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Page 20 Thursday, 3 July, 2014
Connecting people and communities BN
Entertainment �� Dining, what’s on, bands and more…
High notes hit By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
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THE search for a singing star in Casey is set to get underway again and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. With the Star Search for a Cause finals scheduled to take place at Westfield Fountain Gate for the first time, Casey councillor and co-ordinator Louise Berkelmans expects the singing competition will this year cement itself as one of the marquee events in the municipality. “We’ve always wanted to take the Star Search somewhere bigger, we’re always limited with taking it to the Berwick Show because that’s in February and it means we do auditions in January during the holidays,” Cr Berkelmans said. “We decided this year we need to step it up to turn it into a well-known event. We want it to be well-received and for people to get to know it.” The Star Search for a Cause is a singing competition that raises money specifically for the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life Cranbourne-Narre, previously known as the Berwick Show Star Search. The event has now been running for seven years and over that time has raised $10,000 for the relay. “Going by the roadside signs and advertising banners outside Fountain Gate, we’ve had a huge response from people
Hopeful singing contestants from across Casey got together with Cr Louise Berkelmans and Naomi Horsley from Star Search to prepare for the upcoming Star Search for a Cause competition. From left, Chloe Kandetzki (12), Cr Louise Berkelmans, Mia Gulliver (10), Naomi Horsley and Matt Picture: ROB CAREW Prins (20). 122960 we’ve never heard from before,” Cr Berkelmans said. “A lot of singing schools have got hold of it. There’s been a huge response, more than we’ve ever had.” Auditions for Star Search will be held at the Civic Centre on Friday 18 July at 6.30pm and Sunday 20 July at 2pm. There are three sections for the competition, including Juniors for children
aged 14 years and under, Intermediate for people aged 15 to 20 years, and Senior for adults 21 and over. There is a $10 entry fee for each performance and audience members will be required to provide a gold coin donation. There is no need to register, just turn up on the day. Inquiries to starsearch4ac@gmail. com.
Welcome to culture By BRIDGET COOK THE Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Cranbourne will celebrate Aboriginal and Islander cultures and the contribution they have made to this country next week. Celebrations will be held around the country to celebrate NAIDOC Week and Cranbourne will be no exception with a full day of activities planned at the gardens for the second annual Koolin-ik ba kirrip-buluk event. NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee. The week aims to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to the country and society. The theme for this year’s celebrations is to honour all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of country. The RBG will celebrate this theme with a special program of cultural activities including a Welcome to Country by Aunty Carolyn Briggs and Aunty Di Kerr, Indigenous acknowledgement of servicemen and women, lighting of the fire pit on Gibson’s Hill, Ron Murray’s storytelling
workshop about his Uncle Stewart Murray who fought in World War II, and the opportunity to access records on the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll. Popular activities from last year’s event will return in 2014 and run at various times throughout the day including clap stick decorating, Aboriginal dance, ochre rock painting, string making and weaving, all culminating in a special closing ceremony. “There’s something for everyone at this year’s event,” said RBG Cranbourne acting director Sharon Willoughby. “Whether it’s the barbecue, craft activities, potting up a plant or learning more about the role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have played in our armed services over the years, you’re bound to have a great day and best of all, it’s all free.” The Koolin-ik ba kirrip-buluk celebration is presented by the RBG Cranbourne in partnership with Southern VACCA, Communities for Children Projects, Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation, and DDACL - Aboriginal Best Start. It will be held on Wednesday 9 July from 10am to 3pm in the Australian Garden.