Beechworth, plans to celebrate the arrival of Stage 3 of the Tour are underway. A committee has been established to explore and co-ordinate a range of activities aimed at both generating excitement locally and showcasing the town to both Tour participants and to the wider world.
Activities will include encouraging Beechworth workplaces to become involved in the National Ride to Work Day which co-incides with the Tour’s arrival on 17 October. The highly successful Bicycle Victoria initiative annually sees tens of thousands of commuters ride their bikes to work instead driving or taking the bus.
In Beechworth Tour Day will kick off with local workers and school children cycling to a celebratory outdoor breakfast in Camp Street where they will register to be in the running for a prize to be drawn by the winner of Stage 3 later that day.
Locals will also be encouraged to get into the spirit of the Tour by wearing yellow as a colourful nod to the Stage leader’s yellow jersey. Further details of local activities will be announced soon.
VACC 'Spirit of the Twenties' vintage rally coming your way soon
VACC celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2008. However, as part of the celebrations leading into this anniversary, VACC is sponsoring the Spirit of the Twenties vintage car rally, which starts on Saturday, September 22, 2007.
The 14-day, 1600km event, which recreates the legendary reliability trials of the 1920s, will feature wonderful old vehicles from a host of gone-but-not-forgotten manufacturers, including Nash, DeSoto, Marmon, Rugby and LaSalle. These beautifully crafted machines will battle for line honours with names that have stood the test of time, such as Ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler.
VACC has a long affiliation with these lovable old vehicles. As an industry association formed in 1918 to assist traders within Victoria’s then burgeoning automotive industry, VACC member businesses played an important role in keeping Victorians on the road during those early automotive days.
Now almost 90 years on, VACC’s 5000-plus members continue to provide the same valuable service to owners of today’s high-tech cars.
“There have been astonishing changes in car technologies and in the automotive industry over the past 90 years. VACC members have been there every step of the way selling, servicing and repairing vehicles of all types for Victorian motorists," VACC General Manager of Marketing, Tim O’Brien, said.
Fully-subscribed 12 months in advance, the VACC Spirit of the Twenties rally is keenly-contested by the enthusiastic members of the Vintage Driver’s Club. This year the field boasts entries from Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania among its 40-car field.
A competitive event, the VACC Spirit of the Twenties will test man (and woman) and machine with various driving challenges, including an eighth-mile sprint at the Bairnsdale air strip.
Drivers will also pass through some of the most picturesque tourist destinations in south-eastern Victoria and New South Wales. Commencing at Lilydale Lake at 10.00am, the convoy will then travel to Gippsland via Sale and Lakes Entrance before heading to the NSW towns of Merimbula, Cooma and Tumut. The entourage then crosses back across the Victorian border for the big finish at Beechworth on October 5.
“The VACC Spirit of the Twenties is a wonderful community event and the cars will look magnificent as they cruise through the many rural communities along the way”, Mr O’Brien said. “We hope everyone comes out to cheer on the drivers and show the kids what cars were like during the earliest days of motoring.”
ENDS
Further enquiries: Ken Challenger 0414 071 856
Wednesday 15 August 2007
A VISITOR’S IMPRESSIONS OF BEECHWORTH. Circa 1880
I thought some of you may have been interested to read a visitor's impression of Beechworth (Circa 1880)
A writer in the “Brunswick Advertiser” has the following:; The line from Wangaratta to Beechworth, a distance of 26 miles, is one continuous, though at first gentle ascent. The first 12 miles shows a rise of only nine feet per mile; the next four miles, however, shows a gradient of 44 feet per mile rise; whilst the remaining 10 miles has an average ascent of about 100 feet per mile, the town of Beechworth standing 1775 feet above the level of the sea. This is the steepest incline on any of the Victorian railways, and would be considered an extraordinary one in any part of the world, at least for a locomotive to travel on. Up this tremendous incline, or rather series of inclines, at a very low rate of speed, the engine pants and puffs like a monster in distress, landing us finally, however, safe and sound at our destination. The view of the town from this point is very pleasing. Like the scripture city, being set on a hill, it cannot be hid. The wide streets, together with the shops, houses and public buildings, most of them substantially built of brick or stone, commend it at once to the eye of the stranger, and although first impressions are said to be generally deceptive, yet, at least in my case, the good opinion I was prepared to form of Beechworth from the description of my friends was fully borne out on a better acquaintance.
Leaving the railway-station, I crossed the Spring Creek on a causeway, the ground on both sides being turned up to the bed rock by successive hosts of diggers, which has given it the appearance of a Titan’s field, roughly cultivated by Cyclopean ploughs. This is a wonderfully rich golden field in the days of yore, and although it has been dug and paddocked and sluiced for a generation past, yet even now it continues to yield a golden harvest. One of the most plucky undertakings in the way of mining has just been completed and carried out entirely by local enterprise, that of washing down and sluicing the whole of the old worked ground on the Spring Creek flat. In order to understand the gigantic nature of the undertaking, it may be mentioned that the banks on both sides, some fifty or sixty feet high, are washed down bodily by powerful streams of water into a narrow channel, when the gold by its inherent weight sinks to the bottom, and the sludge and lighter matter is carried off. In order to get rid of the enormous amount of liquid mud, it was necessary to cut an underground channel for a great distance through the hard granite rock. This has been successfully completed, and the whole works are now in full operation. Once a year it is proposed to wash up or disinter the golden particles from the bottom of the channel, and afterwards will come the pleasantest process of all, that of declaring what I hope will be a satisfactory dividend to the enterprising shareholders.
Business people here, I found, were complaining of the hard times, just as they are in other places. Nothing whatever doing, some of them said; all the wealth of the place is being rapidly drained off to supply the insatiable maw of the monster, Melbourne. And yet the people were going about, busy enough, well clothed and apparently well fed; and still they were not satisfied. I endeavoured to show some of these good people that there was plenty of complaint and grumbling in Melbourne, and with perhaps more reason than they had to show for it; for in addition to the want of business, we had high rents and other expenses to contend with, which they had not. I am well assured that if the people of this country had only a more contented spirit, they would all be the better and the happier for it. The town of Beechworth, with its beautiful situation, its magnificent climate and bracing air, is a most desirable place of residence for families, and had I my choice in the matter, I would as soon live here as in any part of Victoria. From different parts on the hills round about there is a series of views of the most extensive description. I was particularly delighted with the prospect from a mass of granite boulders on a range at the end of Camp-street, looking towards the Yackandandah direction. My time being limited, however, I was unable to visit several other places I was told of, as being worthy of inspection. The principal public buildings are the banks, churches, court-house, Post-office and Athenaeum, the latter standing in a small but very neatly laid out public garden and recreation ground. Many shrubs and trees I noticed as flourishing with amazing vigour, which in other places are only artificially kept alive in a stunted condition, more especially the common laurel. There is a beautiful closely-clipped laurel hedge in the Athenaeum ground I was particularly struck with, and another grand specimen in front of the church of England, the largest and finest laurel I ever saw, being, I suppose, fully twenty feet high, and of a compact, pyramidal habit. I was much disappointed, however, with the collection of minerals in the museum. Knowing the great variety of gem stones and fossils which have been discovered at various times in the neighbourhood, I fully expected to find a complete collection of every kind, but what I saw was meagre in the extreme. My disappointment, however, was considerably lessened on visiting Mr Dunn, a gentleman who has made it his business, as well as pleasure for the last twenty years, in collecting specimens of every description of curious minerals to be obtained in the district, as well as a very large number from the African diamond fields and other parts of the world. A complete catalogue of this gentleman’s museum would fill a good sized volume, and I would strongly counsel the authorities of the local Athenaeum to make arrangements, if possible, with the proprietor for the purchase of the whole. It would be a thousand pities to have such a collection dispersed, a collection that illustrates the entire geology of the Beechworth district. Many of Mr Dunn’s specimens were superb of their kind, surpassing any I had ever seen before. One block of granite showed its component parts, quartz and felspar in large sized crystals, with mica thickly scattered throughout. There were several fine specimens of crystallised felspar, smoky quartz, agate and other pebbles. I saw a garnet as large as a boy’s marble, lying in its granite matrix, and specimens of every description of gem that had been discovered in the neighbourhood, including a number of diamonds of considerable size. No place in Victoria has contributed so large a number of precious stones as Beechworth, every variety having been obtained here at one time or the other, excepting, I believe, opal. Mr. Turner, watchmaker, of Camp-street, another indefatigable mineralogist, was also good enough to show me his collection, which contains many curious specimens, amongst others a quartz crystal nearly two feet long.
I bade adieu to Beechworth with regret. I would very willingly have stayed a week here, as there are several places I would like to have seen before returning to town; but the inexorable claims of business would not admit of further delay. I look forward, however, on a future day to again having the pleasure of visiting the capital of the Ovens.
A writer in the “Brunswick Advertiser” has the following:; The line from Wangaratta to Beechworth, a distance of 26 miles, is one continuous, though at first gentle ascent. The first 12 miles shows a rise of only nine feet per mile; the next four miles, however, shows a gradient of 44 feet per mile rise; whilst the remaining 10 miles has an average ascent of about 100 feet per mile, the town of Beechworth standing 1775 feet above the level of the sea. This is the steepest incline on any of the Victorian railways, and would be considered an extraordinary one in any part of the world, at least for a locomotive to travel on. Up this tremendous incline, or rather series of inclines, at a very low rate of speed, the engine pants and puffs like a monster in distress, landing us finally, however, safe and sound at our destination. The view of the town from this point is very pleasing. Like the scripture city, being set on a hill, it cannot be hid. The wide streets, together with the shops, houses and public buildings, most of them substantially built of brick or stone, commend it at once to the eye of the stranger, and although first impressions are said to be generally deceptive, yet, at least in my case, the good opinion I was prepared to form of Beechworth from the description of my friends was fully borne out on a better acquaintance.
Leaving the railway-station, I crossed the Spring Creek on a causeway, the ground on both sides being turned up to the bed rock by successive hosts of diggers, which has given it the appearance of a Titan’s field, roughly cultivated by Cyclopean ploughs. This is a wonderfully rich golden field in the days of yore, and although it has been dug and paddocked and sluiced for a generation past, yet even now it continues to yield a golden harvest. One of the most plucky undertakings in the way of mining has just been completed and carried out entirely by local enterprise, that of washing down and sluicing the whole of the old worked ground on the Spring Creek flat. In order to understand the gigantic nature of the undertaking, it may be mentioned that the banks on both sides, some fifty or sixty feet high, are washed down bodily by powerful streams of water into a narrow channel, when the gold by its inherent weight sinks to the bottom, and the sludge and lighter matter is carried off. In order to get rid of the enormous amount of liquid mud, it was necessary to cut an underground channel for a great distance through the hard granite rock. This has been successfully completed, and the whole works are now in full operation. Once a year it is proposed to wash up or disinter the golden particles from the bottom of the channel, and afterwards will come the pleasantest process of all, that of declaring what I hope will be a satisfactory dividend to the enterprising shareholders.
Business people here, I found, were complaining of the hard times, just as they are in other places. Nothing whatever doing, some of them said; all the wealth of the place is being rapidly drained off to supply the insatiable maw of the monster, Melbourne. And yet the people were going about, busy enough, well clothed and apparently well fed; and still they were not satisfied. I endeavoured to show some of these good people that there was plenty of complaint and grumbling in Melbourne, and with perhaps more reason than they had to show for it; for in addition to the want of business, we had high rents and other expenses to contend with, which they had not. I am well assured that if the people of this country had only a more contented spirit, they would all be the better and the happier for it. The town of Beechworth, with its beautiful situation, its magnificent climate and bracing air, is a most desirable place of residence for families, and had I my choice in the matter, I would as soon live here as in any part of Victoria. From different parts on the hills round about there is a series of views of the most extensive description. I was particularly delighted with the prospect from a mass of granite boulders on a range at the end of Camp-street, looking towards the Yackandandah direction. My time being limited, however, I was unable to visit several other places I was told of, as being worthy of inspection. The principal public buildings are the banks, churches, court-house, Post-office and Athenaeum, the latter standing in a small but very neatly laid out public garden and recreation ground. Many shrubs and trees I noticed as flourishing with amazing vigour, which in other places are only artificially kept alive in a stunted condition, more especially the common laurel. There is a beautiful closely-clipped laurel hedge in the Athenaeum ground I was particularly struck with, and another grand specimen in front of the church of England, the largest and finest laurel I ever saw, being, I suppose, fully twenty feet high, and of a compact, pyramidal habit. I was much disappointed, however, with the collection of minerals in the museum. Knowing the great variety of gem stones and fossils which have been discovered at various times in the neighbourhood, I fully expected to find a complete collection of every kind, but what I saw was meagre in the extreme. My disappointment, however, was considerably lessened on visiting Mr Dunn, a gentleman who has made it his business, as well as pleasure for the last twenty years, in collecting specimens of every description of curious minerals to be obtained in the district, as well as a very large number from the African diamond fields and other parts of the world. A complete catalogue of this gentleman’s museum would fill a good sized volume, and I would strongly counsel the authorities of the local Athenaeum to make arrangements, if possible, with the proprietor for the purchase of the whole. It would be a thousand pities to have such a collection dispersed, a collection that illustrates the entire geology of the Beechworth district. Many of Mr Dunn’s specimens were superb of their kind, surpassing any I had ever seen before. One block of granite showed its component parts, quartz and felspar in large sized crystals, with mica thickly scattered throughout. There were several fine specimens of crystallised felspar, smoky quartz, agate and other pebbles. I saw a garnet as large as a boy’s marble, lying in its granite matrix, and specimens of every description of gem that had been discovered in the neighbourhood, including a number of diamonds of considerable size. No place in Victoria has contributed so large a number of precious stones as Beechworth, every variety having been obtained here at one time or the other, excepting, I believe, opal. Mr. Turner, watchmaker, of Camp-street, another indefatigable mineralogist, was also good enough to show me his collection, which contains many curious specimens, amongst others a quartz crystal nearly two feet long.
I bade adieu to Beechworth with regret. I would very willingly have stayed a week here, as there are several places I would like to have seen before returning to town; but the inexorable claims of business would not admit of further delay. I look forward, however, on a future day to again having the pleasure of visiting the capital of the Ovens.
Saturday 11 August 2007
Indigo scoops Tidy Town Awards!
6/08/2007
Indigo Shire towns scooped the awards pool at the 25th Annual Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Regional Awards held in Rutherglen last week.
Beechworth was named the overall North East Regional Sustainable Community – Tidy Towns winner and will now go on to represent the North East region at the state finals to be announced on 6 October.
Nine other Indigo Shire town projects were recognised as category winners and will advance to the state finals:
Community Pride: Rutherglen – RSL Park
Heritage & Culture: Chiltern – Chiltern Railway Station
Environmental Innovation: Beechworth – Beechworth Vignerons Association
Zero Waste Award: Beechworth – Public Place Recycling project
Biodiversity & Conservation: Beechworth – Wildlife Corridor Project
Community Government Partnership: Beechworth – Waste Oil Recycling Project
Young Leaders: Beechworth – Spring Creek Revegetation Project
Proud School: Rutherglen – St Mary’s Primary School
Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Peter Graham said the awards highlighted the wonderful environmental and sustainability projects underway in Indigo Shire. He paid tribute to the businesses, community groups and volunteers who have shown great dedication and community spirit.
“The Tidy Towns annual awards are an important part in recognising the value of the hundreds of volunteers who provide support to local communities throughout rural Victoria,” Cr Graham said.
“It is wonderful to receive recognition across so many categories and we are particularly thrilled Beechworth will contest the overall Victorian Tidy Towns award.”
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Chief Executive Officer Wendy Jones said, “The power of local communities working together can achieve great community and environmental benefits for all to enjoy and benefit from, and this was definitely highlighted during this year’s judging.
“The Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns judges found it very hard to split this year’s category winners, which highlighted the dedication those communities who participated in this year’s program have towards their communities, environment and sustainability.”
The 25th Annual Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns awards are supported by Sustainability Victoria, the Packaging Stewardship Forum – AFGC “Do the Right Thing” Program and Cartridge World.
Indigo Shire towns scooped the awards pool at the 25th Annual Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Regional Awards held in Rutherglen last week.
Beechworth was named the overall North East Regional Sustainable Community – Tidy Towns winner and will now go on to represent the North East region at the state finals to be announced on 6 October.
Nine other Indigo Shire town projects were recognised as category winners and will advance to the state finals:
Community Pride: Rutherglen – RSL Park
Heritage & Culture: Chiltern – Chiltern Railway Station
Environmental Innovation: Beechworth – Beechworth Vignerons Association
Zero Waste Award: Beechworth – Public Place Recycling project
Biodiversity & Conservation: Beechworth – Wildlife Corridor Project
Community Government Partnership: Beechworth – Waste Oil Recycling Project
Young Leaders: Beechworth – Spring Creek Revegetation Project
Proud School: Rutherglen – St Mary’s Primary School
Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Peter Graham said the awards highlighted the wonderful environmental and sustainability projects underway in Indigo Shire. He paid tribute to the businesses, community groups and volunteers who have shown great dedication and community spirit.
“The Tidy Towns annual awards are an important part in recognising the value of the hundreds of volunteers who provide support to local communities throughout rural Victoria,” Cr Graham said.
“It is wonderful to receive recognition across so many categories and we are particularly thrilled Beechworth will contest the overall Victorian Tidy Towns award.”
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Chief Executive Officer Wendy Jones said, “The power of local communities working together can achieve great community and environmental benefits for all to enjoy and benefit from, and this was definitely highlighted during this year’s judging.
“The Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns judges found it very hard to split this year’s category winners, which highlighted the dedication those communities who participated in this year’s program have towards their communities, environment and sustainability.”
The 25th Annual Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns awards are supported by Sustainability Victoria, the Packaging Stewardship Forum – AFGC “Do the Right Thing” Program and Cartridge World.
Wednesday 1 August 2007
August Operator Of The Month
Pictured: Anne & Tim drawing out the Operator Of the Month
Congratulations to our August Operator Of the Month
- Finches of Beechworth B&B
- The Spa at Beechworth
- Stanley Miners Cottage; and
- Bridge Road Brewers
Tim Holding drew out the lucky operators (who have taken out a membership plus with the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre).
Operators of the Month receive:
- Front page image and link on our home page www.beechworthonline.com.au
-An advertisement on the plasma screen
-Their brochure located in prime position on the mantle piece (under the plasma screen)
Tim Holding
Over the past month the team at the Visitor Information Centre have had the privlage of working with Tim Holding.
I bet most of you were thinking of Tim Holding, the Victorian Minister for Tourism and Minister for Information and Communication Technology, as well as Minister for Finance.
Actually, Tim Holding is a student at the Beechworth Secondary College. And over the past month Tim has been busy gaining experience working in the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre.
Adrian Osborne of SPLAToons also dropped into the VIC this morning for a chat and to deomontrate his Caricatures skills.
Google Maps
A new added feature for our operators on www.beechworthonline.com.au is Google Maps.
Now customers can browse accommodation information, photos, location, and rates. Booking accommodation online has never been easier.
Now customers can browse accommodation information, photos, location, and rates. Booking accommodation online has never been easier.
Tuesday 24 July 2007
Seven Wonders Of The World....
Eagle eyes spotted a photo of Beechworth in the Sunday Herald Sun (Sunday 22nd July 2007). Congratulations to Mel Taylor who nominated Beechworth and was the winner of the 'wonder in our backyard' competition in the Sunday Herald Sun.
We all agree with your nomination Mel! Beechworth is absolutely beautiful!
We all agree with your nomination Mel! Beechworth is absolutely beautiful!
Wednesday 18 July 2007
WALK TO LAKE KERFERD
present another special event supporting the
2007 George Briscoe Kerferd Oration
WALK TO LAKE KERFERD
and absorb the history of our water supply
Date: Saturday 28th July, 2007 Time: 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Place: Starting at car park/beach at Lake Sambell Guide: Darren Sutton, local historian
Distance: One way - 5km. Walking track suitable for all ages but not
for wheelchairs and strollers. Wear sturdy footwear and
clothing suitable for cold/wet weather.
Return bus available
A Free Community Activity
of the Robert O’Hara Burke Museum
in association with Friends of the Burke Museum.
Bookings Essential - Numbers Limited
Please ring Burke Museum (03) 57288067
2007 George Briscoe Kerferd Oration
WALK TO LAKE KERFERD
and absorb the history of our water supply
Date: Saturday 28th July, 2007 Time: 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Place: Starting at car park/beach at Lake Sambell Guide: Darren Sutton, local historian
Distance: One way - 5km. Walking track suitable for all ages but not
for wheelchairs and strollers. Wear sturdy footwear and
clothing suitable for cold/wet weather.
Return bus available
A Free Community Activity
of the Robert O’Hara Burke Museum
in association with Friends of the Burke Museum.
Bookings Essential - Numbers Limited
Please ring Burke Museum (03) 57288067
Snow in Beechworth
Yes it snowed in Beechworth yesterday! I was in Melbourne yesterday and missed the snow falling!
It was 2 degrees when Penny and Anne left the information centre at 5.30pm yesterday.
There have been reports on ABC radio of snow at Stanley which is 10kms out of Beechworth. I might even drive up to Stanley on my lunch break.
Kerry
It was 2 degrees when Penny and Anne left the information centre at 5.30pm yesterday.
There have been reports on ABC radio of snow at Stanley which is 10kms out of Beechworth. I might even drive up to Stanley on my lunch break.
Kerry
Wednesday 11 July 2007
On This Day in Beechworth.
Many thanks to Leo our morse code guru at the Beechworth Telegraph Station for the interesting information about Beechworth.
1880
July 4th 1880 - Ellen Kelly visits Ned in Prison hospital.
July 5th 1880 - Kelly unfit to travel for committal hearing.
July 8th 1880- Chief secretary appoints Sir Charles McMahon and Mr Murray Smith to lead board to distribute Kelly rewards.
July 10th 1880 - Mrs Skillion, Kate and James Kelly refused permission to visit Ned Kelly.
July 13th 1880 - Kelly still not able to face committal hearing.
1880
July 4th 1880 - Ellen Kelly visits Ned in Prison hospital.
July 5th 1880 - Kelly unfit to travel for committal hearing.
July 8th 1880- Chief secretary appoints Sir Charles McMahon and Mr Murray Smith to lead board to distribute Kelly rewards.
July 10th 1880 - Mrs Skillion, Kate and James Kelly refused permission to visit Ned Kelly.
July 13th 1880 - Kelly still not able to face committal hearing.
Tuesday 10 July 2007
Beechworth Gorge Road
DES Beechworth just wanting you all to know that Gorge Road is shut for most of today (Tuesday 10th July )from the monument to the slab hut. If you have any queries please contact the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre.
Well Done Bill Bell
Bill Bell should get a good samaritan award for his efforts last week when spotting a car coming out of our drive way(Best Western Beechworth Motor Inn)last wednesday night smashing into our front light and demolishing the brick pilar and then drove off.(Hit and Run) He proceeded to follow the culprit to another motel where he bailed him up and ask him was he involved in a recent accident? The man was caught red handed. Thanks to Bill we now have someone to pay for the damage.
Thanks to Rob from Best Western Beechworth Motor Inn.
Thanks to Rob from Best Western Beechworth Motor Inn.
Thursday 5 July 2007
OPERA IN THE ALPS 2008 WORLD RENOWNED SOPRANO AT BEECHWORTH
News from Australian Music Events
2 July 2007
OPERA IN THE ALPS 2008
WORLD RENOWNED SOPRANO AT BEECHWORTH
Photo: Rob Lacey
Saturday 19 January 2008
Mayday Hills Oval
La Trobe at Beechworth
Albert Road
Beechworth VIC 3747
Gates and food/wine stalls open at 6:00pm
Concert commences at 8:00pm and ends at 10:30pm with one 40 minute interval
General ticket sales from
Wednesday 12 September 2007
Tickets:
$65 - $220 (Concession tickets available)
$64 Bus/tour groups
Bookings:
Ticketek
www.ticketek.com.au | 13 28 49
Beechworth Visitor Information Centre
www.beechworthonline.com.au | 1300 366 321
Australian Music Events is proud to present celebrated international soprano, YVONNE KENNY to Opera in the Alps 2008. She will be joined by Australia’s tenor sensation ROY ALEXANDER BEST, a 100-voice chorus and 50-piece orchestra led by one of the brightest young conductors of his generation, BENJAMIN NORTHEY.
Staged on the picturesque grounds of La Trobe at Beechworth, Opera in the Alps has become firmly established as one of regional Victoria’s cultural highlights since its inception in 1996. Audience members can expect an evening of sensory delights as they enjoy favourites from opera and theatre under the stars and savour some of the region’s finest gourmet food and wine which are sold at outlets prior to the commencement of the concert.
For those who seek complete indulgence, the Premium Package comprising a two-course pre-concert dinner followed by dessert at interval is available. The selection of fine wines will be provided by Brown Brothers. The dinner is held on the lawns of the Pines Convention Centre which commands a breathtaking view of the concert setting, and is the ultimate way to experience Opera in the Alps.
2 July 2007
OPERA IN THE ALPS 2008
WORLD RENOWNED SOPRANO AT BEECHWORTH
Photo: Rob Lacey
Saturday 19 January 2008
Mayday Hills Oval
La Trobe at Beechworth
Albert Road
Beechworth VIC 3747
Gates and food/wine stalls open at 6:00pm
Concert commences at 8:00pm and ends at 10:30pm with one 40 minute interval
General ticket sales from
Wednesday 12 September 2007
Tickets:
$65 - $220 (Concession tickets available)
$64 Bus/tour groups
Bookings:
Ticketek
www.ticketek.com.au | 13 28 49
Beechworth Visitor Information Centre
www.beechworthonline.com.au | 1300 366 321
Australian Music Events is proud to present celebrated international soprano, YVONNE KENNY to Opera in the Alps 2008. She will be joined by Australia’s tenor sensation ROY ALEXANDER BEST, a 100-voice chorus and 50-piece orchestra led by one of the brightest young conductors of his generation, BENJAMIN NORTHEY.
Staged on the picturesque grounds of La Trobe at Beechworth, Opera in the Alps has become firmly established as one of regional Victoria’s cultural highlights since its inception in 1996. Audience members can expect an evening of sensory delights as they enjoy favourites from opera and theatre under the stars and savour some of the region’s finest gourmet food and wine which are sold at outlets prior to the commencement of the concert.
For those who seek complete indulgence, the Premium Package comprising a two-course pre-concert dinner followed by dessert at interval is available. The selection of fine wines will be provided by Brown Brothers. The dinner is held on the lawns of the Pines Convention Centre which commands a breathtaking view of the concert setting, and is the ultimate way to experience Opera in the Alps.
Minister in Beechworth and Yackandandah to launch guides
Victorian Minister for Tourism Tim Holding toured Beechworth and Yackandandah today and launched both towns’ new official visitor guides.
Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Peter Graham hosted Mr Holding’s visit, which commenced in Beechworth. Mr Holding toured a Beechworth Bed and Breakfast establishment, Freeman on Ford, before visiting the Burke Museum and the Beechworth Heritage and Cultural Precinct.
Launching the Beechworth visitor guide, Beechworth … Consume the Passion, Mr Holding said, “Beechworth is one of Victoria’s most charming historic gold rush towns and this new guide will help visitors in discovering the many attractions the region has to offer.
“Rich in history and culture and offering wonderful food and wine experiences, with the backdrop of a lush natural landscape, Beechworth offers something for everyone.
“I congratulate Indigo Shire Council and Beechworth and District Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to this project, which will undoubtedly attract many more visitors to this wonderful town.”
In Yackandandah, the Minister had a tour of the main street before visiting the Yackandandah Historic Courthouse to launch the guide Yackandandah … Unveil the Mystery.
“Yackandandah is one of Victoria’s real treasures and this new guide will help visitors in discovering the many attractions of the region,” Mr Holding said.
Yackandandah is an elegantly preserved heritage township, and visitors cannot help but be impressed by the way it has accommodated growth and change while preserving its inherent natural beauty.”
Mr Holding congratulated Indigo Shire Council and Yackandandah & District Tourist Association on the project.
Indigo Shire Mayor Peter Graham said he was delighted Mr Holding could attend Beechworth and Yackandandah to experience first hand some of the region’s outstanding unique visitor attractions and to officially launch the new visitor guides.
“The new guides are part of a wider marketing collateral development program Indigo Shire has supported to ensure people throughout Victoria, and throughout Australia, receive the message about our magnificent destinations and experiences on offer,” Cr Graham said.
”The guides also represent a partnership between local government and local industry, as we have worked together to produce these outstanding brochures.”
The visitor guides provide information on the stories behind the towns and detail information about experiences in and around the region. They are divided into sections with information on history, nature and outdoors, food and wine, accommodation, shopping, and events and festivals.
“The Beechworth and Yackandandah guides are two in a family of Indigo Shire official visitor guides to be produced,” Cr Graham said. “Development of a new official visitor guide for Rutherglen is well underway, and work has also commenced on the new official visitor guide for Chiltern.”
**end release**
Captions:
[Minister in Beechworth]
Launching the new Beechworth official visitor guide (from left) Indigo Shire CEO John Costello, Victorian Tourism Minister Tim Holding, Beechworth Chamber of Commerce President Bill Bell and Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Peter Graham.
[Minister in Yackandandah]
Celebrating the launch of the new Yackandandah official visitor guide (from left) Kay Darveniza MP, Victorian Tourism Minister Tim Holding, Yackandandah & District Tourism Association president Les Keeble and Indigo Shire Mayor Cr Peter Graham.
Saturday 30 June 2007
3 BENEFIT CONCERTS - Make Poverty History
OVER 20 ACTS
With local & regional songwriters,
singers and bands
3 venues / 3 weekends
Some award winners
Make Poverty History concert will be held in Beechworth tonight, Saturday 30th June 2007.
Beechworth (June 30th 2007)
Venue: Memorial Hall
6:45 Doors Open
7:05 Brett Kneebone
7:30 Geoff Perry & Co
8:00 Korogocho Slum Project Presentation
8:10 Rosie Hayden & John Fairbridge
9:00 Bernard Bolan
9:40 The Davidson Brothers
10:25 Radio Star
11:00 Finish
Tickets can be purchased from:
* One Tree Hill Pottery Shop—Ford St
* B’Worth Milk Bar—Ford St, B’Worth
* Stanley General Store—Stanley
*Java Yack internet café— High St Yack.
Enquiries:
Tania Magennis 03 5728 1703
All proceeds go to the KOROGOCHO LATRINE PROJECT
(building toilets for the slum dwellers in Africa)- AFRICAN ENTERPRISE
Friday 29 June 2007
On This Day
Many thanks to Leo our morse code guru at the Beechworth Telegraph Station for the interesting information about Beechworth.
On Tuesday 29th June 1880
9.00am Ned Kelly carried to the train for the journey to Melbourne, taken from the train at North Melbourne and conveyed by horse dawn vehicle to Melbourne Goal.
11.00 Telegraph sent by John Arundel of the Beechworth Burke Museum to the state secretary requesting that Kelly’s armour be given to museum.
Dan Kelly and Steve Hart buried at Greta Cemetary.
On Tuesday 29th June 1880
9.00am Ned Kelly carried to the train for the journey to Melbourne, taken from the train at North Melbourne and conveyed by horse dawn vehicle to Melbourne Goal.
11.00 Telegraph sent by John Arundel of the Beechworth Burke Museum to the state secretary requesting that Kelly’s armour be given to museum.
Dan Kelly and Steve Hart buried at Greta Cemetary.
Tuesday 26 June 2007
Boxes of Brochures!
Anne has gone crazy and ordered boxes and boxes of Parks Victoria Notes for our visitors. The School Holidays are fast approaching and we need loads of brochures
“Should I order brochures before they run out? Or should I just order them when they run out and then wait for them to be sent?” says Anne….
I can assure you that we will have brochures available.
If you would like information about Beechworth's Parks, please call into the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre, we are open from 9am to 5pm, 7 days.
See you there!
“Should I order brochures before they run out? Or should I just order them when they run out and then wait for them to be sent?” says Anne….
I can assure you that we will have brochures available.
If you would like information about Beechworth's Parks, please call into the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre, we are open from 9am to 5pm, 7 days.
See you there!
The Weekly Times
Make sure you get this a copy of the Weekly Times.
Noelene & Michael had their photo taken this morning (dressed in period costume) promoting the upcoming Ned Kelly Weekend in August.
To purchase the tickets to the Ned Kelly Weekend go to www.beechworthonline.com.au
Noelene & Michael had their photo taken this morning (dressed in period costume) promoting the upcoming Ned Kelly Weekend in August.
To purchase the tickets to the Ned Kelly Weekend go to www.beechworthonline.com.au
Farewell to Jo
Today is the last day for our Tourist Project Officer Jo Seabrook. The team at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre wishes Jo and her family all the best for the future.
Wednesday 20 June 2007
Today's Tricky Question
Today's Tricky Question:
"I am trying to find the name of a stage hypnotherapist that had previously performed in Beechworth on several occasions. I would really appreciate if you could forward this information."
I have no idea. I will have to chat to Doreen about this one on Friday.
Does anyone else have any ideas?
"I am trying to find the name of a stage hypnotherapist that had previously performed in Beechworth on several occasions. I would really appreciate if you could forward this information."
I have no idea. I will have to chat to Doreen about this one on Friday.
Does anyone else have any ideas?
Accommodation Famil
The staff and volunteers at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre enjoyed our accommodation famil trip to Dargo, Lilac Cottage, Oban House, Foxgloves B&B, Wolverton Cottage, Victoria Rose Cottage and The Rose Cottage B&B. Beechworth has such a large rang of quality accommodation on offer. Many thanks to Anne for organizing a terrific famil. Reports back from the staff and volunteers indicate that everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed a hot coffee at the end.
Ned Kelly Weekend Program
Great News! The program for the Ned Kelly Weekend is finally finished! You can down load and purchase tickets to the Ned Kelly Weekend on our website www.beechworthonline.com.au
The Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend 2007
This weekend offers a rare opportunity to experience notable Kelly events in an
unforgettable setting that will ignite and continue Australia’s fascination with
Australia’s most revered bushranger.
Beechworth will feature a remarkable range of events for those die-hard Ned Kelly
enthusiasts or for the whole family.
Start the weekend with an evening of fun at ‘Ned at the Nic’ Music Hall, in the
tradition of the old music hall at the Nicholas Hotel with dinner, music and fun.
A highlight of the weekend will be Behind the Armour – The Forgotten Heartache.
Hear those close to the Kelly story tell of their thoughts.
The Beechworth Ned Kelly Weekend 2007
This weekend offers a rare opportunity to experience notable Kelly events in an
unforgettable setting that will ignite and continue Australia’s fascination with
Australia’s most revered bushranger.
Beechworth will feature a remarkable range of events for those die-hard Ned Kelly
enthusiasts or for the whole family.
Start the weekend with an evening of fun at ‘Ned at the Nic’ Music Hall, in the
tradition of the old music hall at the Nicholas Hotel with dinner, music and fun.
A highlight of the weekend will be Behind the Armour – The Forgotten Heartache.
Hear those close to the Kelly story tell of their thoughts.
Saturday 16 June 2007
Beechworth & High Country - June 2007 Royal Auto
My copy of the RACV June Royal Auto Magazine arrived in the mail the other day. It was great to see Beechworth mentioned in an article by Paul Edwards on the High Country.
Monday 11 June 2007
Shot Glass Collector
Young Lachlan (an avid shot glass collector) was visiting Beechworth this weekend with his family. Lachlan was thrilled to discover that the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre has a range of shot glasses for sale. He quickly snapped a Ned Kelly shot glass to add to his collection of over 20 shot glass from around Australia.
Queens Birthday Weekend
It has been a very busy Queens Birthday weekend in Beechworth. Anne, Jeff, James, Martin & Iris were run off their feet over the weekend with 582 visitors through on Saturday and 673 visitors through on Sunday. Well done everyone!
Thursday 7 June 2007
Congratulations Kate!
Kate Biglin, currently our Media & communications Officer has been appointed to the Tourism & Visitor Services Managers Position.
The Beechworth Visitor Information Centre team congratulates Kate on her new position.
The Beechworth Visitor Information Centre team congratulates Kate on her new position.
Wednesday 6 June 2007
Beechworth Chinese Cultual Centre
The Beechworth Chinese Cultural Centre was invited to attend Victorian Community History Awards at Parliament House at the end of the month {June} for the Tea exhibition they held last year.
Well Done and Congratulations to everyone at the Chinese Cultural Centre.
Well Done and Congratulations to everyone at the Chinese Cultural Centre.
Ned Kelly Weekend 2007 - Tickets Now On Sale
The Ned Kelly Weekend 2007
"The Most nationally significant Kelly event"
Tickets are on sale for the Ned Kelly Weekedn 2007. To purchase tickets and view the program please visit our website www.beechworthonline.com.au
FRIDAY 3rd August, 2007
7.00pm - Kelly Dinner at the Nicholas Hotel
$39.00 per ticket (max 80)
In the tradition of the old Music Hall join us for an evening at the Nicholas Hotel with dinner, music and fun. Wear period costume – get a table of friends together to enjoy a feast of Irish food and fun- music in the Irish tradition with Lazy Harry and his 3 piece band and hear the wandering minstrel.
Prizes for the table wearing the best period costumes/ best singing and dancing etc.
SATURDAY 4th August, 2007
8.30am Breakfast at the Beechworth Railway Station. All proceeds from the breakfast will go to a local charity.
Awaiting the arrival of Ned Kelly from Melbourne. He is to be transported under heavy police escort through the streets of Beechworth to The Beechworth Courthouse.
10.00am Ned arrives at the Beechworth Courthouse.
He will now await his appearance in court for his Preliminary Hearing.
11.00am-noon Guest Speaker – Brian McDonald Tickets $15.00 adults $10.00 children
"Ned Kelly – unravelling fact from fiction" - Books can be learning tools ... but don't believe everything you read! We will examine the writings on Ned, from the first book published in 1879 through to modern day e-books downloaded through the Internet. Which ones can we trust?
Brian will be available for a book signing at the conclusion of his talk.
12.15pm - Saturday 4th -Mini Bus Tours – 75 minutes. Ticket prices $17.00 Adult $ 14.50 concession $40.00 per family (2Adults and 2 Children)
Tour Historic Kelly sites on this 75 minute mini bus tour. Visit the Beechworth Cemetery, Former Beechworth Goal (from outside). After visiting Telegraph Rock the tour takes you to Woolshed to view the murder hut side and one of the police caves (view from road) and other relevant Kelly sites.
2.30pm-4.30pm Re-enactment of the Preliminary Hearing and Trial
Ned Kelly was in the Beechworth Courthouse to answer a charge of murder. The re-enactment takes you back in time to see and hear what happened in the Beechworth Courthouse in August, 1880 and continues with the Trial.
4.30pm - Saturday 4th - Mini Bus Tours – 75 minutes. Ticket prices $17.00 Adult $ 14.50 concession $40.00 per family (2Adults and 2 Children)
Tour Historic Kelly sites on this 75 minute mini bus tour. Visit the Beechworth Cemetery, Former Beechworth Goal (from outside). After visiting Telegraph Rock the tour takes you to Woolshed to view the murder hut side and one of the police caves (view from road) and other relevant Kelly sites.
7.00pm-9.30pm “Behind the Armour – The Forgotten Heartache.” Tickets $20.00 adult $10.00 children
An intimate evening in the Beechworth Historic Courthouse sharing the stories of the families surrounding the Kelly legend. Speakers will be those who know the story and it’s affects on the many families and people involved.
Noeleen Lloyd, Judy Douthie(Mortimer) 9.30pm join the presenters at the Nicholas Hotel and meet for a quiet drink
Presentation to the winners of the 2007 Ned Kelly Weekend Competition will be made during the evening.
Walking Tours – Times 10.30 and 12 noon Enjoy our 1 hour Ned Kelly Guided walking tour with our experienced tour guides. See the historic sites and hear the stories of Ned Kelly and the Kelly’s and their connection to Beechworth. The Ned Kelly Guided Walking tour is a must for all Kelly enthusiasts!
To Book a Ned Kelly Guided Walking tour please book on the day at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre.
SUNDAY 5th August, 2007
9.00am Judy Douthie author of “I was at the Kelly Gang Roundup” her books will be for sale and signing at the front of the Beechworth Historic Courthouse.
10.00am-11.00am Guest Speaker - Noelene Allen Tickets $15.00 adults $10.00 children
“The story of Ned Kelly’s mother and his family is not widely known. Come along and hear the many stories from Ellen’s arrival in Australia up until her death in 1923.”
11.30am-1.30pm Re-enactment of the Preliminary Hearing and Trial .Tickets $20.00 adult $10.00 children
Ned Kelly was in the Beechworth Courthouse to answer a charge of murder. The re-enactment takes you back in time to see and hear what happened in the Beechworth Courthouse in August, 1880 and continues with the Trial.
2.00pm-3.00pm The Commemorative Fight.
A commemoration of the fight that took place on the banks of Spring Creek between Wild Wright and Ned Kelly. Come along dressed in period costume – you may even find a bookie or two willing to take your bets on who will win.” Free event
3.00pm - Sunday 5th - Mini Bus Tours – 75 minutes. Ticket prices $17.00 Adult $ 14.50 concession $40.00 per family (2 Adults and 2 Children)
Tour Historic Kelly sites on this 75 minute mini bus tour. Visit the Beechworth Cemetery, Former Beechworth Goal (from outside). After visiting Telegraph Rock the tour takes you to Woolshed to view the murder hut side and one of the police caves (view from road) and other relevant Kelly sites.
OTHER EVENTS
SATURDAY 4th August 2007
Blacksmith’s Competition See some of the regions finest smith’s and sculptors as they ply their trade before your very eyes, making wonderful examples of Ned Kelly memorabilia. Don’t miss out on witnessing this dying trade in action, and even pick up a piece for yourself.
Music
Irish Dancing
Art Show to be held in the Sub Treasury
Building – Ned Kelly theme.
Movies in the Town Hall – all day
Window Display Competition in the businesses throughout town
Ned Kelly Merchandise will be for sale at the marquee near the Sub Treasury Building.
SUNDAY 5th August
Blacksmith’s Competition See some of the regions finest smith’s and sculptors as they ply their trade before your very eyes, making wonderful examples of Ned Kelly memorabilia. Don’t miss out on witnessing this dying trade in action, and even pick up a piece for yourself.
Music
Irish Dancing
Art Show to be held in the Sub Treasury
Building – Ned Kelly theme.
Movies in the Town Hall – all day
Window Display Competition in the businesses throughout town
Ned Kelly Merchandise will be for sale at the marquee near the Sub Treasury Building
"The Most nationally significant Kelly event"
Tickets are on sale for the Ned Kelly Weekedn 2007. To purchase tickets and view the program please visit our website www.beechworthonline.com.au
FRIDAY 3rd August, 2007
7.00pm - Kelly Dinner at the Nicholas Hotel
$39.00 per ticket (max 80)
In the tradition of the old Music Hall join us for an evening at the Nicholas Hotel with dinner, music and fun. Wear period costume – get a table of friends together to enjoy a feast of Irish food and fun- music in the Irish tradition with Lazy Harry and his 3 piece band and hear the wandering minstrel.
Prizes for the table wearing the best period costumes/ best singing and dancing etc.
SATURDAY 4th August, 2007
8.30am Breakfast at the Beechworth Railway Station. All proceeds from the breakfast will go to a local charity.
Awaiting the arrival of Ned Kelly from Melbourne. He is to be transported under heavy police escort through the streets of Beechworth to The Beechworth Courthouse.
10.00am Ned arrives at the Beechworth Courthouse.
He will now await his appearance in court for his Preliminary Hearing.
11.00am-noon Guest Speaker – Brian McDonald Tickets $15.00 adults $10.00 children
"Ned Kelly – unravelling fact from fiction" - Books can be learning tools ... but don't believe everything you read! We will examine the writings on Ned, from the first book published in 1879 through to modern day e-books downloaded through the Internet. Which ones can we trust?
Brian will be available for a book signing at the conclusion of his talk.
12.15pm - Saturday 4th -Mini Bus Tours – 75 minutes. Ticket prices $17.00 Adult $ 14.50 concession $40.00 per family (2Adults and 2 Children)
Tour Historic Kelly sites on this 75 minute mini bus tour. Visit the Beechworth Cemetery, Former Beechworth Goal (from outside). After visiting Telegraph Rock the tour takes you to Woolshed to view the murder hut side and one of the police caves (view from road) and other relevant Kelly sites.
2.30pm-4.30pm Re-enactment of the Preliminary Hearing and Trial
Ned Kelly was in the Beechworth Courthouse to answer a charge of murder. The re-enactment takes you back in time to see and hear what happened in the Beechworth Courthouse in August, 1880 and continues with the Trial.
4.30pm - Saturday 4th - Mini Bus Tours – 75 minutes. Ticket prices $17.00 Adult $ 14.50 concession $40.00 per family (2Adults and 2 Children)
Tour Historic Kelly sites on this 75 minute mini bus tour. Visit the Beechworth Cemetery, Former Beechworth Goal (from outside). After visiting Telegraph Rock the tour takes you to Woolshed to view the murder hut side and one of the police caves (view from road) and other relevant Kelly sites.
7.00pm-9.30pm “Behind the Armour – The Forgotten Heartache.” Tickets $20.00 adult $10.00 children
An intimate evening in the Beechworth Historic Courthouse sharing the stories of the families surrounding the Kelly legend. Speakers will be those who know the story and it’s affects on the many families and people involved.
Noeleen Lloyd, Judy Douthie(Mortimer) 9.30pm join the presenters at the Nicholas Hotel and meet for a quiet drink
Presentation to the winners of the 2007 Ned Kelly Weekend Competition will be made during the evening.
Walking Tours – Times 10.30 and 12 noon Enjoy our 1 hour Ned Kelly Guided walking tour with our experienced tour guides. See the historic sites and hear the stories of Ned Kelly and the Kelly’s and their connection to Beechworth. The Ned Kelly Guided Walking tour is a must for all Kelly enthusiasts!
To Book a Ned Kelly Guided Walking tour please book on the day at the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre.
SUNDAY 5th August, 2007
9.00am Judy Douthie author of “I was at the Kelly Gang Roundup” her books will be for sale and signing at the front of the Beechworth Historic Courthouse.
10.00am-11.00am Guest Speaker - Noelene Allen Tickets $15.00 adults $10.00 children
“The story of Ned Kelly’s mother and his family is not widely known. Come along and hear the many stories from Ellen’s arrival in Australia up until her death in 1923.”
11.30am-1.30pm Re-enactment of the Preliminary Hearing and Trial .Tickets $20.00 adult $10.00 children
Ned Kelly was in the Beechworth Courthouse to answer a charge of murder. The re-enactment takes you back in time to see and hear what happened in the Beechworth Courthouse in August, 1880 and continues with the Trial.
2.00pm-3.00pm The Commemorative Fight.
A commemoration of the fight that took place on the banks of Spring Creek between Wild Wright and Ned Kelly. Come along dressed in period costume – you may even find a bookie or two willing to take your bets on who will win.” Free event
3.00pm - Sunday 5th - Mini Bus Tours – 75 minutes. Ticket prices $17.00 Adult $ 14.50 concession $40.00 per family (2 Adults and 2 Children)
Tour Historic Kelly sites on this 75 minute mini bus tour. Visit the Beechworth Cemetery, Former Beechworth Goal (from outside). After visiting Telegraph Rock the tour takes you to Woolshed to view the murder hut side and one of the police caves (view from road) and other relevant Kelly sites.
OTHER EVENTS
SATURDAY 4th August 2007
Blacksmith’s Competition See some of the regions finest smith’s and sculptors as they ply their trade before your very eyes, making wonderful examples of Ned Kelly memorabilia. Don’t miss out on witnessing this dying trade in action, and even pick up a piece for yourself.
Music
Irish Dancing
Art Show to be held in the Sub Treasury
Building – Ned Kelly theme.
Movies in the Town Hall – all day
Window Display Competition in the businesses throughout town
Ned Kelly Merchandise will be for sale at the marquee near the Sub Treasury Building.
SUNDAY 5th August
Blacksmith’s Competition See some of the regions finest smith’s and sculptors as they ply their trade before your very eyes, making wonderful examples of Ned Kelly memorabilia. Don’t miss out on witnessing this dying trade in action, and even pick up a piece for yourself.
Music
Irish Dancing
Art Show to be held in the Sub Treasury
Building – Ned Kelly theme.
Movies in the Town Hall – all day
Window Display Competition in the businesses throughout town
Ned Kelly Merchandise will be for sale at the marquee near the Sub Treasury Building
High profile for lucky members
The Beechworth Visitor Information Centre “Members of the Month” have been announced for June.
Beechworth Visitor Information Centre members who take out the Membership Plus package are eligible to become one of four Members of the Month.
The Members of the Month are drawn at random and receive:
their image on the front page of www.beechworthonline.com.au linking through to their main page (with much more information and six photos)
prime position of their brochures on the mantle piece in the Beechworth Visitor Information (underneath the plasma screen)
their advertisement on the plasma screen playing continuously from 9am to 5pm.
Members of the Month for June are The Old Priory (accommodation – self contained and B&B), Bloomfield (accommodation – self contained), The Barn (accommodation – self contained), and Aboriginal Investment Art Gallery (a new business to Beechworth – gallery).
For further information about the Membership Plus package contact the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre on 5728 8065.
Beechworth Visitor Information Centre members who take out the Membership Plus package are eligible to become one of four Members of the Month.
The Members of the Month are drawn at random and receive:
their image on the front page of www.beechworthonline.com.au linking through to their main page (with much more information and six photos)
prime position of their brochures on the mantle piece in the Beechworth Visitor Information (underneath the plasma screen)
their advertisement on the plasma screen playing continuously from 9am to 5pm.
Members of the Month for June are The Old Priory (accommodation – self contained and B&B), Bloomfield (accommodation – self contained), The Barn (accommodation – self contained), and Aboriginal Investment Art Gallery (a new business to Beechworth – gallery).
For further information about the Membership Plus package contact the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre on 5728 8065.
Sunday 20 May 2007
Feltmakers converge on Beechworth - Open Day to the public
Don't forget the Feltmakers converge on Beechworth this week. There will be a Felt Bizarre where the public can visit stalls with felted items and crafted materials from 9.30am to 12.30am on Wednesday 23rd May 2007, at La Trobe at Beechworth.
Heads Or Tails
Well, in all my time of working at the Visitor Information Centre I have never meet or had any one flip a coin to decide where to stay in Beechworth.
Until today, when Peter & Maree from Wagga Wagga, pulled out a 20cent piece and flipped to see where they would stay for 2 nights.
There defiantly is a lot of accommodation to choose from in Beechworth. And if flipping a coin helps you decide, then so be it.
Kerry
P.S. Peter even donated the 20cent for the Volunteers melting pot.
Until today, when Peter & Maree from Wagga Wagga, pulled out a 20cent piece and flipped to see where they would stay for 2 nights.
There defiantly is a lot of accommodation to choose from in Beechworth. And if flipping a coin helps you decide, then so be it.
Kerry
P.S. Peter even donated the 20cent for the Volunteers melting pot.
Jack Daniels group in Beechworth
This week we saw the Jack Daniels group in Beechworth staying at the Best Western Beechworth property on Sydney Road. With many people around town getting a rare opportunity to be pictured in front of this 1.5 million dollar rig, as it was parked up waiting to head down to the Winton race track for the V8 Supercar series. The contents of the truck explains the history of the Jack Daniels empire and can be seen for free at any V8 Supercar series around the country.
Thanks to Rob at Best Western Beechworth Motor Inn for the photo and information.
Saturday 19 May 2007
Show and Tell at the Burke Museum: An original Black Springs Bakery cart
Adam Jenkins has done quite a bit of research into the Black Springs Bakery and is restoring an original bakery cart. He will show the cart and talk about the bakery on Sunday May 27th at 11.30 am.
We will also be screening a series of very short films made by Murray Arts and featuring stories and objects from the region.
Come and join us at the museum.
If you have an object or story that you would like to share please give us a call The Burke Museum.
We will also be screening a series of very short films made by Murray Arts and featuring stories and objects from the region.
Come and join us at the museum.
If you have an object or story that you would like to share please give us a call The Burke Museum.
Yes we do have accommodation available!
It is shaping up to be a really busy weekend in Beechworth. The motels are booked out tonight. However there is still B&B and Self contained accommodation available tonight.
If you would like to book, call in and see us here at the Visitor Information Centre (before 5pm.
If you would like to book, call in and see us here at the Visitor Information Centre (before 5pm.
Harvest Festival 19-20th May 2007
Today is the Vigneron Open Day.
Visit Beechworth and tour our local vineyards: Amulet, Bowmans Run, Pennyweight, Smiths, Star Lane and Tinkers Hill. There are maps available at the Visitor Information Centre.
Cow Hill Winery, Sorrenberg and Piano Piano will have tastings and sales at Bridge Road Brewers in Ford Street. There will also be live music "Don't Mess with the Pony" and "Anita George".
The Food and Wine Experience Marquee is being assembled in Ford Street this morning, ready for tomorrow.
Kerry
Visit Beechworth and tour our local vineyards: Amulet, Bowmans Run, Pennyweight, Smiths, Star Lane and Tinkers Hill. There are maps available at the Visitor Information Centre.
Cow Hill Winery, Sorrenberg and Piano Piano will have tastings and sales at Bridge Road Brewers in Ford Street. There will also be live music "Don't Mess with the Pony" and "Anita George".
The Food and Wine Experience Marquee is being assembled in Ford Street this morning, ready for tomorrow.
Kerry
Wednesday 16 May 2007
CWA Cuppa for Cancer
Don't forget Cuppa for Cancer this Friday 18th May 2007. Bring your spare coins and notes along to the RSL Clubrooms for soup and sandwiches starting from 10am.
See you there!
Kerry
See you there!
Kerry
Tuesday 15 May 2007
Harvest Celebration a feast for the senses!
The Beechworth Harvest Celebration on 19-20 May promises to be a food lover’s nirvana with a delectable array of local produce to sample, purchase and enjoy.
“The first Beechworth Harvest Celebration was held on Mother’s Day weekend in 1994 to showcase the wonderful diversity of food and wine produced in our region,” Indigo Shire Tourism officer Joanne Seabrook said.
“The Celebration has now become a much anticipated event on the calendar and this year’s event promises to be a fantastic weekend for the whole family with gourmet goodies, entertainment and activities for all ages.”
On Saturday 19 May the inaugural Beechworth Vignerons Open Day will be held with self drive tours around the district’s wineries – several of which are rarely open to the public.
Bridge Road Brewers will present a special boutique beer and wine tasting with wines from several of Beechworth’s smaller vineyards, live music and lunch (bookings essential on (03) 57282 073). Amulet Vineyard will also be a highlight with an Italian theme, guest chef, new release and rare vintage wines. Bookings are essential for lunch on (03) 5727 0420.
Self drive tour maps will be available from Beechworth’s Visitor Information Centre in Ford St.
On Sunday 20 May Beechworth’s Ford St will be transformed into a food lover’s dream land from 10am-5pm.
Don’t miss the Food and Wine Experience marquee where wineries, restaurants, venison and lamb producers will work together to delight your taste buds. Sample local fortified and table wines, sit back, snack and enjoy local band Red Rock.
The Producers Exhibition marquee will showcase a variety of Beechworth’s bountiful harvest on display. The regional delicacies will include fruit, vegetables, chestnuts, boutique beer, cordials, preserves, jams, relishes, pickles, breads, cakes, pies, honey, olive oils, table olives, lavender products, saffron products and much, much more.
The celebration will also feature the popular Kids’ Dough Making workshops, the “Street Full of Scarecrows” competition, traditional cooking competitions and industry presentations. Entertainment will unfold all day on the main stage as MC John Walker introduces local chefs with cooking demonstrations and local representatives with tips, information and recipes. The famous Barrel of Produce raffle will be drawn at 4.30pm.
The Beechworth Rotary Craft Market will also be held from 9am-3pm at nearby Queen Victoria Gardens. This popular market complements the local harvest produce with art, craft and other home made produce from the region.
For further information contact Beechworth’s Visitor Information Centre on 1300 366 321 or visit www.harvestcelebration.com.au.
**end release**
To organise a photo opportunity please contact Indigo Shire Media & Communications Officer Kate Biglin on (03) 5728 8063.
Thank You To Our Volunteers
May 14 to May 20th 2007 is National Volunteer Week. We would like to thank our wonderful of volunteers in the Beechworth community. A special mention to the dedicated and hardworking team of Beechworth Visitor Information Centre volunteers:
-Doreen, Alida, Cathie, Iris, James, Anne, Terry, Gail, Rhonda, Barbara, Martin, Lesley, Heather and Pauline.
We really really appreciate all your help!
If you are interested in Volunteering, we are always looking for more Volunteers to join our team. Please call in and see us to have a chat.
New Official Beechworth Visitor Guide
Great News! The New Official Beechworth Visitors Guide has arrived!
For a free copy of the New OVG please call into the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre.
Cooking Competition
The Beechworth Harvest Celebration is coming up on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May 2007.
If you would like to participate in the Cooking Competition, you need to get your entry forms in to the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre by Wednesday 16th May 2007.
There are two competitons in the Adult Section: Best Apple Pie and Best Preserve or Jelly (sweet or savoury) and two in the Under 15 Section: Best Apple Cake and Best Decorated Vegetables.
For more information contact the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre 1300 366 321 www.beechworthonline.com.au
If you would like to participate in the Cooking Competition, you need to get your entry forms in to the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre by Wednesday 16th May 2007.
There are two competitons in the Adult Section: Best Apple Pie and Best Preserve or Jelly (sweet or savoury) and two in the Under 15 Section: Best Apple Cake and Best Decorated Vegetables.
For more information contact the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre 1300 366 321 www.beechworthonline.com.au
Coping with climate change
The potential impacts of climate change and what it might mean for our regional community will be the focus of the second free Kerferd Discussion Night in Beechworth on 22 May.
Five discussion nights on the theme of climate change are being held in the lead up to this year’s Kerferd Oration on Sunday, 29 July, which will feature Deputy Premier and Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change John Thwaites.
The discussion nights feature Beechworth speakers who have a particular interest in climate change and who can guide participants to explore the complex and controversial issue of this year’s theme.
The second discussion night will be led by Beechworth resident Dr Rik Thwaites, Senior Lecturer in Ecotourism at Charles Sturt University.
“The first discussion night with Dr Catherine Meathrel was a great success with more than 60 people taking part,” Kerferd Oration community committee member Joan Simms said.
“Dr Meathrel really set the scene and Dr Thwaites presentation will flow on from this and focus on how we can plan and adapt to climate change.”
Dr Thwaites is a social scientist whose main research interests lie in the nexus between communities and conservation. His interest in climate change arose while working with the Australian Antarctic Division in the 1980s when his projects in Antarctica and China were related to assessing and understanding the changing global climate.
Most recently Dr Thwaites completed a research project with the North Central Catchment Management Authority looking at farmer awareness and perceptions of climate change impacts and required adaptation for actions.
“Climate change is upon us,” Dr Thwaites said. “We need to consider what a climate change future might be like, and to plan for change rather than stability. This will require a whole new way of thinking and understanding.
“This discussion night will consider some of the potential impacts of climate change, and what they might mean for our regional community. Questions will be raised regarding the implications of climate change for different sectors of our community and society in general. Given the uncertainty in predicting the future, consideration will be given as to how we might shape our own future.”
The Kerferd Discussion Night featuring Dr Thwaites will be held La Trobe University Beechworth’s Kerferd Room from 7-9.30pm. This is a free event and no RSVP is necessary.
The 2007 Kerferd Oration program is jointly sponsored by Indigo Shire Council, La Trobe University Beechworth and WAW Credit Union. For more information about the 2007 Kerferd Oration program visit www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au.
Feltmakers converge on Beechworth
Beechworth will host an estimated 120 felt artists for the 9th Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers’ Convergence to be held at La Trobe University on 19-25 May.
The six day event will feature workshops, demonstrations, talks, informal felting, an exhibition and fashion parade highlighting the work of delegates and a public bazaar with felted artwork on sale.
A special feature of the Convergence will be an open morning on Wednesday, 23 May with the chance for the wider community to attend the event.
“Local visitors will have the opportunity to view demonstrations of felting and exhibitions of felting art,” Victorian Feltmakers’ Association president Robyn Steel Stickland said.
“Visitors can also try their hand at felting with the guidance of experienced feltmakers.”
Another highlight will be the presentation of a felt work to Beechworth Neighbourhood House.
This artwork will be produced through a workshop run by feltmaker and past president of the Storytelling Guild of Victoria Cora Zon.
“Through her storytelling Cora will encourage feltmakers to explore and interpret the concept of ‘regeneration’ in their felted art,” Ms Steel Stickland said.
“The results of this creative process will be donated to the Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre for permanent display.”
The Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers’ Convergence is a biannual gathering of feltmakers held in either Australia or New Zealand and open to feltmakers throughout the world.
“It originated in New Zealand when a group of feltmakers got together to share their experience, knowledge and ideas,” Ms Steel Stickland said. “This remains the underlying aim of the Convergence today.”
For further information about the event contact Ruth Benjamin of the Victorian Feltmakers’ Association on (03) 9596 2557.
**end release**
For further information: Contact Ruth Benjamin of the Victorian Feltmakers’ Association on (03) 9596 2557.
Sunday 6 May 2007
Drive Back In Time Part II
Iris & I enjoyed a kransky (with the lot) for lunch. Our 30min lunch break gave us the opportunity to get out and have a good look at the cars. There was also a large display of vintage engines on the Police Paddocks (behind the Precinct Buildings).
I caught up with Pauline & Graham from Wooragee. Graham and Pauline and had their little Morris Minor and their royal car (which I forget the name of) in the Ford Street display of cars.
Presentations and trophies were at 2.00pm. People are starting to pack up now.
Drive Back In Time
It is a glorious day for the Drive Back In Time. The cars were setting up in Ford Street this morning. I managed to take a couple of photos before we opened at 9am.
I can smell the sausages sizzling on the BBQ. Classic 1950's rock song are playing from loud speakers (near the Memorial Hall) which really adds a fantastic atmosphere. The cars look absolutely wonderful.
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