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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Cinema Review: Wide Open Sky

Latest News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Other News

What the duck!

Most days I ask myself ‘what the duck’ is happening here? How could Trump be president again if he...

Laid-back but lively

Ooz is an acoustic roots reggae artist with a large, eclectic repertoire of crowd favourites. His unique, laid-back but lively style creates a relaxed atmosphere and his song choices have you remembering many of those forgotten classics.

Casuarina cricketers too strong for Mullumbimby Brunswick in grand final

Mullumbimby Brunswick Cricket Club (MBCC) had a very successful season finishing second on the ladder at the end of the home and away season with 13 wins and 4 losses, but fell short of winning the grand final against the Casuarina Crocs.

Superbowls

Superbowls is your go-to spot for a burst of woodfired flavour! Nestled in Byron Arts and Industry Estate, the...

Biz confidence up, says Business NSW

The state's peak body for business says confidence in the sector has increased but cost of living pressures continue to impact customer spending.

State of confusion

If any of you watched Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, you would know that it was a...

It’s important to be reminded occasionally of how cinema can elevate and liberate simply by striking a chord that joins us all as human beings. Lisa Nicol’s splendid doco does exactly that.
As Philistine politicians continue to strip funding from arts bodies, national treasures such as Michelle Leonard carry on regardless in their efforts to repel the barbarians from the door. In Michelle’s case, she exposes children in remote and disadvantaged areas of NSW to the wonders of music and, through it, to their own limitless potential. Every year, driving from Brewarrina to Walgett to Lightning Ridge and farther, she auditions scores of school kids for her Moorambilla Voices choir. Those that make the cut are then brought to a camp where they receive intensive training and, critically, formal instruction, before coming together again for the annual Coonamble Festival. Nicol’s camera catches all of the fresh, eager faces, but introduces us more intimately to a handful of the youngsters and their parents. I loved the little Indigenous boy in his blue Origin jersey who has just been taught about music written on the page – ‘now I know all the sharps and… what are the others called?’; the boy who only wants to sing and dance – ‘we tried, but he was never gonna play rugby,’ his mum and dad concede – and who has discovered that there are others like him after all; the girl who needs to be the centre of attention and would like to be a famous country singer; and the inseparable sisters…
At the heart of it all, larger than life, is the exuberant Michelle, repeatedly stressing that learning is a tool that should never be neglected and encouragement the key that should never be ignored. Contrary to the decrees of many limp-wristed educationists, Michelle also insists that competition brings out the best in the boys. She is convinced, and you will be too, that anything is possible. Beautifully shot and edited, this is the sort of movie that moves you to tears of joy. Extraordinary.


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Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

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