Generations in Jazz – Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier in SA’s Limestone Coast is Australia’s jazz hot spot largely thanks to Generations in Jazz, and it’s my job to help spread the word. This spectacular annual event on the outskirts of the city made famous for its Blue Lake not only attracts the jazz legends of today, but the bright stars of tomorrow, bringing together up to 4400 of Australia’s most talented musicians, along with a growing list of global artists.
High school students from more than 100 schools around the nation compete in the Stage Band Awards, while highly coveted Jazz and Vocal Scholarships help to secure the musical destiny of individuals with enormous promise. And then there are the daily concerts – the sound inside the James Morrison big top pavilion, seating up to 6100 people in the middle of a paddock, is simply incredible!
The James Morrison Pavilion is the largest tent ever to have been erected in Australia for a seated audience.
Australian music icon Kate Ceberano was a special guest at the 2016 event, and I interviewed her about her visit to Australia’s “jazz capital”. What a glowing endorsement!
What a Waste – Recycling Videos
I am an enthusiastic and committed recycler, but after working with Marcus Jones from Film It All to produce a series of five clips for the City of Mount Gambier, I discovered that I, too, have been getting it wrong. For starters, bottle tops are too small to be recycled, and should be disposed of in general waste. Who knew!
The videos are designed to give the community an insight into what happens to waste and recyclables once thrown away, and reflect the council’s strong commitment to improving environmental sustainability.
The clips also provide information and best practice tips for waste, recycling and organics disposal, with bin audits giving audiences a realistic look at the typical contents of a household bin. They can be viewed on the council’s website, The City of Mount Gambier YouTube channel, and on screens at the Civic Centre.
Trotters Joint Venture – Victorian Rail Upgrade
I didn’t know there was such thing as a bus nut until I met Des Trotter and the team behind the Trotters Joint Venture. They successfully co-ordinated arguably the most complex transport operation in Victorian history – replacing trains with buses during the $3.7 billion rail upgrade.
When you consider that up to 20,000 passengers travel in and out of Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station daily, you start to get some ideas of the planning and logistics needed in order to produce a rail alternative. This video I put together with Robert Tremelling profiles one of the most capable crews you will ever meet.
https://youtu.be/fJYxhjMbSrESouth Australian Food Producers
It has been a busy few months uncovering the stories of some of South Australia’s most passionate producers.
The work is part of a major national project designed to increase education about primary industries in our schools…teaching kids where our food and fibre comes from.
The passion, vision and lifestyles of the producers interviewed has been incredibly heartwarming and inspiring. They have built a strong foundation for the next generation of farmers and growers.
Drawing the Line: Marine Parks
This pelican wasn’t the only one rejoicing about this week’s unseasonal blue skies.
We had filming and interviews to complete at Port MacDonnell on behalf of the South East Professional Fisherman’s Association, and fortunately there was no need to resort to the wet weather option.
I am helping to direct and produce a documentary highlighting the management and sustainability of South Australia’s rock lobster industry. It’s the state’s most valuable fishery, and a key export industry. The Drawing the Line project has inspired local fishermen to add their voice to the growing chorus campaigning against marine parks. These blokes know their industry, and I was full of admiration for their respect for their ocean ‘office’.
And what a stunning office it is…
Next week, we’re headed to Robe, and hitting the ocean for more interviews and footage. Fingers crossed for more blue skies, and, more importantly, calm seas!
Limestone Coast Wine History Project – Wrattonbully
It’s exciting when a visiting Canadian wine critic tweets the following about the Wine History Project I’m working on in partnership with the Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council and Fed Creative:
Perhaps our production team could head to Canada next! Stage two of the local project found us filming in Wrattonbully, where we delved deep into wine history in an underground cave.
It’s an amazing feeling drinking wine made from grapes growing above your head! We collected four hours worth of interviews on tape, with wine writer Mike Bennie on the mike, and some rather cute photos in between.
Here’s the edited version:
The rest of the clips can also be found on the Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council’s website.
Best Wedding Proposal Ever – Real Weddings Magazine
I wrote about the most amazing proposal in the Real Weddings Style issue out this week: guy pops the question to his homesick, Chicago-based girlfriend after secretly flying to America and disguising himself as a reindeer handing out lollies at a Christmas market. An unsuspecting Rae had her photo taken with him before he dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. A journalist witnessed the commotion, and ‘Rudolph’s Proposal’ became a media and YouTube sensation. Have a look here – gorgeous music, I bawled.
Of course, she said YES and their winter wedding was held at a favourite WA holiday spot. Here’s some images from photographer Leah Kua.
Hours were spent scouring second hand shops in search of decorations and vintage clothing for the wedding party – with fab results. The full story is in the new issue of Real Weddings. You can also read about it on Leah Kua’s blog.
I’m Gretel Sneath, accomplished freelance writer & storyteller. When I'm not on the road, you'll find me on South Australia's Limestone Coast.