Category: News

Albany Anzac Weekend # 1

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There was a buzz in the Albany community as the 100 year Anzac commemoration weekend approached with everyone keeping an eye on the sky. October weather in Albany is ‘unpredictable’ – to put it kindly, but the weather Gods were smiling. By Thursday evening building illuminations were beginning and for me, watching the ‘Lighthouse Girl’ story come alive on the side of St John’s church was a very moving experience. Brian Simmond’s charcoal illustrations and the old photographic images were accompanied by the haunting sound of Simone Keane’s beautiful song, ‘Life’s Ocean’.

don Don Watson, the son of ‘lighthouse girl, Fay’ came to Albany on Thursday with his wife Peg and other family members. We walked together at Middleton Beach, saw the 30,000 poppies and were interviewed on Eoin Cameron’s radio breakfast show and Channel 10 news.

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Then the formal commemorations began; the troop march and Anzac Service. Between events, pop-up stalls along Stirling Terrace had a range of Anzac related food and craft. On the stage there was music and performances by local school students. There were thousands of people in the streets with roads closed and so much happening, but no problems at all. I’d love to see Stirling Terrace closed for regular market days…

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Spencer Park Primary Artworks

The students and staff at Spencer Park are a creative bunch with every child contributing artwork to an exhibition launched at the Albany Museum this evening by Peter Watson MLA.

Talented local poet Maree Dawes was enjoying the students’ work and I was thrilled to see that ‘Lighthouse Girl’ has inspired some of this year’s art.

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Ms Joyce’s students have made fabulous semaphore cushions while Ms Perry’s class used charcoal to create evocative lighthouse images. Here are some samples of their work…

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And then on the way home, we glimpsed a preview of tomorrow evening’s projections on the side of St John’s church and the Town Hall. An exciting few days ahead…

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SCBWI Louise Schofield Award

awardThis week I was honoured to be awarded the biennial Louise Schofield Award for services to the WA writers and illustrators community. It’s a great honour for me as Louise was a dear friend and wonderful supporter of the arts in Western Australia. The award was presented by her beautiful daughter Zahra which made the event even more special. Here’s a picture of me with the award.