Stories of us
June 18, 2021 - Bushfires, pandemics, and the never-ending battle over urban development … these are our stories. 
Bloomsday comes to Bass Coast
June 4, 2021 -Maggie Millar reprises her legendary reading of the “Molly Bloom” monologue. 
The loneliness of the long-distance writer
April 20, 2021 - Ian Robinson pays tribute to Ibis Writers, which for 30 years has provided a community for writers to share their work and discuss their craft. 
A touch of magic
April 9, 2021 - Don’t ask Stephen Jansen to explain his prize-winning work. That would only ruin the magic, he tells Catherine Watson. 
A world apart
March 11, 2021 - Volunteering at ArtSpace Gallery gives Ellen Hubble a chance to clear her mind and slip into a quiet place of art and space. 
The next chapter
Feb 26, 2021 - Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction spreads its wings with new collaborations and ventures in 2021. 
Looking for Wonthaggi
Feb 13, 2021 - It’s too easy to lose what you can’t identify, says Gill Heal. Her new play is a search for the character and values of a town that is at a crossroads. 
Picture this
Jan 30, 2021 - Jan 30, 2021 - Geoff Ellis focuses between the squalls on the first outing of the revamped Bass Coast Camera Group. 
Bearing up, thanks
Dec 11, 2020 - In the midst of the lockdown, Karin Murphy Ellis got so many laughs out of preparing works for her new exhibition, she sometimes wondered if she’d gone mad. 
Please share our journey
Octo 30, 2020 - As she prepares for the NAIDOC week art celebration, Safina Stewart discusses her art and the bigger picture. 
Dash of colour
Sept 14, 2020 - Throughout everything, including COVID, Monica Smith has always found the time to paint. Liane Arno reports. 
Places in the heart
July 31, 2020 - Do you have a special place in Bass Coast? Write about it and it could feature in a series of short films celebrating our natural landscape. 
A man of many words
May 1, 2020 - Writer’s block? No problem for Kit Fennessy, as Liane Arno discovers. 
Bob Smith and Wonthaggi
May 1, 2020 - The esteemed art historian and collector was drawn to a working class town with a collectivist character. 
Damn you, John Mutsaers
March 6, 2020 - Catherine Watson accepts a writing challenge and finds herself down a rabbit hole. 
‘Blue poles’ director hailed from Wonthaggi
NGA director James Mollison’s death revives memories of his purchase of Blue Poles, dismissed by one newspaper as ‘$1.3m for dribs and drabs’. 
The art of healing
Dec 13. 2019 - Artist John Adam never had the chance to reconcile with his daughter in life but an exhibition in Cowes next month gives him a chance to reconnect with her artistic dreams. 
Banker finds his mojo
Oct 25, 2019 - A stroke of luck opened a new world of creativity to Matt Stone. Liane Arno reports 
Fine art of the absurd
October 11, 2019 - Local artist John Adam was at the centre of a satirical art movement of the 1960s that’s now receiving serious attention. Marian Quigley reports. 
Hills painting hits the spot
Sept 27, 2019 - Julie Lundgren-Coulter has won Bass Coast’s premier art award with her work ‘A Hill Somewhere’. 
For whom the bell tolls
August 30, 2019 - Local playwright Rory’s acclaimed first play works through the chaos of dying to reach a kind of truth for those left behind. 
A cry from the arts
August 17, 2019 - Cowes needs an arts hub, writes Marian Quigley, for the good of the community and the local economy. Cartoon by Natasha Williams-Novak 
Beyond words
August 3, 2019 - Liane Arno describes her interview with Wonthaggi artist Chelle Destefano as one of the most remarkable she has ever been a part of. 
An ocean of possibilities
July 5, 2019 - Intercultural collaboration can be a tricky process, writes Laura Brearley, but when risk meets trust, anything can happen. 
Love songs for whales
June 14, 2019 - The whales are back and entrancing us once more. Next month’s Island Whale Festival invites us to reflect on our connection with these giants of the deep. 
The bald and the beautiful
April 19, 2019 - Deb Rielly didn’t quite make it to the inaugural Archies Bald Portrait Prize, but her grace and courage will be celebrated throughout the exhibition, writes Liane Arno. 
Thanks for the memories
April 5, 2019 - At the age of 80, Wonthaggi artist Kathy West held her first solo exhibition. At 90, she has just launched her first book, writes Ellen Hubble. 
The ties that bind
April 5, 2019 - Common garden plants and discarded objects are the raw materials for a group of abstract artists now showing their work at ArtSpace Wonthaggi. 
Back to the drawing board
March 8, 2019 - No matter where life took her, Jackie Moss always found her way back to art. Liane Arno reports 
In a class of his own
February 8, 2019 - Like many former art teachers, Arthur Nilsson is relishing the time to practise his craft. Liane Arno reports 
We will remember them
November 2, 2018 - The Bass Coast Chorale will perform local composer Larry Hills’ acclaimed cantata They Went With Songs next weekend to mark the centenary of Armistice Day. 
Queen of the cast-off
October 19, 2018 - Regina Dudek collects the stuff discarded by less imaginative people and creates something wonderful. Report by Liane Arno 
Out of the depths
October 5, 2018 - One of Australia’s most esteemed printmakers, Jennifer Marshall pays homage to the mysterious sea sponges she collected on walks along South Gippsland’s wild beaches. 
Tammy steals the show
August 3, 2018 - When the Post asked readers to name their favourite moments of the Literary Festival, one name kept coming up. 
The inside story of home-grown lit fest
July 20, 2018 – Expect the unexpected at Phillip Island's literary festival, including a former Australian of the year sharing the stage with an indigenous rapper. 
Singing with the whales
July 20, 2018 - Two whales seen swimming towards the Cowes jetty augured well for the Island Whale Festival. Words by Laura Brearley, photos by Terry Melvin 
Songs of the Betayil
June 22, 2018 - The humans will be singing back to the whales at next month’s Island Whale Festival, writes Laura Brearley. 
Their chance to shine
June 15, 2018 - One of the joys of The Edge Of Us project has been the discovery of the interesting and talented people in the Waterline communities, writes Jeannie Haughton. 
Hard-earned knowledge
May 4, 2018 - Bron Dahlstrom has no doubt climate change was a factor in the 2009 bushfire that nearly killed her. ClimArt is part of her mission to spread that understanding. 
The art of biography
April 20, 2018 - For Sheridan Palmer, the South Gippsland coast provided the ideal setting to write about art and the getting of wisdom. 
And the bands played on
February 23, 2018 – The first Inverloch Jazz Festival in 1994 featured 13 bands and 61 musicians. Some of them will be back for this year’s festival, the 25th, writes Carol Young. 
Softening the edges
February 16, 2018 - A young neighbour’s request for help with a school art project introduced Bill Binks to the work of Picasso and cemented his love affair with art. Marian Quigley reports 
Bullseye
December 16, 2017 -Two blokes casually impale Adam Goodes. Dogs surf. Cats carouse. Ahead of an exhibition of Natasha Williams-Novak’s Post cartoons, Catherine Watson recalls some of her favourites. 
Rhyll artist in the frame
September 23, 2017 – Jill Rogers’ evocative Minah Swansong has taken out Bass Coast’s biggest art prize. 
Beyond words
August 18, 2017 - Artist Tom Murray-White has learned to turn off the part of his brain that makes words. Gill Heal reports. 
Moment of truth
August 18, 2017 - Decades of practice enable David Taylor to capture the fleeting moment. Marian Quigley interviews the watercolour master. 
Home-grown talent
August 5, 2017 - Circumstances prevented Maureen Loughran from pursuing her love of art. When she finally got the chance, she made up for lost time, reports Liane Arno. 
What happened to Freddy and Rex
May 20, 2017 - A Newhaven private home for boys, a callous superintendent, two dead boys and links to the shadowy world of eugenics … journalist and playwright Joe Fairhurst promises to reveal all at next month’s Phillip Island Literary Festival. 
The man with kaleidoscope eyes
May 6, 2017 - Where most of see chaos, Werner Theinert sees patterns. Liane Arno reports 
Thank you, Dr Brooks
April 15, 2017 - Over 50 years, Peter Brooks made a big mark on his adopted home town of Wonthaggi. Gill Heal recalls a man who valued music and theatre almost as much as medicine. 
Let there be lights
April 1, 2017 - The luminous light galleries of the Waterline townships officially turn on next Saturday night in Pioneer Bay, Grantville, Tenby Point, Corinella and Coronet Bay. 
A force of nature
March 14, 2017 - Julia Price has too much on her mind to paint pretty pictures or decorations, writes Anne Tindall 
Stories within stories
December 17, 2016 - Ventnor artist Josephine Allen’s new exhibition features works inspired by landscapes, allegorical stories and travel sketches. 
Life’s rich tapestry
November 5, 2016 - Inspired by tribal art, Heather Towns’ art is “a conversation between shapes and perspective”. Liane Arno meets an artist who admits her work is not for everyone. 
Life without art is empty
October 8, 2016 - “So here we are, ready for our third and final act,” writes Anne Tindall of her tree change. The result is Chaotica gallery, where the city meets the country. 
Across the great divide
September 10, 2016 - Director Josh Gardiner left us no place in hide in his outstanding production of The Diary of Anne Frank, writes Gill Heal A touch of magic
August 13, 2016 - Liane Arno meets Leigh Rowles, a former ballerina, choreographer, actor and now abstract artist who revels in the beauty of life in its many guises. 
Portrait of an independent
May 21, 2016 – Perennial Archibald Prize hopeful Ursula Theinert tackles former Independent MP Rob Oakeshott. 
The good wood
April 9, 2016 - Liane Arno meets a Wonthaggi woodworker who finds hidden treasures in other people’s rubbish. 
Portrait of a survivor
December 5, 2015 - Liane Arno talks to Ursula Theinert, an artist who has survived her share of setbacks. 
Masters of their art
June 27, 2015 - Carolyn Landon’s new biography of Celia Rosser matches the skill of the author with that of the artist, writes Kay Patterson 
Boats, goats and journeys
May 9, 2015 - Liane Arno begins her series on the artists of Bass Coast by delving into the mind of Inverloch artist John Mutsaers. 
Let there be light
April 11, 2015 - In the midst of turmoil, Diane Edwards realised she was born to be an artist. Liane Arno reports on an artist who now calls Phillip Island home. 
A play about us and them
November 1, 2014 - When Gill Heal took on a play about asylum seekers, she turned to the old master, Bertolt Brecht, for help. Catherine Watson reports. 
Mother Courage
October 11, 2014 - It began as snippets scribbled on bits of paper in the depths of a mother’s worst nightmare: a daughter's mental breakdown. Gill Heal reports on Heather Murray Tobias’s new poetry collection. 
Portrait of a provocateur
August 30, 2014 - There are times when Patrice Mahoney feels like a lone voice in the wilderness, but that’s not going to stop her from speaking her mind, in words and images. Catherine Watson reports. 
Walking the talk
May 10, 2014 - When sitting at her desk didn't work, debut novelist Terry Guilford set off on a 10-day pilgrimage. Julie Statkus reports on the miraculous aftermath. 
The Wichita songman
April 19, 2014 - Composer Larry Hills draws on his American heritage of choral singing to delve deep into the history of his adopted Australian community. Gill heal reports. 
Art of the possible
October 24, 2013 - The reality rarely matches the dream but Wonthaggi’s Artspace Gallery appears to be an exception. 
The alchemy of light
September 21, 2013 - The films were always wonderful but what Keith Stevens loved most was the flickering beam that came from the projectionist’s room. He talks cinema with Gill Heal. 
A pearler, stitch by thrilling stitch
May 19, 2013 - Anna Kentwell’s seaweed dress encrusted with pearls nestled in flowers of coral was a labour of love and imagination. Gill Heal reports. 
On a board and a prayer
April 6, 2013 - “Two blokes, 10 days, one ocean – what could possibly go wrong?” So runs the tagline for Inverloch film-maker Mick Green’s documentary Paradise Blown. 
The charm of the temporary masterpiece
November 11, 2012 – Money can’t buy Ricardo Alves-Ferreira’s masterpieces, writes Gill Heal 
Man of many parts
October 13, 2013 - Born in Belfast, trained in a British drama school, actor Stanley McGeagh is a fair dinkum Gippslander, reports Gill Heal |
In your dreams
June 4, 2021 - All is not as it seems in Ross Vaughan’s new surrealist exhibition, and your subconscious will have to make the connections. 
From the desert
to the coast April 9, 2021 - Beauty and drama co-exist in exhibitions Mandy Gunn and Karen Chugg opening at ArtSpace next week. 
Coloured by COVID
Feb 26, 2021 - Two of Bass Coast’s most respected artists emerge from lockdown with a surprising new exhibition. 
Fish, chips and public art
Dec 11, 2020 - As renowned wall artist Ash Keating unleashed his fire extinguishers in Grantville last week, Geoff Ellis was there to watch the paint fly. 
History with a twist wins non-fiction prize
Oct 16, 2020 – Bass Coast writer Linda Cuttriss has won the 2020 Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction with At Screw Creek, part true detective story, part local history, part family history. 
The bright lights of Coronet Bay
Oct 2, 2020 – It started with a call for plastic bottles; now a Rainbow Garden dazzles on the foreshore. 
The places we love
Sept 14, 2020 - When a call went out for descriptive writing and images of our favourite places in Bass Coast, the response was heart-felt. writes Laura Brearley 
An artist in lockdown
Aug 22, 2020 - In an otherwise bleak time, Marian Quigley gives thanks for the opportunity to escape to her studio. 
The golden touch
July 16, 2020 - Jeni Jobe was introduced to the wonders of clay at kinder and her path in life was set, writes Liane Arno 
Self portrait of an architect
March 20, 2020 - Creative endeavor is full of heartbreak, writes Tim Shannon, punctuated by rare moments of delight. 
Making his mark
Jan 25, 2020 - Bricklayer, masseur, clay artist … Pat Wishart lets his hands do the talking. 
Island writer takes top prize
Feb 10, 2020 - Phillip Island writer and historian Christine Grayden has won first prize in the inaugural Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction with Jobs that no longer exist. 
Weighty words
Jan 25, 2020 - Forty-two entries, more than 300,000 words … the three judges for the first Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction approached the task with mingled anticipation and nervousness. Catherine Watson reports 
My year of singing
Nov 22 2019 - Surrounded by the rich harmonies of the Bass Coast Chorale, Mary-Anne Peters feels the power of the human voice: organic, raw and timeless. 
The great wall of Grantville
Nov 8, 2019 - It’s 20 metres long, contains 86,750 glass tiles and took 4552 man hours to create, but the chances are you’ve never seen the Grantville Armistice Mural. 
Under the radar
October 11, 2019 - A Wonthaggi exhibition features a new wave of local artists determined to go their own way. Catherine Watson reports 
Flights of fancy
Sept 27, 2019 - For years Sue Woolley could only envy bird watchers. At last she has time to join them, and her photos are part of an exhibition of birds and nests at Grantville. 
The artist’s eye
September 14, 2019 - Burnt-out cars, disused factories and coal-fired power stations inspire Amanda Thompson’s intricate woodcuts. Liane Arno reports 
The art of the matter
August 30, 2019 - Headway’s exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of people with an acquired brain injury. Geoff Ellis reports. 
Tall tales and true
August 3, 2019 - When the Post invited readers to nominate their favourite sessions from last weekend’s Festival of Stories, most found it hard to stick to one! 
The ferry captain
July 20, 2019 - A storm-damaged tree, a world class tree carver with a local connection and a proud maritime heritage ... the stars aligned for Rhyll’s new artwork. 
A splash of colour
July 5, 2019 - ArtSpace’s Winter Solstice Exhibition shines a light during the darkest, coldest time of the year, writes Deb Watson 
The eyes have it
June 1, 2019 - Phil Henshall needed some expert advice for his prize-winning portrait of chef Malcolm Bain. 
The shape of things to come
April 19, 2019 - Catherine Watson tries her hand on the pottery wheel at the Rescue Station arts centre and finds that time stops still when you’re mucking around with clay. 
Lifting the curtain on small town Australia
April 5, 2019 - With its engaging characters, dark mystery and a 1960s small town setting, Jasper Jones is a rich work for the stage, writes director Sue Lindsay. 
Immersed in a landscape
March 22, 2019 - Seascapes abound in Warren Nicholls’ new work as he revels in the changing light over Western Port. Just don’t expect to see a fish in his minimalist work. 
50 years of exits and entrances
February 8, 2019 - As the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group begins its second half century, Gill Heal reflects that the group has changed many lives, on and off the stage 
New horizons
December 14, 2018 - After 25 years in the construction industry, Frank Schooneveldt revels in the freedom to create landscapes, on canvas and in real life. Liane Arno reports 
In the flesh
October 19, 2018 - A series of crucified women hover over the wild landscapes of Phillip Island in Josephine Allen’s arresting new exhibition. 
The art of living
October 5, 2018 - Artist, teacher, conservationist, a man who spoke his mind … James Glover made quite an impression on Wonthaggi from the time he arrived in the 1940s. 
The art of mystery
September 14, 2018 - Liane Arno gets up close with Ken Griffiths’ enigmatic Mardi Gras 1, the winner of Bass Coast’s top arts prize for 2018. 
Men at war
September 14, 2018 - Gill Heal sat in on a rehearsal of the Wonthaggi Theatre Group’s production of The Boys and was struck by the way it asks questions of all of us, men and women. 
Island artists on national stage
September 14, 2018 - Phillip Island artists Warren Nichols, Jill Rogers and Marian Quigley have been selected as finalists in national art awards. 
The shape of things to come
August 31, 2018 - John Mutsaers looks to another former mining area to see how art might transform Wonthaggi’s future. Liane Arno reports 
Welcome to our world
July 20, 2018 - A moving NAIDOC Week opening in Inverloch left Liane Arno feeling a welcome guest in this place. 
A world of wonder
July 6, 2018 - After turning her back on her scientific studies, author Robyn Arianrhod was lured back by some great men and women of science. Liane Arno reports 
Clothes encounters with cream and black
June 15, 2018 - Liane Arno takes a glimpse behind the scenes of a fashion exhibition opening in Wonthaggi next week. 
Brett’s legacy
June 1, 2018 - In every Graeme Myrteza painting are the initials of his son Brett because he is such a big part of the story. 
My beautiful lagoon
April 20, 2018 - To some it's a stinking cesspit, but to local artist and printmaker Susan Hall, the ephemeral Inverloch lagoon is a place of environmental richness and artistic inspiration. 
Out of the darkness
April 6, 2018 - The world of commercial photography has long been digital but Trevor Foon still loves the alchemy of film. By Liane Arno 
The Creature stirs
February 23, 2018 - The Wonthaggi Monster still stalks Bass Coast in Sydney artist Filippa Buttitta’s new exhibition. 
The art of Robert Smith
December 16, 2017 - Wonthaggi’s mysterious arts benefactor turns out to be as interesting as his collection. 
Out of the chaos
October 21, 2017 - Printmaker Mary Ham wants to combine chaos and order, she tells Liane Arno. 
The Custodian
October 7, 2017 - Marian Quigley called her portrait of Anne Davie “The Custodian” in recognition of Anne’s long custodial role within the Phillip Island community. 
Bold and brassy
August 5, 2017 - Scandalous costumes, a bold and brassy band, hot numbers and outrageous songs … Wonthaggi Theatrical Group’s production of Chicago has the lot, reports Nina Barry-Macaulay. 
A man of many parts
June 17, 2017 - Landscape designer John French has found a new creative outlet in his intriguing mosaics. By Liane Arno 
The inside story
June 3, 2017 - Family stories are no good if they aren’t told, writes Liane Arno, and journalist Sandy Guy can show you how to do it. 
On location in Rhyll
May 6, 2017 - Fishing and ferrying are in the spotlight in Rhyll this week, reports Carmen Bush, with filmmaker Jakeb Anhvu in residence to document the town’s rich maritime history. 
Sea creatures, bathing ladies and other old curiosities
April 15, 2017 - A childhood visit to the Old Curiosity Shop in Ballarat triggered Heather Fahnle's lifelong fascination with mosaics. By Marian Quigley 
Through the looking glass
December 17, 2016 - Liane Arno meets Deb Watson, a human resources manager who fell in love with glass. 
Portrait of the artist as a younger man
November 19, 2016 - In his new exhibition, veteran John Adam comes face to face with his younger self – and he likes what he sees. Catherine Watson reports. 
Fine figures
November 5, 2016 - Sandra Peeters’ recent exhibition began with exercises in a life drawing class, writes Marian Quigley. 
Making her mark
September 10, 2016 - A challenging career in social work helped Karen Sandon find her own path in art. Liane Arno follows the master printmaker’s journey. 
Slowly does it
July 16, 2016 - Liane Arno meets Mandy Gunn, who takes the slow boat to travel and the slow method to produce her fine and unexpected art. 
Firing on all cylinders
March 5, 2016 - Sue Acheson revels in the mystery of the kiln, where what emerges depends on the flow of the fire and the fall of the ash. Liane Arno reports. 
Caricatures and stingrays
February 4, 2016 - The artist and the scientist have always been part of Jill Rogers’ makeup. Marian Quigley finds out more. 
One step ahead
November 7, 2015 - Besotted by ballet but judged too tall to be a ballerina, Karin Ellis forged a career in musical theatre, costume making and ultimately haute couture. Liane Arno reports. 
Through the looking glass
June 27, 2015 - Marlene Abela worked in finance before realising her medium was glass, not money, writes Liane Arno. 
All in good time
June 6, 2015 - The schoolboy Ken Griffiths took art because it was a bludge – then discovered he loved it. But it’s only in the past few years that he’s had the time to fulfill his talent. Liane Arno reports. 
Never too late for a fresh start
February 14, 2015 - As she prepares for her first exhibition, at the age of 85, Wonthaggi artist Kathy West talks to Bob Middleton about the long path to fulfilling her love of art. 
The gift of seeing
October 18, 2014 - As illness slowed her down, Heather Gardner gradually saw more, writes Catherine Watson Introducing our new cartoonist
September 6, 2014 - Painter, print-maker, engraver, jewellery-maker, window dresser, boogie boarder, cartoonist ... Natasha Williams-Novak is a woman of surprising parts. 
Six big Wednesdays, twelve brave mums
June 14, 2014 - In February, 12 young mothers and their children met on the Inverloch beach for the start of a great adventure that would change all their lives. 
Guardian artists of the bay
July 19, 2014 - In his 80th year, artist John Adam decided it was time he got serious about protecting the environment, starting with Western Port. He invited six local artists to join him. 
Beautiful, difficult words
April 12, 2014 - After half a lifetime of silence, Adam Cope has an extraordinary story to tell. Catherine Watson reports. The Bass Coast sound
February 15, 2014 - The non-musical Bob Middleton finds himself talking middle eights and Gibson Firebirds. 
The view from outside
October 5, 2013 - Twenty photographers, 20 perspectives shot over two weekends ... MAPping Wonthaggi takes a fresh look at our familiar world. 
High times in the old hall
August 16, 2013 - Tired of travelling to the city to hear live music, Ian and Suzanne Henderson decided to bring the music to Gippsland. Bob Middleton reports. 
A view from the past
December 15, 2012 - Members of the Phillip Island Historical Society helped fill in some missing links for a blockbuster exhibition at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. 
The leading lady
November 4, 2012 - Stella Axarlis has always been a commanding presence. When Phyllis Papps interviewed her, she saw the very private person behind the diva. 
Playing for keeps
November 24, 2012 - Something like steel string fever happens to Rob Wilson when he picks up a guitar. Bob Middleton reports. 
Master of the passing parade
September 1, 2013 - For almost 20 years, Dennis Leversha’s South Gippsland murals have educated, tricked and charmed. Bob Middleton picks some of his favourites. 
Raise the curtain and let the magic begin
August 15, 2012 - Six musicals in seven years and every one a triumph. Gill Heal finds out how Wonthaggi Theatre Group director Karen Milkins Hendry does it. |