Danielle de Niese, international soprano – a personal reflection  “Danielle’s wonderful voice was a gift from God,” : Johnny Young (The Observer) – By Marie Pietersz: Melbourne Melbourne has been agog with excitement at the return of Melbourne-born, internationally recognised Danielle de Niese (Danni to friends) for her Australian debut to star in the lead role of The Merry Widow.  Huge street posters, some gracing Federation Square, Glen Waverley (near her  former Melbourne home) and Keysborough, and banners lining St Kilda Road near the Arts Centre, Melbourne, are testimony to the welcome home Opera Australia  had for this diva who left Melbourne as a little girl and returned home as an adult and international star, described by some as the opera world’s answer to Beyonce. Poster advertising The Merry Widow Danielle didn’t disappoint and delivered the results Opera Australia and her Australian fans wanted and expected. She slipped into her part with a talented Australian cast with ease and received encore after encore for her own inflection ...

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THE LEGACY LIVES ON – Story and pictures by Marie Pietersz, Melbourne      THE LEGACY LIVES ON Sixteen-year-old Nisal Sri Jayamaha, older son of  Dandenong residents Yasas and Pradeepa Jayamaha, took away the coveted second placing in the KATA Martial Arts category at the recent 2017 IKA  (Independent Kyokushin Alliance) National Championships in Canberra in July.  Nisal started learning the sport of martial arts at the tender age of six at the BJ Kyokushin dojo in Dandenong (Victoria) under the guidance of Sensei Z uz.   He has competed and won many trophies and medals throughout his years of training in karate. He is currently a Brown Belt with a Black Tag. Nisal is the grandson of famous Sri Lankan boxer S.P Jayasuriya, Bronze Medallist in the Flyweight category at the Fourth Asian Games, Jakarta, 1962.   Nisal dedicated his accomplishment to his grandfather who passed away before the Nationals and couldn’t see his grandson compete and win. Jayasuriya was a well-known athlete and boxer. In 2010 Jayasuriya was felicitated by the Sri Lankan Sports ...

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CULTURAL EVENTS EMPOWER YOUTH FOR AUSTRALIA – Story and photography by Marie Pietersz Click on the photos below to view the Photos on eLanka Facebook page MSLA female winners MSLA Miss winner                                        MSLA for Leader MSLA judges MSLA Winners MSLA VIPs MSLA teen winners CULTURAL EVENTS EMPOWER YOUTH FOR AUSTRALIA – Story and photography by Marie Pietersz The 2017 Miss Sri Lanka Australia national and state titles were awarded to winners of the categories of Miss, Mr, Mrs, Ms and Teen at this year’s pageant and crowning ceremony held at the Box Hill Town Hall (Victoria) on 6 August. The glamourous event presented by Melbourne-based bridal collection house, Savish Corporation,  was patronised by about 350 guests and dignitaries, which included Victorian politicians and local and international community leaders, long-time supporters of this pageant, ...

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Black Betty by 1961 Coffeehead.com.au now serving in Canterbury… Story and pictures by Marie Pietersz You can now indulge your caffeine hit and stimulate your senses at the same time at Black Betty’s coffee house, among the exotic foliage and blooms of Scintilla Flowers, in the beautiful precinct of Canterbury’s grand old charm. Black Betty is the entrepreneurial venture of co-owners Ash and Shiroma Nathan and Glen and Simonne Couthino, opening its doors for business on 10 February at 180 Canterbury Road. Nestled among the tranquil leafy glades of Melbourne’s east, Black Betty is the place to visit if you are looking for a coffee experience with a difference, with extras to boot. The name Black Betty honours the pretty barmaid who worked in the famous coffee house in Covent Garden, London, in 1720. This dedicated coffee house/retail store, cafe and florist serves exquisite coffee, scrumptious food, beautiful bouquets, and ...

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MY SENIORS’ WEEK FESTIVAL 2016 STORY – MARIE PIETERSZ  I have always been interested in community work and as an English tutor I have worked with many migrant adults and students. Then an opportunity came along when I was approached to teach dancing to seniors. I thought what a wonderful way it would be for my interests as a dancer, tutor and community worker to come together. Before long I was feeling good about the opportunity to help seniors learn lifelong skills through dancing, one of the best exercises one could claim for everybody, and for seniors to help with memory, fitness, flexibility, freedom of movement and exercises for bone density, through gentle cardio workouts. I have been teaching dancing to seniors now for about 10 years. My voluntary classes at the University of the Third Age have grown, sometimes with a waiting list of over a year to get in. It ...

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OKIE DOKIE, GORDON IS 80 by Marie Pietersz Gordon Senn celebrated his octogenarian birthday at the trendy Braeside function centre, Okie Dokie, on Saturday 16 July. Friends and well-wishers packed the venue for a rock ‘n’ roll night, a fitting theme for Gordon who loves music and dancing and can be seen ‘tripping the light fantastic’ with wife Joyce at Sri Lankan socials and dances each weekend for as long as one could remember. ...

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Celebrating or entertaining at home? We have a ‘chef on the run’ for you! Cinnamon’s cater for all occasions − from finger food to elegant buffets at your chosen location. Or we offer two venues with 200 and 150 seating capacity respectively for in-house functions with no additional venue hire fees. We also offer a variety of food in the form of take-away platters that will feed 10-12 people each. Email your requirements to info@cinnamons.com.au or call 03 9574 9686 or mobile 0415 185 558 for worry-free events. Friday night eat-outs? We’ve got the perfect venue and price for you! Hoppers, Kottu, Dosa, Goat Biryani, Lamb Rogan Josh, Mint Chutney, Eggplant Moju, Butter Chicken, Devilled Calamari, Fried Noodles, Fried Fish, Lemon Chicken, Fish Ambul Thiyal, Steamed Rice, Bitter Melon Salad, and many more options including an array of vegetarian dishes and desserts. All you can eat Buffet @ $25 per ...

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