Dear Listers 2006 will mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Australian artist Tom Roberts. To celebrate, the Tom Roberts Festival held in Inverell, northern NSW will throw open the doors on Roberts' life, works and loves with a10-day festival commencing April 21st. The Inverell district was the place Roberts came and stayed with his friend Duncan Anderson at Newstead; it is the scene for over a dozen of his acclaimed works, including 'Bailed Up' (AGNSW), 'In a Corner on the Macintyre' (NGA) and 'Shearing at Newstead - the Golden Fleece' (AGNSW). The festival will include a not-to-be-missed exhibition of Tom Roberts' originals from public and private collections; tours of Newstead station; a gala opening night and an evening with Roberts' great granddaughter, artist Lisa Roberts. The event will be a celebration of our region's cultural and historical identity with hands-on workshops for art, family history, photography and gardening and will culminate in a colourful street carnival - Tom's Birthday Party. For lovers of Australian art and those who wish to immerse themselves in a complete cultural experience, this festival cannot be missed. Why not help us celebrate 150 years of Tom Roberts? For your copy of the program, phone 02 6728 8161, email trfestival@northnet.com.au or log onto www.tomrobertsfestival.com.au Regards to you all Camilla McRae Festival Director Inverell Cultural and Arts Council PO Box 1110 INVERELL NSW 2360 You must be the change you want to see in the world (Mahatma Ghandi)