E-BLAST - 30 JULY 2017

Jill Liepertz has won the 2017 Basil Sellers $2000 Midge Point Art Prize yesterday, judged by a Proserpine artist. Jill won it in 2013 and 2016 and this year makes it three. Jill Liepertz paints realism and this work titled 'Abandoned Settlers Cottage' fitted right into the 2017 theme, the outback. There were 16 finalists with two high commendations. This Art Prize is part of Well-Being Australia's mission to this small rural community which includes an annual Fancy Dress, an annual business luncheon, an annual high tea for the arts community and an on-line weekly news which one of our young writers set-up for the same lady who did the hard copy when it became too expensive.    

E-BLAST - 23 JULY 2017

Laguna Quays Respite - hosted for morning tea last Wed by Jerome and Betty Dray Salvation Army friends in Midge Point. A lovely time and moreover they are regulars at the annual art prize presentation. The 2017 Basil Sellers Art Prize is next Sat 29 July - 11.00am at The Point Tavern. We arrived last Frid and have been busy every day with the art prize and catching up.
Photo - Delma and Betty, good mates!

E-BLAST - 16 JULY 2017

Less than one month before the 2017 annual young writers conf on the Sunshine Coast - Sat 12 Aug. Last October these young writers met to initiate the planning for this 2017 conf. and the final touches were issued last week by Russell Modlin and Rebecca Moore, and published in Christian Today last Thurs. 
Photo  -  Russell Modlin (Chair), Wes Tronson, Caitlyn Furler, Kandima Awendila, Jo Fuller, Cartia Moore, Haydn Lea, Rebecca Moore.

E-BLAST - 9 JULY 2017

2017 Panellists' Year has now concluded. The last two groups finished on Friday - the Australians and the Sport - whereas both the Internationals and New Zealand concluded two weeks ago. What a remarkable bunch of people we have who serve as Panellists marking these young writers in the first six months of each year. Their collective marks determine the Basil Sellers Young Writer Awards and each young writer's Best Article. This is a massive undertaking.
photo  -  John Skinner this year was a sport writer panellist and last year an Australian panellist. He has been an Australian Rodeo Judge since the early 80's and welcomed me in 1984 to the professional rodeo where I addressed the ARRA National Board (John was CEO) on professional sport chaplaincy as I was the Australian cricket team chaplain. John now 70, is also the President of the RSL sub-branch of Warwick, a Vietnam Vet and much of his time is now devoted to veteran's ministry.