What's on in and around New England

ANTaR Armidale will hold its 14th annual Armidale Bridge Walk, at the picnic area near the Visitor Information Centre, on the corner of Dumaresq and Marsh Streets. Held during or close to National Reconciliation Week, the walk commemorates the Sydney Bridge Walk held in 2000 when 300,000 people walked across the Harbour Bridge and "Sorry" was written across the sky. The theme for this year's National Reconciliation Week is Now More than Ever: a reminder that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will -and must -continue. ANTaR Armidale is a local group working in support of recognition, respect and rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise wonderful support for our Bridge Walk this year from Homes North Community Housing, Armidale Regional Council, Headspace, Reconciliation New South Wales and Coles Armidale.

May to August

A group of interested people has formed Cinema Friends to share information with the community and to support any future operators of the Belgrave in continuing it as a community asset. Within the Armidale community, the Belgrave Cinema is generally considered a community asset because it was established through the combined efforts of UNE Union (now UNE Life), Friends of the Cinema and the Armidale Ex-Services Memorial Club (Ex-Servies). However, the Belgrave Cinema building and property is owned by the Ex-Servies and it runs it as a business. Under the lease agreement, UNE Life has been paying the Ex-Servies an annual rent. Cinema Friends wants the cinema to continue to exist.

Be involved

Future action

Cinema Friends will be developing a community survey and undertake a "Cinema Skills Audit" which will hopefully inform future directions for the Belgrave.

If you are interested being involved please email CinemaFriendsArmidale@gmail.com with your details and any skills you are willing to offer.

Until May 26

Artisans of the New England, is Jim A. Barker's long-term photographic project that will go on display on April 12. Initiated in 2022, Barker has documented creatives in the region including painters, sculptors, ceramicists, as well as those who make things with their hands such as clockmakers, furniture restorers, seamstresses and writers. The resulting images are a snapshot in time of the array of emerging and established artists who call the New England home. Book your opening night tickets (April 12 at 6pm) here www.neram.com.au/event/opening-april/

April 24

Moree Arts Community Centre is holding a "Make pottery for Mothers' day presents" workshop. The venue is Moree Arts Community Centre, 397 Gosport Street, the point where Thompsons Avenue and Gosport Street intersect in Moree. Time is from 9am to 11am or 5pm to 7pm and the fee per person is $110.This special workshop is suitable for both children and adults, so gather your family and friends. To Register, text 0430 444 658.

April 24

ARMIDALE'S first ever Skeptics In The Pub event will be held on Wednesday, April 24 in the downstairs section of the Wicklow Hotel, corner of Marsh and Dumaresq Streets.

Skeptics In The Pub is an Australia-wide volunteer initiative of Australian Skeptics Inc whose executive officer (and editor of the Skeptics magazine), Tim Mendham, is coming to Armidale to officially launch the new group, which will meet every month on a Wednesday night.

"People from all walks of life who value critical thinking, logic, ethical decision-making, and the scientific method, are invited to these monthly get-togethers," Mr Mendham said.

"Topics will range broadly across subjects such as health, medicine, science, technology, history, politics, the social sciences and the arts.

"The atmosphere is friendly, fun and casual. It's a social event, a chance to get away from screens and meet like-minded mates for a drink and think. Just rock up at 6pm to the downstairs dining area at the Wicklow, order your dinner and drinks, and gather to hear an authoritative speaker deliver a thought-provoking and down-to-earth presentation, followed by a lively Q and A session."

Inaugural speaker on April 24 will be UNE Professor of Sociology Alan Scott, who will examine the current re-emergence of the Political Strong Man, including Trump and Putin. Do we need to worry? What does history show? What scenarios are likely? Why is it important we all understand the Strong Man phenomenon?

April 23, 24 and 26

The workshops are returning to Moree and Inverell for people aged 12 to 24, with a weekend screening of the films made.

All participants will start with an evening online session on April 22. In-person Moree workshops are on April 23 and 24 at Moree Library, and Inverell participants will meet on April 26 at the Inverell Club, with a screening that evening at the club.

Led by SF3 co-founder, award-winning filmmaker Angela Blake, and local award-winning filmmaker Michèle Jedlicka, the workshops will support participants in technical tips, storytelling, questions answered, filmmaking hacks, and time to make and edit their film.

In addition, all participants receive an entry fee waiver for the 2024 SF3 festival.

Michèle is a Delungra-based filmmaker, with multiple films selected for Australian and international festivals, and winning several awards, most recently in the United States, Paris, and Sydney.

Smartphone filmmaking has broken down the barriers to entering the film industry and to making a film. Now, there is no excuse at all not to pick up your phone and tell a story. How powerful is that?" she said.

The Moree workshops link is: https://bit.ly/42SFAOB. Inverell workshop link is: https://bit.ly/3TfGPUI.

Bookings are FREE but essential, and both filmmakers and actors are invited to register.

For more information, phone Michèle on 0438 010 131.

Begins Wednesday, May 15, entries close Friday, March 22

Armidale Eisteddfod turns 40 this year and commences with a music composition presentation and workshop, a prelude to the main program. NECOM coordinates this event, with the workshop being held at the Old Teachers' College to a full audience. The main competition program runs from Wednesday, May 15 through to Sunday, June 16. Choir night and band night are always popular events along with the New England Championship, and the gala concert which this year will be held on Sunday, June 16, 2pm, at the Old Teachers' College concluding the program for 2024. Most of the eisteddfod events are held in the Old Teachers' College Auditorium. Admission ranges from $3 for a child's single session up to $40 for an adult's season ticket. Family passes for the duration of the eisteddfod are $80 which means the whole family can attend as many sessions as they wish prior to the Gala Concert. The Gala Concert is $5 for children and $10 for adults. A full pricelist and program can be found on the Armidale eisteddfod website.

May 7, 8 and 14 at Armidale, Guyra and Tingha

THE Momentum Program is an initiative funded by the NSW Government, collaboratively developed by Real Futures, Pathfinders and ACE community colleges. This groundbreaking program aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals by helping them overcome common barriers to long-term employment.The next Momentum Program sign-up events will take place on:

Momentum offers free support to successful applicants, including assistance with obtaining birth certificates, driver's license acquisition, and finding sustainable employment opportunities. To be eligible for the program, applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, be aged between 16-55 years, not possess a birth certificate or driver's license, and currently be unemployed. To facilitate the process, individuals are advised to bring any available identification documents, such as Medicare card, health care card, certificate of Aboriginality, student ID card, or pension card.

Saturday, May 11

Visitors to Moree on a Plate will have the opportunity to meet celebrity chef Matt Golinski in person, and experience his culinary expertise first-hand. The event is in its 20^th year and Golinski will host a number of cooking demonstrations featuring local fare. Moree on a Plate will feature a multitude of regional producers and artisan craftspeople. There will be a dedicated Kids Korner, featuring 'Bubble Muffin' healthy eating advocate. A gold coin donation entry fee ensures the day is affordable.

For more information see moreeonaplate.com.au or find us on social media @moree_on_a_plate Facebook/moreeonaplate

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