2007 Portarlington Mussel Festival

Photo by Trevor Presscott

The first Portarlington Mussel Festival was held on 13 January 2007 and came about as a result of the annual Summer Festival on the foreshore closing down.  A group of five local residents had formed the Port Arts Committee late in 2006 which emerged from the Portarlington Strategic Plan.  A need was identified to encourage the arts in all of its forms, so the committee organised a number of small local events from a laneway art show to a crime writers' forum and regular open mic sessions in a local cafe.

When the Foreshore Committee closed the Summer Festival, the Port Arts Committee seized the opportunity to replace it with an Arts and Culture Festival that not only supported local talent but also promoted the local aquaculture industry through educating the public in the growing, harvesting and cooking of Portarlington mussels.  With the inclusion of the region's wineries, olive growers and cheese makers as well as the support of Portarlington's restaurants, cafes and hotel, the Festival was off and running.

The success of the first festival was beyond expectation.  The weather was a perfect 26 degrees and Portarlington, beautiful on any day, looked wonderful. The art show, concert and market were a great success.  The only thing lacking were the mussels.  With twice as many visitors as expected, the mussel outlets found it difficult to meet the demand.

This has been rectified in the planning for the 2008 festival this month.  The mussel growers are geared up to provide restaurants with adequate supplies as well as sell fresh mussels at various outlets on the day.  A chef will demonstrate the cooking of mussels as well as sell mussel dishers in the Bay View Room of Parks Hall throughout the day.  Kilgour Estate Winery will sell mussel dishes in the park to accompany wines from nine regional wineries, olive oils, beer and cheeses.  A small market will sell quality, local produce.  This year's festival includes the inaugural 'dry boat race' behind the Port Pier Cafe at 11am.  Local groups have formed teams of five to construct boat frameworks within which to coordinate their running and compete for prizes sponsored by Neville Richards Real Estate.

The Portarlington Bowls Club is holding an open day where the public are invited to try barefoot bowls and the CFA invite visitors to view the fire station and engines.  The art show and concert in Parks Hall, the giant kites and carnival activities promise to make this festival a great day for all.

The festival has been sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries, Marine Farmers Victoria, Portarlington Tourism, Bellarine Bayside and GLR Solutions and widely supported by many community groups and businesses.

* Portarlington Mussel Festival is a Community Festivals Grants program-funded event.

The Who's Tommy - In Concert
The Geelong Musical Comedy Company are proud to present The Who's Tommy - In Concert. Director/Chorographer - Scott Ponsford, Vocal Director - Lynda Morrow and Musical Director - Annie Bourke. Headlining in the role of Tommy will be Nathan GIli.  Featuring a cast of amazing vocalists such as local rock band front men Joe Serra, Dustin Leonard and Brad Luke as well as critically acclaimed actresses Samantha Symons and Narelle Bonnici.

APOLLO BAY CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL
Apollo Bay and District Historical Society - 31st annual Art Show
Apollo Bay and District Historical Society proudly presents its 31st annual Art Show.  Hundreds of paintings are exhibited by numerous established artists in addition to many emerging artists.  The beauty of this art show is the variety of work exhibited - modern and traditional, in mediums of pastel, watercolour, charcoal and oils.  The Catholic Church Hall is transformed into a space vibrant with artworks to tempt all tastes.  A must for all visitors to Apollo Bay.

 
Sheep Shearing
Sheep shearing returns to the National Wool Museum this January!  Join expert shearer Jack Briscoe at the National Wool Museum this summer school holidays for a first hand explanation of sheep shearing and life in the shearing shed.

GPAC Announces New General Manager
Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) will have a new General Manager running the show from February 2008. Jill Smith will replace current General Manager Sally Beck while she takes 12 months maternity leave. Jill has most recently worked as a policy adviser in the Premier's Private Office and also has extensive arts management experience as General Manager at Playbox and The CUB Malthouse in Melbourne. Announcing the appointment this week, GPAC Chairman Tim Orton said the Trust was seeking a leader capable of contributing to the Geelong Cultural Precinct project as well as having an in-depth knowledge of the performing arts and experience in venue management. Mr Orton said the appointment would help GPAC continue to thrive following an outstanding year in 2007.
 

*NEW*
Employment Opportunity - Ford Discovery Centre
Education Officer (part-time)
An opportunity exists to join one of Geelong's leading tourist/education attractions to deliver and develop innovative education programs.  With an ability to teach and conduct workshops for groups or students, a self-motivated person with excellent people and teaching skills will enjoy our friendly, flexible work environment.  Above-award wages are on offer and Position Descriptions are available upon request.  If this sounds like you, please forward your written application to:  The Director, Ford Discovery Centre, 12 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, 3220 or email fdcdirector@deakin.edu.au Applications must be received no later than 25 January 2008.

*NEW*
ARTreach - Free Art Program for Young Women
YWCA Victoria Geelong are running ARTreach to provide a safe space for young women to express what is relevant in their lives through creativity.  All women aged 15 to 35 are welcome.  Art materials and lunch are provided.

Entries open for 2008 Expressions Quilt Prize
Entries are now open for Expressions 2008: The Wool Quilt Prize at the National Wool Museum in Geelong, and quilt makers have until 4 July 2008 to submit their work for consideration in one of the country's premier quilt prizes. Offered biennially, this is the fifth Expressions quilt prize which has grown in popularity since its inception in 2000. Previous Expressions have demonstrated the breadth of innovation and creative possibilities afforded by the use of wool in the art of quilt making.  To promote excellence in this art form, The National Wool Museum is offering an acquisitive award of $AU 3,000, with the winning entry being acquired for the Museum's contemporary wool quilt collection.  The conditions of entry are simple.  A quilt is defined as 'a stitched, layered textile, predominantly of wool'.  As long as the quilt falls within this definition, any other materials and techniques are permissible.  The quilt can be up to 200cm x 200cm but no smaller than 75cm x 75cm.  It can be any shape as long as it can be hung on a wall. Up to three quilts per person can be entered and all styles of art quilt are welcome.  There is a $20 entry fee with entry forms available from the National Wool Museum, 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong 3220 or via the website www.nwm.vic.gov.au
 

BROUGHAM SCHOOL OF ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY (Multiple Listings)
Life Drawing
A chance to come together to draw from the figure. Poses chosen by the group.
 

*NEW*
'Taster' workshops - January Program
Workshop topics include art history, printmaking,  mosaics, painting and charcoal portraiture.  Please contact Brougham School of Art and Photography for further details.

THE LOFT STUDIO SPACE
2008 Geelong Summer Dance Camp
Four days of dance with diverse styles ranging from jazz, funk, contemporary, salsa/street Latin, hip-hop, acro balance, ballet, yoga, cheerleading to musical theatre. There is something to suit everyone.  Teaching staff include local teachers who regularly take classes at The Loft, as well as some extra talent from Geelong and Melbourne. Please email to obtain a detailed information pack.