It is that time of the year again, when the Opera on the Mountain takes place, and usually Grhowever because of our commitment to the Christmas in July even, we decided not to take on this event as well. It went ahead without the Lassiter's being there to film it and a report is below.

Opera Shines Despite the Weather

Despite severe inclement weather, Tamborine Mountain's 'Opera on the Mountain' attracted more than 400 patrons, performers and back-up personnel last Sunday at the Cedar Creek Winery Estate.

Tamborine Mountain Resident's Association Opera Chairman, Ian Shepherd said the four-hour non-stop event has already received rave reviews from the media and guests. “Weather reports about the Mountain experiencing a 'storm bomb' on Sunday afternoon really gave us some concern,” Ian said. “We were prepared to relocate the open air event to the local community centre as part of our contingency plan, but we were encouraged to proceed at the initial site by the performers and many supporters.

“The program was certainly the most entertaining in our short five-year history and was definitely the most challenging. It was a success and that is the main issue.” Ian said the local SES crew that carried out a multitude of background opera tasks on the day had spent the previous night searching for a lost hiker in the Lamington Plateau. (She was found early on Sunday morning).

The Tamborine Mountain crew was able to have a quick breakfast before reporting for duty at the opera venue before 10.00am. “The main beneficiaries of the opera profits were the local SES and Rural Fire Brigade. We are very appreciative of the deep and sincere community spirit that runs high on our Mountain and they need our support,” Ian said.

The President of the Tamborine Mountain Resident's Association, Cr Richard Adams and Opera Chairman, Ian Shepherd welcomed the Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor, Cr John Brent to the 'Opera on the Mountain' last Sunday. It was Cr Brent's first official visit to the Mountain as the Shire Mayor.                                             P. Steinmuller