Local community artists have joined together to bring the Community Festival online to households across the City of Whittlesea.

As part of Council’s focus to keep the community safe from COVID-19, the Community Festival was cancelled in March 2020. Not wanting the community to miss out, local artists have recorded performances from their homes during lockdown.

Watch the wonderful line-up of amazing local artists and creative energy. Featuring work from Diana Nguyen, Lockdown by Bonkel Theatre, Waternests by Brett Lee, Complimentary Caravan by Rose Turtle Ertler, Trouble by Heather Fiona, a collection of French songs by Amie Brûlée, The Dreaming Space (magic, storytelling and music for kids) and Supper by the Snails by Carolyn Connors.

Featured Artists

Amie Brûlée

Amie Brûlée is a Ballarat-based musician, performer, storyteller, researcher and teacher. Her musical adventures and influences range from classical to jazz, blues and folk music from around the globe. Amy loves finding a new way to interpret an old song. With a focus on France and gastronomy, she creates cabaret style shows that combine music and stories, transporting the audience to other times and places.

Heather Fiona

Heather Fiona’s music is heartfelt and soulful with a nod to Motown and the 50s/60s Nashville sound. Her standout vocals have the vulnerability of Tracy Chapman blended with the grit and depth of Adele. Fiona maintains an engaging unpredictability that shuffles between Motown, blues, country and pop. She is known for her standout vocals and heartfelt, honest lyricism with endearing delivery.

Pirritu (Brett Lee)

Pirritu is a Ngiyampaa man and First Nations singer-songwriter. Pirritu’s music is gentle, honest and melodic. He entices us into the depths of his personal journey, singing stories of sadness, love and hope.

Pirritu (meaning ‘Brett’ in Ngiyampaa Language) was adopted by a non-Aboriginal couple as a baby and raised to be proud of his Aboriginality, to follow his cultural journey and to connect back to family, culture and language, a journey he began when he was 14 years of age. Two things drive his continual thirst to connect to his people, country, language and culture ‑ his one-year-old daughter and his passion for music. Pirritu sits on the Board of Songlines, Victoria’s peak Aboriginal music body, and is currently a participant on VMDO’s music mentor program Blak Sound.

Bonkel Theatre

Bonkel Theatre combines puppetry and original music by Melbourne artists Trina Gaskell and Enio Pozzebon. They use their extensive maker and musician skills to immerse us in the world of Bonkel Theatre.

Complimentary Caravan

Complimentary Caravan is an interactive idea exploring the power of words. It involves collecting written and recorded compliments from participants and uses the power of positive words to uplift and inspire. Complimentary Caravan is real compliments, by real people, about real people.

The Dreaming Space

Performances from The Dreaming Space captivate and enthrall children along with the inner child in every adult. The Dreaming Space is Claire and Chris James, a passionate, dynamic duo, and their children. They make the improbable possible by hosting a space for skilled artists to share their gifts with the world and inspire wonder, curiosity and joy in everyone they meet.

The Supper by The Snails

Carolyn Connors is a vocalist, improviser, composer, collaborator, performer, instrumentalist, teacher and library technician. She is passionate about voice and the possibilities for experimentation, composition, expression, and connection. The Supper by The Snails is a work of performance art.