Latest news with #Geraldton-born
West Australian
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Authors inspire senior students with stories of identity, culture and creativity at reading challenge panel
Senior students at Geraldton Senior High School were treated to an inspiring Q&A-style author panel on Thursday as part of the 2025 Premier's Reading Challenge, which has extended its reach to Year 11 and 12 students for the first time. The event featured renowned Geraldton-born author Holden Sheppard, award-winning graphic novelist Aska and Jayden Boundry — a Noongar language teacher and cultural consultant, didgeridoo player, traditional dancer and storyteller with Ngalak Nidja. Each shared their own unique creative journeys. Sheppard spoke candidly to the students about his struggles with high school and identity, and how writing became a powerful outlet. Aska delved into the art of combining words and visuals to tell stories, and spoke of her time as a quantum physicist and how that shaped her into the author she is today. Boundry reflected on the importance of culture and oral storytelling in his work. The Premier's Reading Challenge, which had previously been open only to students from kindergarten to Year 10, was expanded this year to include Year 11 and 12 students across WA and encourages students to develop a love of books, reading and improve language and literacy skills. The panel of exceptional authors and storytellers had a profound effect on Geraldton senior students as they became more engaged as the discussion continued. The main messaged discussed was that reading and writing are not only a 'nerdy' pastime, but also a powerful tool that can be used for expression, education and culture — something meaningful and personal.
West Australian
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Homegrown talent Jade Baynes to hit Sydney's Capitol Theatre in award-winning musical The Book of Mormon
A multi-talented Geraldton-born singer and actress has scored an important role in one of the world's most beloved musicals, showing in Sydney. Jade Baynes has been cast as a swing for the critically-acclaimed musical The Book of Mormon. She recently appeared as Bec in the Geraldton-based Stan original series Invisible Boys based on the novel by Holden Sheppard, and has starred in major productions such as Matt Ward's Priscilla: Queen of the Desert and the Aussie premiere of All Shook Up The Musical. A Tony, Olivier, and Grammy award-winning production, The Book of Mormon follows the misadventures of two Mormon missionaries in a remote Ugandan village as they attempt to spread their faith and will. Baynes has been cast as a swing — a performer who understudies multiple ensemble roles, ready to step in at any time if a member is unable to perform. Swings may also cover other principal roles in addition to their ensemble duties. Baynes said she was ecstatic to be a part of such a huge musical, and hoped she can do her role justice. 'When I found out I'd been cast as a swing in The Book of Mormon, I was genuinely shocked,' she said. 'I've done everything from ensemble to lead roles before, but never swing, which is easily one of the most complex and demanding jobs in musical theatre. 'The fact that the creative team saw something in me that said, 'Yep, she can handle this,' still blows my mind.' The musical, which will open in July at Sydney's Capitol Theatre stars a cast including Sean Johnston (Hairspray) as Elder Price, Nick Cox (Beauty and the Beast) as Elder Cunningham, Paris Leveque who is making her professional debut as Nabulungi, Tom Struik (Sister Act the Musical) as Elder McKinley, Simbarashe Matshe (Filthy Business) as Mafala Hatimbi, Augie Tchantcho who is reprising his role in The Book of Mormon as The General and Matthew Hamilton (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical) as Mission President. With cast and creatives coming from Broadway to deliver the show in Sydney, Baynes said she was 'more than ready' to use 'every bit of my brain capacity' and 'be the best swing I can be.'
