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We love nothing more than celebrating young local talent here at KickArts, so we’re thrilled to introduce Sam Leddin, a young author who has just published his debut novel with Pegasus Publishers. Sam’s book, The Shadows in the Night: The Wolves of Elyra, is out now through Vanguard Press. It’s a fantasy novel set in Elyra, a world worn down by decades of mistrust between Wolves and Humans, held together by nothing more than a fragile truce. At the heart of the story is an unlikely friendship between Kenai, a young wolf bound by the weight of tradition, and Kiera, a human girl who just wants to be free. Their bond crosses a line neither side is supposed to cross, and it’s enough to stir up tensions that have been simmering for generations. For a debut, it’s an ambitious world to build, but Sam has clearly poured himself into it. He’s always been drawn to storytelling, using it as a form of escapism growing up, and that shows in the way he’s woven real-world experiences into Elyra to make it feel lived-in rather than just imagined. It’s the kind of detail that turns a fantasy setting into something readers can actually relate to, and that makes characters like Kenai and Kiera feel like more than just wolf and girl. Seeing a young writer go from a passion for stories to a finished, published novel is exactly the kind of thing we want to shine a light on. It takes real persistence to get a manuscript all the way to print, and Sam’s certainly put in the work. The Shadows in the Night: The Wolves of Elyra is available now in paperback. If you’re after a fresh fantasy voice with a local connection, this one’s well worth a look.

Step into history through the power of art at the French Revolution Commemorative Posters Exhibition, presented by Shearers Arms Gallery in collaboration with the Geelong Art Society Inc. This fascinating exhibition features a selection of posters created by internationally renowned artists and designers who were commissioned by Artis89 in 1989 to commemorate the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and the bicentenary of the French Revolution. Created by some of the world’s leading graphic artists, the collection explores timeless themes of freedom, equality, justice and resistance to oppression. More than 35 years after they were first produced, these visually striking works continue to spark conversation and reflect the ongoing importance of human rights around the globe. Visitors will discover bold graphic design, powerful symbolism and diverse cultural perspectives from celebrated artists including Milton Glaser, Kohei Sugiura, Michel Quarez and Gert Dumbar. Together, these works form a rare and internationally significant exhibition that blends history, creativity and social commentary into a compelling visual experience. Whether you’re passionate about art, history, graphic design or human rights, this unique exhibition offers an inspiring opportunity to experience an extraordinary collection rarely seen in Australia. Exhibition Dates 22 July – 31 August 2026 Admission Free Entry Location Shearers Arms GalleryThe Geelong Art Society202 Aberdeen StreetGeelong West VIC 3218 Don’t miss this exceptional exhibition celebrating one of history’s most influential movements through the eyes of internationally acclaimed artists and designers.

Casting Dreams is a Geelong–based performing arts initiative dedicated to ensuring every young person regardless of financial circumstances, has the opportunity to access quality performance education where talent should never be limited by a your financial situation. On Friday 10 July, Casting Dreams is hosting Dream Big! This inaugural Benefit Evening is the flagship fundraising event of the year. Profits from every ticket purchased, and every donation made on the night goes directly toward scholarship for aspiring young performers across the Geelong region, giving them the training, confidence, and opportunity they deserve. Casting Dreams founder, Daniel, joined me in the studio to talk about the upcoming fundraiser along with some of the other work he does with Casting Dreams. At just 14 years old, Daniel is an inspiration for many and is determined to help more young people feel the joy of live performance. Tickets to Dream Big are available here. Listen to the interview below.

GEELONG, STEP INSIDE THE STORY From world-leading Australian Producers, White Spark Pictures, in partnership with Village Cinemas. World class Virtual Reality Cinema comes to Village Cinemas Geelong for the first time. For the first time ever, audiences in Geelong will be able to experience three spectacular virtual reality (VR) films in a shared, fully immersive cinema setting, as White Spark Pictures brings its award-winning VR Cinema season to Village Cinemas Geelong. From Monday 1 June to 31 August, audiences can step inside The Antarctica Experience, The Great Kimberley Wilderness and Beyond the Milky Way. These are not films you simply watch, these are films you become a part of.  Using fully immersive 360 degree virtual reality and cinematic surround sound, audiences are placed at the centre of extraordinary worlds, from the frozen landscapes of Antarctica, to the ancient Kimberley wilderness, to deep space and the Milky Way, in an experience designed for all ages and perfect for families. The limited season marks the first time these films have been presented in virtual reality to Victorian audiences, and the first time Geelong audiences will have the chance to experience White Spark Pictures’ groundbreaking shared virtual reality cinema format. White Spark Pictures is one of Australia’s leading immersive VR film companies, with its films already drawing major audiences nationally. The Antarctica Experience and The Great Kimberley Wilderness are among Australia’s top ten highest grossing theatrical documentaries of all time, when comparing box office. We spoke to White Spark Pictures Founder and Director Briege Whitehead (listen to interview): The Virtual Reality Cinema season runs at Village Cinemas Geelong from Monday 1 June to 31 August. Tickets are limited and early booking is strongly recommended. Tickets available from VR Cinema | Village Cinemas

By Jessie Aiton Phil Brady OAM rang me last year and left a lengthy voicemail saying he hoped I was well and “working in show business”. Twelve centuries ago, I had cut my radio teeth on Nightline when I was 26 years old. Though I ended up moving to the whirlwind of daytime radio, Phil was adamant that I could return to Nights at any time. “Don’t forget Jess,” he’d always say. “This studio is your home. Wherever you work in the world, this studio will always be your home”. He offered this to many of us – and in a broadcasting world which is cut-throat and fast moving – to know I could always return to his studio was like knowing I could always warm up by the fire if I was cold and needed a warm roast meal. Everyone I worked with adored him. Not just due to his friendliness, support and consideration of other people, but speaking with Phil just for a moment gave one the impression they were speaking with someone from another time. He was traditional and gentlemanly. You never had to be anyone but yourself with him. Though he was often saturated in the smell of coffee and cigarettes (which permeated him on a cellular level) there was a certain glamour to him. One instance being when I burnt and sent him a CD (The Third Man soundtrack) at his request, Phil contacted me asking if he could “buy me some cigarettes” as a thank you. “Bye bye darling,” he’d always say when we wrapped up our calls. “Until we speak again.” Phil was never perturbed or concerned about when that time would be – he knew our paths would cross again somehow and they always did. When Phil passed, many of my colleagues and I made a concerted effort to come to his funeral – not just to see Phil, but to see one another. He was just that warm fire for so many of us – and he was there for so many of us at different points of our career – even if it was just to stop by for a proverbial warm roast meal before heading out into the cold busy-ness of life again. I will miss Phil dearly; and though he lived in his own world, all who were invited in left feeling a little warmer. Bye bye darling, until we speak again. Jess x Photo: 3AW Radio Photo: Channel 9 Listen to the tribute compiled by Jess Aiton below

Written towards the end of Covid, the short film Lara, by Leah Baulch, is a drama that delves into the personal and artistic struggles of its protagonist, Emily. Played by Olivia Fildes (Sunflower), Emily is a burned-out photographer who visits her boyfriend’s sister in the quiet countryside town of Lara. There, she is forced to confront deep-seated questions about a future she has never fully envisioned. Leah Baulch, the film’s writer, director, and co-star, began developing the script as an exploration of family and commitment. Over time, it evolved into a poignant examination of an artist’s inner conflict—her struggle to move forward, whether in terms of relationships, self-care, or creative fulfillment. Drawing from her own experiences as an artist, Leah has crafted a deeply personal yet universally relatable story. Joining Olivia Fildes in the cast is accomplished Australian actor Darcy Kent (Neighbours, Warnie, Offspring) as Ross, Emily’s boyfriend. Leah Baulch herself steps into the role of Genevieve, Ross’ sister, making Lara a truly intimate and emotionally charged film. Behind the scenes, Lara owes its success to a dedicated and resourceful crew, including cinematographer Sara Jo Fraser, editor Dallas Bland, and composer Larissa Agosti. Despite the challenges of filming in the intense summer heat and navigating long travel distances, the passion and commitment of this team brought Leah’s vision to life. The film was supported by Geelong Waterfront Film and produced by Dos Hermanas Productions. Listen to the studio interview below:

In our latest catch-up we meet the organiser of Americana on the Bellarine, an outdoor festival at the Potato Shed that celebrates all things Americana music. Featuring some of our region’s finest songwriters and musicians, performing on our outdoor stage as the sun sets and stars begin to twinkle. There will be blues, roots, country, folk and rock, rockabilly and gospel, all doused with a whole lot of soul. Headliners Matt Joe Gow & The Dead Leaves join Bellarine’s favourite songwriters, Andrea Robertson and band, along with The Mojo Corner, underneath the stars of a Bellarine summer sky. So grab your friends, throw down your picnic rug, bring some nibbles and enjoy a drink from the licensed bar. BOOK ONLINE All ages – U18 must be accompanied by an adult/guardian (U12’s free). Listen to the interview with Andrea Robertson below:

Coal Miner’s Daughter – The Story of Loretta Lynn and Friends, will sing the story of a champion of women’s rights, a mother of six, and a lifetime of chart-topping hits to Geelong’s country music lovers. In floor-length gowns adorned with tassels and rhinestones, with hair as close to country music heaven as possible, where country music started and still should be – in the theatre, just like the Grand Ole Opry. Coal Miner’s Daughter celebrates the incredible life and stellar career of the late great Loretta Lynn. From her early days in the hills of Kentucky to her tempestuous marriage, tragic losses, and enduring bonds with such luminaries as Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson until final send-off to country music heaven. I recently caught up with Amber Joy Poulton to discuss the upcoming performance. Listen below

I was humbled and privileged to attend super musician pop duo Otto and Astrid’s one off show at the Potato Shed last week. The brother and sister hail from Berlin and have been performing together for over twenty years – which frankly doesn’t feel like long enough. The website for their band Die Roten Punkte describes Otto and Astrid as “super musicians and unparalleled performers of stellar proportions” and they could not be more accurate or uncomplicated in their descriptions. For an hour we watched as they took us on an odyssey of sound, pathos, and deep healing in a loud way. Performing on tour together doesn’t come without its challenges and I commend Otto and Astrid for acknowledging and implementing “artistic boundaries”. Not every band would have the wisdom and practical experience to take a roll of duct tape, divide the stage in two halves, and each take ownership over one section of the audience whilst pitting them against one another over the course of an hour… But these siblings know how to resolve their differences in a way where the audience feel included, comfortable and free to witness a virtual estrangement played out publicly. Personally, I find Otto and Astrid’s commitment to their craft during times of great adversity inspiring, and I was delighted when they accepted my invitation to speak with them backstage shortly before Rolling Stone dialled in. You can keep up to date with Otto and Astrid’s hectic schedule and attachment issues by visiting ottoandastrid.com Or head to Instagram: @ottoandastrid – Jess Aiton Photo: Elaine Janes

The North Bellarine Film Festival is set to award a new category when it opens at the Potato Shed in Drysdale on the weekend of 17-18 November, 2023. The festival opens on Friday evening with the critically acclaimed French film Saint Omer, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Venice Film Festival. The Emerging Filmmaker Award will be presented Saturday evening to a young Victorian filmmaker and beginning this year, the audience will select a ‘Peoples’ Choice’ from the Emerging Filmmaker Award finalists. The Short Film Program on Saturday afternoon will include a diverse range of Australian and international short films that includes drama, mystery, comedy and animation. Short films are an exciting genre in filmmaking and this session should not be missed! Catering at the Opening Night and the Emerging Filmmaker Award ceremony will be provided by Portarlington café Pier Street. Beer, local wines and soft drinks will also be available at the cash bar. Festival Chair, Bill Lussier, called past the KickArts studios to give us an update of what to expect for this year’s festival. Listen to the interview below.