Business, Community and Environment in the Yarra Ranges and surrounding suburbs
When I was a young teenager, around 14 or 15 I had a beautiful 15 hand chestnut Mare, aptly named Chessy. This horse was agisted with family friends on their property located on Wellington Road in Lysterfield. The property was quite large with a small […]
On the eve of another Australia Day ‘celebration’, the conversation about this day and what it means to differing members of the community continues to rage on. It is nothing if not a topical argument that continues to divide opinion. For many Australians old and […]
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre are a long running institution and the perfect example of community and arts in the Yarra Ranges. Their wonderful transformed home in the old Mechanics Hall, with history and warmth on their side, and a generous and welcoming spirit. I just love watching plays here with the tradition of pre show sherry, interval tea and biscuits and champagne and nibbles after the show. A brilliant example of true community and entertainment at its best. They very rarely present a bad show and their latest offering is an great example of what is on offer.
Now we are currently living in a country divided by bigotry and a lack of separation between church and state, the marriage equality debate rages on despite the near end to the current plebiscite. There is no end to it for the people it actually effects, the disenfranchised tax paying people who have been and will be affected by this debate.
When I went to watch SIx Dance Lessons In Six Weeks , I had no idea how prolific and apt this play would be for current times. Palatable politics. Glorious sentiment with a message, magical realism that broke my heart.
An angry and flamboyant dance instructor and his agent provocateur, a formidable older student come together for six dance lessons in her Florida condo. Both lonely and lying about their past, they eventually find comfort, strength and loyalty within a complex and unusual relationship. A story bout ageing, ignorance and loss in world of misunderstanding.
This production is immaculate and as good as anything you will see on a professional stage. The play itself by Richard Alfieri has a cleverly defined structure, unexpected pathos and a volatile wit. It is a masterpiece of comedy and empathy using the dance as metaphor.
Colin Morley gives a dynamic and nuanced performance as the complex Michael. His delivery of the character is confident and measured. Christine Andrew plays his counterpart Lily with equal strength and stage craft. Both performers are outstanding in this production, and together on stage are a powerhouse of chemistry and artistry.
The direction by Alan Burrows is pacey and purposeful, and the staging inspired. This is equally complimented by fabulous design in lighting and costumes.
Well done to Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre for a well timed choice of play and for once again delivering quality theatre to the local community.
As most people who live in the hills know the Dandenong Ranges are made up of a great deal of natural eucalyptus forest, Mountain Ash, temperate rain forest and Stringybark. Part of the life cycle of this type of forest includes fire. When burnt seed […]
“Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain Mental Heath is a topic that is close to my heart. Few people these days are not subjected to the darkness, either directly or though a family member or […]
It has been around six weeks since I originality wrote about the Marriage Equality Plebiscite and accurately depicted the effect the process would have on the local and greater community. The debate has become bitter and petty and even violent, the process nothing but a ruse by our Federal Government to control, distract and divide our community, a device that is working.
There are reports every day in the media about the negative effects this postal survey is having on certain people on both sides of politics. Such reports have surfaced such as a headbutt to our former Prime Minister, firm No Vote campaigner the ‘honorable’ Mr Tony Abbott, or an article about how a dog wearing a Yes Vote scarf was kicked and sprayed with homophobic bile. An ex Prime Minister and a dog in a park, both victims of violence derived from this complete debacle. Just imagine what this process is doing to the average person in this country, who just wants to be able to marry someone they love, but are put through this hatred and bigotry because of gender.
My opinion has not changed, this Plebiscite is a waste of money and an embarrassment to our whole country. We should not be debating the civil rights of our people, not in this day and age. It is and continues to be a disgrace.
What I think most people on both sides of the campaign seem to forget is this is not a ‘Vote’. Again, this is a non compulsory, non constitutionally binding survey held by the Bureau Of Statistics and may never actually change anything. Despite the outcomes, the government are not obligated to change the law. This situation has become entirely complicated, the debate heated and hopefully not heading for disaster.
It is however happening, and I am happy that I got to post back my “Yes Vote” today, my say in this unequal national survey for fools.
Over the last few weeks my beloved cat Fluffy became very ill. He was vomiting lethargic and not eating or drinking and as such he became extremely dehydrated, He was not looking good and after a less than positive, expensive and questionable diagnosis, I looked […]
‘In a road bicycle race, the peloton (from French, originally meaning ‘platoon’) is the main group or pack of riders. Riders in a group save energy by riding close (drafting or slipstreaming) near (particularly behind) other riders.’ A while back I tried to write a balanced and fair article […]
The Micawber Tavern located on Monbulk Road between Belgrave and Kallista, is my favorite all time pub. It is a real traditional pub with not a Pokie machine in sight, and is a favorite drinking hole and meeting place in the Dandenong Ranges for locals and tourists alike.
This down to earth old style establishment has been a stalwart of the Dandenongs since 1923. As they say it is ‘ a beautiful little pub in a beautiful part of the country’. Bordered by a pretty little stream, on a sunny day the beer garden is a great place to enjoy one of the many inexpensive local or international beers on tap, or some of the delicious and well priced food on offer. Or come inside and sit beside the open fire, and enjoy the quirky nature of the decor. Reminiscent of a Scottish pub, this fascinating and unique place is a huge supporter of live music, having bands and individual acts on stage on Friday and Saturday night, and Sunday afternoons.
The Micawber provide meals 7 days a week with the kitchen open all day from 12pm on Saturdays and Sundays. With traditional pub food on offer, they also provide a variety of vegetarian, gluten free and even vegan options, and an excellent and cheap kids menu. The staff are outrageously friendly and provide outstanding service to their patrons. Everyone is made to feel welcome into this historic, fun and beautiful place.
Get up to the Micawber Tavern for an unusual and always enjoyable day, or night out.
http://www.micawbertavern.com.au
Plebiscites ‘An issue put to the vote which does not affect the Constitution is called a plebiscite. A plebiscite is not defined in the Australian Constitution, the Electoral Act or the Referendum Act. A plebiscite can also be referred to as a simple national vote. […]