Speculation surrounds the fate of the career of Amy Castles – a singer who emerged in Bendigo in the late 1890s. She had a rich, sonorous voice but much to learn about how to use it. Taken up by an entrepreneurial priest Father George Robinson in 1898, Amy was touted as the singer most likely to supplant the reigning Australian and international queen of song Dame Nellie Melba. Some have argued that the Protestant Melba, jealous of her Catholic ‘rival’, scuttled Amy’s career due to professional and Protestant malice – but such theories don’t reveal the whole truth.

This investigative presentation by Dr Jeff Brownrigg features examples of Amy’s recorded performances and archival and published evidence to explore what really happened to Amy Castles.

A passionate glimpse into Australia’s film and sound history
The National Film and Sound Archive presents three events by the NFSA OWLS in association with U3A. Delve into Australia’s audiovisual history with special insights from former staff, returning to share their passion for the NFSA collection.

The NFSA supports the OWLS (Old Wise Lovely Seniors) in presenting four programs annually for members of U3A and the broader community.

Make it a lunch date: The NFSA café sells a delicious range of toasted sandwiches, cold drinks, coffee and cakes. Enjoy a light lunch or morning tea in our beautiful heritage Art Deco courtyard. Open 8.30 am to 3.00 pm on weekdays and 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on weekends.

Image: A poster for Amy Castles’ concerts on her return to Australia in 1902. (From The New Melba, Jeff Brownrigg, Crossing Press 2006)

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February

Fri 14 Feb

10:00 AM

Arc Cinema

1 McCoy Circuit Acton, Australian Capital Territory, 2601

Information

Transport

Accessibility

We are situated in the heart of Canberra on McCoy Circuit, Acton, between the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and the grounds of the Australian National University. Just a 10-minute walk from the city and state bus interchanges.

BY BUS - WEEKDAYS

Note: the NFSA is open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day), and outside those times for special film screenings and events – see our upcoming events calendar.
ON THE NUMBER 6
Route R6 runs between Woden Interchange and City West approximately every 10 to 20 minutes from 5.30am to 11.00pm weekdays. To use this service to visit the NFSA, alight at London Cct after Edinburgh Ave and proceed 600 metres along Gordon Street to the entrance on McCoy circuit.
ON THE NUMBER 53
Route 53 runs between National Museum Lennox Crossing and Dickson Shops Cowper Street on average every 30 minutes from 7.00am to 10.10pm weekdays. Bus alights at Liversidge St behind the NFSA.
Transport Canberra's Routes and Timetables site can help you find the most practical way to our venue (and others).
ON THE CULTURE LOOP FREE SHUTTLE BUS
The free Culture Loop shuttle bus stops at NewActon (on Edinburgh Avenue), within walking distance of the NFSA.

BY BUS - WEEKENDS

Note: the NFSA is open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day), and outside those times for special film screenings and events – see our upcoming events calendar.
ON THE NUMBER 6
Route R6 runs between Woden Interchange and City West approximately every 10 to 20 minutes from 7.00am to 9.00pm weekends and public holidays. To use this service to visit the NFSA, alight at London Cct after Edinburgh Ave and proceed 600 metres along Gordon Street to the entrance on McCoy circuit.
Transport Canberra's Routes and Timetables site can help you find the most practical way to our venue (and others).
ON THE CULTURE LOOP FREE SHUTTLE BUS
The free Culture Loop shuttle bus stops at NewActon (on Edinburgh Avenue), within walking distance of the NFSA.

PARKING

There is dedicated visitor parking on the premises between McCoy Circuit and Ellery Cresent (paid parking, up to three hours). There is also limited free parking surrounding the building on Liversidge Street.
We recommend using public transport in peak times.

Accessible parking is available off McCoy Circuit.
Wheelchair/accessible access via Liversidge Street.