Goldfields Libraries Will Keep You Warm this Winter!

Goldfields Libraries has just released its new seasonal program, with a wide range of events and activities to keep the whole family out of the cold all Winter long! 

RocKwiz extraordinaire Brian Nankervis, also known as acclaimed performance poet Raymond J Bartholomeuz, will be a major highlight of the season, as part of the Write on the Fringe Festival to be held at the Bendigo Library during August. 

Also tipped to be favourite Write on the Fringe events are the decorating and awakening of ‘Hock Loong’, the Learning Dragon. Local artists Leanne Monteith and Robbie Buckman will lead workshops to decorate the dragon in June, and the Golden Dragon Museum will perform a ceremony to awaken the dragon in August. 

Comedy writer David Lawrence will speak about his series ‘Fox Swift’ and share his best footy tips at Woodend Library as part of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival in June. Lawrence’s writing credits include Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation, TV Burp and Hamish & Andy. 

Christine Cummins, a torture and trauma counsellor with asylum seekers detained on Christmas Island and with Afghan refugees in Iran, will present at Bendigo and Castlemaine Libraries as part of Refugee Week in June.

Orchestra Victoria will return to Bendigo Library again this winter, with delightful pop up concerts coinciding with Children’s Book Week in August.

As part of the Ulumbarra: Gather Together concert remount in June, Simon Penrose will discuss and showcase beautiful cloaks made during the Bendigo Possum Skin Cloaks project, reflecting the indigenous culture’s passion for vivid storytelling and expression through the arts. 

Word Jazz, a vibrant poetry and music event performed by special guests at Castlemaine Library, will be part of the Castlemaine Jazz Festival in June. 

“A great mix of children’s events will feature during the holidays and term times, including science, storytelling, robotics, craft, Lego, Minecraft, Frozen, Roald Dahl’s BFG and hilarious performances by Mister Ants!” said Tammy Higgs, Goldfields Libraries Programs and Events Coordinator.

“Adults are also well catered for, with a wide range of hands-on activities including learning robotics, Japanese bookbinding and paper marbling; designing digital photo books; and learning how to discover your colours from a professional image consultant,” said Ms Higgs.

Young adults are invited to attend the launch of the Flash300 writing competition anthology in August. The competition closes on Monday 6 June so there is still time to enter, with great prizes to be won.

An inspiring range of authors will visit branches to give author talks, including Dr Lynne Kelly, Jenny Yates, Katherine Brabon, Toni Jordan, Deborah Benson and poet BN Oakman.

Upcoming displays include the Central Victorian Irish Association’s exhibition, NETschool Bendigo’s art exhibition, and a number of Write on the Fringe Festival displays including CoLab.

Most events are free, and some require bookings.

For more information, download the Goldfields Libraries Winter program from www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/seasonalprogram or pick up a copy from your local branch.