BUY TICKETS

Is regional living all it’s cracked up to be? A diverse group of people share their experiences; riffing on highs and lows, musing on what makes a community vibrant and on the changes that occur when large numbers of newcomers arrive and young people leave. Featuring Kerry Nixon, from the Centre for the Study of the Inland and planning educator and researcher Andrew Butt.

With special guests:

Melissa Kennedy: Melissa migrated from Ireland to Bendigo, where she has lived, learnt and taught at La Trobe University for the last 12 years. Her recent PhD thesis explored how rural communities are responding to concerns for decline through culture and creativity.

Gary McClure: Gary grew up locally, has run local and national businesses, and is also one of the former owners of the Old Castlemaine Gaol and former Chair of the Festival.

Laura Woodward: Laura is a practicing artist who currently lives and works in Melbourne and has family in Castlemaine.  Laura also owns and manages Ironside Studios, and co-owns the design and fabrication business Like Butter. Laura is in the process of relocating both her family and her business to Castlemaine.