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Markets Guide
May
Forster Farmers Market, Little Street, Saturday, May 18 from 8am. Flame Tree Community Market, St John's Hall, Taree Sunday, May 19 from 10am. Krambach, Market, Krambach Hall, Sunday, May 19 from 8.30am. Great Lakes Museum Market, Sunday, May 19 from 9am. Nabiac Farmers Market, Nabiac Showground, Saturday, May 25 from 8am. Tuncurry Market, John Wright Park, Saturday, May 25 from 8am. Old Bar Markets, Old Bar Reserve, Sunday, May 26 from 8am. Pacific Palms Market, Pacific Palms Community Centre, Sunday, May26 from 8am. Wingham Farmers Market, Wingham Baptist Church, Saturday, June 1 from 8am.
Rotary Book Fair, Taree and Wingham
Third Saturday of the month
The Rotary Book Sheds at Taree and Wingham are both open from 8am to 12/12.30pm. The Wingham Rotary Book Shed is located in the old wool shed at Wingham Showground and is open while the Hub Markets are on. The Taree Book Shed is located at Taree Showground. If you wish to donate books to Rotary, you can drop them at Taree Book Shed on Tuesdays from 12-2, or at Wingham on Saturdays when they are open.
Mountain Maid Heritage Gold Mine Tour
Every Wednesday and Saturday
Copeland Tops State Conservation Area is a precinct of natural beauty and colonial heritage near Gloucester. You can uncover its treasures on a guided tour. You'll be guided through Mountain Maid gold mining precinct hidden in the rainforest near the village of Copeland. Time 10am-12pm. Bookings essential, online only at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/mountain-maid-gold-mine-tour.
Copeland Tops Twilight Tour
First Friday of the month
Explore the Hidden Treasure track and the historic buildings of Mountain Maid gold mine on this evening tour near Gloucester. Uncover the mysterious wildlife that call this special place their home, including microbats, brush-tail possums and wompoo pigeons. Fun for all ages, you'll be amazed at what you discover on this twilight adventure. Mountain Maid gold mine and Hidden Treasure track are only accessible through a guided tour. All tours depart from the carpark at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area.
Cattai Wetlands
Open daily
Located just off the Pacific Highway, 20 minutes north of Taree, Cattai Wetlands has been described as a 'hidden gem in our Valley'. Cattai is a beautiful coastal wetland that provides a sanctuary for over 180 different species of birds, kangaroos, wallabies and goannas. The wetlands are recognised as an international bird watching spot.
Probus Club of Taree North
Meets monthly
Probus Club of Taree North meets the third Wednesday of each month at 10am, at Taree League and Sports Club, where visitors are most welcome to come along and enjoy friendship, fellowship and fun plus a complementary cup of tea. For further information contact Allan Richards, phone 0401 013 867.
Manning River Orchid Society
Meets monthly
Manning River Orchid Society meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 2pm at Uniting Church, Albert Street, Taree. All welcome. Email manningriverorchidsociety@gmail.com.au
Exhibitions: Fibre and photography works
to May 18
Two new exhibitions, Strange Notions and Hidden Jewels of the Southern Night Sky, launch at the Manning Regional Art Gallery soon. Two exhibitions, featuring fibre and photography artists, are on show to May 18. Strange Notions, by untethered fibre artists inc., showcases the interrelating interpretations and responses of 20 fibre and textile artists to the theme. It delves into rich resources; from the tangible to the non-tangible, the personal to the communal. Hidden Jewels of the Southern Night Sky is by local photographer Kevin Mitchel. Renowned for his detailed captures of minute beetles, Kevin has shifted his lens to the cosmic world. He presents a breathtaking exhibition featuring awe-inspiring images of nebulas and galaxies.
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Taree and District Eisteddfod
April 23 to June 15
The 57th Taree and District Eisteddfod begins on April 23 with the vocal section, and the public is invited to attend any sessions. Session Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Manning Entertainment Centre. Group dance weekend tickets and Grand Concert tickets are sold online with dates yet to be announced. Volunteers to help out at any of the sections are always welcome. Contact the secretary by email at tdessecretary@outlook.com for further information. Follow the Eisteddfod on their Facebook page or website for all up to date information.
MidCoast Festival of Stories
May 11-26
Presented by MidCoast Libraries, the Festival of Stories is the perfect opportunity for storytellers of all ages to share their tales and even learn new skills and techniques. Express your creativity through song writing, illustration, dance and poetry workshops. Share a story behind a cherished cooking recipe. Join local authors and industry creatives to hear stories of inspiration and gain insights into the writing scene, including headline events from the prestigious Sydney Writers Festival. All workshops and events are free of charge, allowing participants to unleash their creativity.
The World of Musicals in Concert
May 13
Following a sell out 2022 Australia tour - The World of Musicals in Concert returns to Australia in 2024, featuring an all new show. Coming to Manning Entertainment Centre, the show features a world-class ensemble of multi-talented artists who exquisitely perform classic hits, fused with emotive ballads, big-screen anthems and iconic show tunes. From the best of "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miserables" to "We will Rock You, "Sister Act" and many more, the World of Musicals delivers a stirring musical concert theatre experience that will leave you spellbound - from the opening song to the final medley of classics.
Lansdowne Community Hall Art Exhibition
May 18-19
The Lansdowne Community Hall Annual Art Exhibition will be held in the Lansdowne Hall from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, May 18 and from 10am to 3pm on Sunday, May 19. Judging is by people's choice, voting Saturday only. This is the hall's fifth exhibition and each year it grows in popularity. All money raised is used to cover costs of the event, fund next year's prize money and a donation to the Lansdowne Community Hall.
Thunderbolts Adventure
May 18-19
Thunderbolts Adventure is back for 2024, drawing off-road cyclists from far and wide for the two day pedal-athon. Saturday ride from Gloucester to Moonan Flat via Barrington Tops State Forest. Stay overnight at Moonan Flat and leave Sunday to ride back to Gloucester via Tomalla and Curricabark. This year there is a one day option. More information at graveleur.cc/thunderbolts-adventure-faq.
Gloucester VIEW anniversary
May 21
Gloucester VIEW Club is celebrating its 35th birthday with a special luncheon on Tuesday, May 21 at the Gloucester Country Club - 11am for an 11.30am start. Cost for a two course meal is $30pp, payable at the door. Guest Speaker is thalidomide survivor Lance Fletcher. Lucky door and raffle prizes, 100 Club and a trading table will be available to assist the club's fundraising efforts as it supports four Learning for Life students under the umbrella of The Smith Family. Members, guests and community members are invited to join in the fun and friendship but, if attending, please advise Pat (0488 430 001) no later than Thursday, May 16 for catering purposes.
Gloucester Garden Club
May 22
Gloucester Garden Club will hold its annual general meeting at the Pioneers' Memorial Garden, adjacent to the swimming pool and community garden, on Wednesday, May 22, from 10am. There will not be the usual flower and fruit and vegetable competitions as the annual awards for those competitions will take place in lieu. Please bring a plate to share for morning tea, your own plate and mug, items for the Trading Table, a chair and a hat as there is limited shade.
Sydney Writers Festival livestreamed
Mat 23 to 26
The Sydney Writers Festival is coming to Gloucester via a special livestream event. Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council Inc (GACCI) will once again be hosting four days of the festival, livestreamed from Sydney to the Gloucester Senior Citizens Centre from Thursday, May 23 to Sunday, May 26. This year's festival includes such notable writers as Trent Dalton, Julia Baird, and Christos Tsiolkas to name only a few.
Bridge to Bridge Bush Regeneration
May 25
Check out one of a neighbourhood of river regeneration sites funded by MidCoast Council's River Revival program. Hear from catchment officer Sal Stutsel on river regeneration project funding support opportunities in the upper Manning, senior ecologist Mat Bell on platypus and Manning River Turtle conservation. Check out council's weed display trailer and get an update on weed threats, and hear from Local Land Service on how they can support your feral animal control efforts. RSVP to email joel.kgl.landcare.gmail.com; midcoast2tops.org.au/karuah-great-lakes/
RSVP by return email for directions.
Triathlon NSW Club Championships
May 25
At Forster Main Beach from 9am to 1pm. The NSW Triathlon Club Championship has long been the "end of season" trip where members get to race with their fellow club members as opposed to against them.
Millions Paws Walk
May 26
Taree RSPCA branch is hosting a Million Paws Walk at Taree Showground, beginning with registration from 9-9.30am, and the walk starting at 10am. A fun day out for dogs and humans with judging competitions, stalls, and a barbecue. Registration is $5 per dog.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
May 31
Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs Compassion at Manning Entertainment Centre at 7.30pm May 31. Based on ancient texts, Compassion unites singer-songwriter Lior's energising vocal range with acclaimed composer Nigel Westlake's (Babe, Paper Planes, Miss Potter) orchestral writings. Moments of ethereal beauty and lyricism give way to harmonic innovations and dazzling percussion, as we're swept up into that rare realm of artistry and collaboration that crosses cultural and emotional divides. Commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and winner of an ARIA Award for Best Classical Album, Compassion is an 'astonishing piece of Australian music' (Russell Torrance, ABC Classic) and a luminous deep-dive into the power of human compassion.
Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival
June 1
Central Park, Wingham. Starting with the parade at 9am featuring massed pipe bands followed by Scottish Highland Games, including caber tossing, tug a war, kilted dashes and hurling the haggis. Scottish dancing will be a higlight. Clan and market stalls, food and more. For program information visit www.bonniewingham.com.
The Comedian and the Cowboy
June 8
Darren Sanders and Daniel Thompson are The Comedian and the Cowboy and they will present a two-part show bound to have you clapping at laughing along at Manning Entertainment Centre. Darren Sanders has performed comedy for over 30 years in pubs, clubs, cruise ships and corporate events worldwide. He even opened for The Temptations on their Australian tour. He has performed stand-up comedy live on TV shows In Melbourne Tonight, Rove Live, The Russell Gilbert Show and Stand Up Australia. Daniel Thompson is a multi-award-winning vocalist and tribute artist from Sydney. For the last 15 years, he has toured Australia with his own tribute to the Man In Black, Johnny Cash The Concert and has become recognised as one of the country's premier tribute artists. In January 2020, he was invited to perform with one of the world's most respected tribute shows, Legends In Concert. Legends is Las Vegas longest longest-running tribute show and features the world's best, internationally recognised tribute artists. Daniel has performed as a headline act on the Country Music-themed cruise Cruisin' Country out of Australia since 2016 on Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. In November 2022, he joined the Ovation of the Seas for the SuperCruise, headlining alongside legendary international icon Suzi Quatro.
Hastings Farm Gate Tour
June 8 to 10
Hastings Farm Gate Tour is a celebration of quality locally grown produce. The tour allows locals and visitors alike to tailor a self-drive tour of host properties across the greater Hastings, Port Macquarie and Camden Haven region. Among the hosts already confirmed are Home Grown Organics, Rollands Plains; Sohip Organics, Lorne; Grazed and Grown Farm, Comboyne Plateau; Oxhill Organics, Wauchope; Chef2Farmer, Ballengarra near Port Macquarie; Barbushco, Lorne Valley; Doraville Organics, Moorland; Homemade Health and Happy, Port Macquarie; The Davis Farm, Sancrox; Hastings Riverland Milk, Comboyne Produce and Lomandra Permaculture. Ticket sales start in May 2024, but if you'd like the organisers of the tour to remind you so you don't miss out on the fun and inspiration - register your interest here: hastingsfarmgate.au/registeryourinterest
Dance Through the Decades
June 14
Taree Universities Campus is holding a joint fundraiser event with First Steps Count - Dance Through the Decades, brought to you by Stacks Law Firm, at the Waterfront Pavilion, Taree. A fundraiser like no other with people cutting the rug from the 50s right through to the noughties. Dance Through The Decades will be fun, but its primary purpose is to raise funds for two essential pillars of our community: First Steps Count Child and Community Centre and Taree Universities Campus. Each hour will feature music from that decade. Plus, there'll be a live auction and a silent auction.
30th Envirofair and Multicultural Festival
June 15
A fabulous day of family fun entertainment with face painting, dance workshops and activity installations for the kids and more. This year the focus of the festival will be to encourage better environmental practices and a more tolerant and accepting community strengthened by our cultural diversity. The day will start at 9am and finish at 3pm with a gold coin donation requested upon entry.
Sinfonia Mid North Coast 25th anniversary concert
June 30
Sinfonia MNC presents is 25th anniversary concert, to be held at the Manning Entertainment Centre at 2pm. The program includes works by Russian composers of the 19th century Rimsky-Korsakov and Borodin, including the Polovetsian Dances. Also included are well known works by Saint-Saens, Mussorgsky and Faure. By contrast "Fnugg Blue" is a work by a modern Norwegian composer, with stunning brass solos by Will Jackson, a previous Sinfonia scholarship awardee. The finale of the concert features the heart stopping Csardas composed by Vittorio Monti, played by the young violinist Abi French, who was another previous Sinfonia scholarship awardee.
Lakes Trail Festival
July 5-6
Australia's freshest off road trail running event, traversing the Great Lakes, the Lakes Trail Festival, is back. The first weekend in July will see trail runners descend on the twin coastal towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest to explore the regions tracks, trails and beaches. Runners can complete 100 kilometre, 70 kilometre, 50 kilometre, 30 kilometre or 12 kilometre. There also will be a one kilometre trail experience for the kids.
Junior Ranger: Booti Booti Coastal Adventure Tour
July 12, October 8
From 10am to 12pm at 4374 The Lakes Way, Booti Booti. Walk to the beach and learn about Booti Booti National Park and all its beauty. You'll gain an understanding of the important role of workers in a national park, and how you can help to conserve and protect these special places. Discover what role our future environmental leaders or junior rangers can play in preserving these important places into the future. Easy walk suitable for children 5 years and over. Price $15 per child 5-16 years. Accompanying adults free. Park use fees $8 per vehicle, day passes available from Manning Great Lakes Area Office, Bulahdelah Visitor Information Centre and Hawks Nest Newsagency.
Black Bikers Tie Ball
July 6
Sisters on Steel SMC (social motorcycle club), Hunter Region NSW chapter, is hosting the Black Tie Bikers Ball at Club Forster on July 6 to raise money for the Great Lakes Women's Shelter. The only female bikers club in Australia, SoS has quietly raised thousands of dollars for local charities over the past decade or so. The three-course, sit down meal will be accompanied by live music, lucky door prizes and thousands of dollars worth of raffles including a giant TV donated by Harvey Norman, along with prizes for the bell of the ball and best dressed group. For more information call 0421 159 753 or 048 406 473.
Stroud Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Competition
July 13
Bricks are tossed, rolling pins hurled and rubber chickens chucked at the annual Stroud Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing competition. Providing the ultimate family day out, the Stroud Showground will be bursting with the market and local food stalls, activities, and entertainment for the entire family. The littlest visitors can enjoy face painting and a variety of fun games and ever-popular tug-o-war returns each year along with the fast and furious post splitting and wood chop and a display of the vintage vehicle. Anyone with an eye on becoming the best on the planet would need to beat the world record toss of about 43m with a brick and some 48m with a rolling pin. See 'what's on' here.
Billie
July 20 and 21
This all-ages event at Manning Entertainment Centre is presented by Naidu Theatre Company and Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio and inspired by the music of Billie Eilish.
Dirty Detour Monkerai
August 10
An adventure gravel cycling event in the foothills of Barrington Tops. Dirty Detour is a one-day gravel and mountain bike event being held from Riverwood Downs in Monkerai near Stroud in the Barrington Coast The event has something for all rider levels with courses being 20km, 50km and 90km in length and varying difficulty. Dirty Detour is a participation event not a race. It's challenging but fun! Dirty Detour is an adventure-inspired gravel biking weekend for the whole family with the perfect party-to-ride combo.
Run Fest Forster Tuncurry
August 18
Starts at Main Beach Forster at 6am. Whether you are an elite athlete, jogger or walker there is an event for everyone. Choose from kids 4km fun run, 5km run, 10km run and a half marathon. Alternatively you can choose to take on the ultimate challenge: the Treble Bridge Buster or Treble Team Relay. forsterrunningfestival.com.au/event.
Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge 2024
September 8
Gloucester's premier sporting event since 1991, an exciting triathlon in the beautiful Gloucester countryside. Entries are now open for the 2024 event, the 31st year of the Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge. Held on the second Sunday of September each year, the Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge is a unique multisport event, also known as an off-road triathlon. The format is different from a normal triathlon in that it consists of 3 off road legs - bike-paddle-and-run. Starting with a 24km mountain bike ride along mountain and 4WD roads, creek beds, cattle tracks, rainforest, country roads and open country; following by 11 km kayak paddle down the cool waters of the Barrington River; ending with 9km cross country run through scenic fields back into Gloucester.
Craven Creek Music Festival
September 14-15
As well as great musical performances, this year we will be celebrating local poet, Les Murray, the "Bard from Bunyah", with a world premier performance of a new composition by composer Ross Edwards to accompany a reading by Guy Noble of a Murray Poem. Australia's music innovation perofrmers, lEnsemble Offspring led by Claire Edwards, willbe performing at afternoon concerts and a young, vibrant string quartet will perform Sunday Morning. For more information go to www.cravencreekmusic.com.
Stroud Rodeo and Campdraft
September 20 and 21
The Stroud Rodeo is an action packed two days with a full campdraft and rodeo program. Campdraft and Junior Rodeo on Friday and Campdraft and Main Rodeo on Saturday into the night. There will be stalls onsite and following the rodeo there will be a live band that will play into the night.
Wingham Brush Twilight Tour
October 10
Meander along the boardwalk at Wingham B rush while the sun sets over a canopty of flying foxes from 6pm-8pm. The Brush is home to the vulnerable grey-headed flying fox. Learn about this mysterious mammal as you explore the tree canopy by torchlight. You'll discover what they eat, where they sleep and how they live. This is a family-frendly adventure for all ages. This is a guided tour. Please wear fully enclosed footwear and bring insect repellent, drinking water, snacks and a small torch. The walk is g2km on a flat boardwalk and is suitable for adults and children aged 5 years and over.
Taree Show
October 12 and 13
The fun-filled weekend is jam packed with entertainment and activities including the arts and craft shed, petting zoo, reptile show, carnival rides, wood chop, chainsaw racing, and many more! The Manning River Agricultural & Horticultural Society Taree Inc. is a band of loyal volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the Showground venues for the use and enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.
Wingham Music Festival
October 18-20
Save the date - 2024 artists so far include Baby Animals, Ganggajang, The Wolfe Brothers, Pierce Brothers, Dom Turner and the Rural Blues Project, Bill Chambers, Blues Arcadia, Nathan Cavaleri, Minnie Marks and Dean Ray.