The Go-Betweens were an indie rock band from Brisbane, who began in 1977. The line-up of the band changed over the years, except for the founding duo of Robert Forster and Grant McLennan. Their song, "The Streets Of Your Town", was written in 1988, just prior to the recording of their sixth album "16 Lovers Lane". There was some conjecture about which town was being referred to in the song, even amongst the group. Listening to the lyrics reveals some quite dark themes, particularly regarding domestic violence and the destruction of iconic city-scapes, carried out by the Deen brothers during the tenure of the Bjelke-Peterson government in Queensland.
There were also artistic and personality clashes within the Go-Betweens and the group folded in 1989, with the members going their own ways. During the late 1990s, Forster and McLennan began collaborating again, with the Go-Betweens reforming in 2000. The death of McLennan in 2006 signalled the final demise of the Go-Betweens, though Forster continued to work as a solo artist.
The focal point of The Go-Betweens was the song writing skills of Forster and McLennan, who were described as one of the greatest song-writing partnerships of their time. Each developed a distinctive but complementary style: Forster's songs were angular and angst-ridden, making much use of irony and unusual lyrical imagery, while McLennan's were generally softer and more sensitive, his lyrics often based on character study and reported speech.
"The Streets Of Your Town" remains as one of my favourite songs, even now. Having grown up in Brisbane and Sydney and moving to Perth in 1982, there are references to all these places of my youth through the lyrics. Now, living in Heavenly Beverley, a much smaller town, this song still resonates. Let me explain.
I absolutely love Beverley. I love the size. We seem to gravitate towards those others who are different, quirky, artistic, who have also embraced life in a small town. Through the East End Arts precinct, we have met amazing people, with whom we have maintained contact. At 130 kilometres from Perth, we are in the ideal location to welcome visitors. We believe Beverley has the ability to delight locals and tourists alike.
Join me now on a tour of the Streets Of Our Town -
- 98 Vincent Street (eastern end of Beverley close to the bridge) - is where arty visitors will find Mandy's Art Garden, which opens for workshops during the cooler months. Mandy also has an active online presence and loves to experiment with media ranging from watercolour to papercrete constructions. Contact Mandy on 0499 120 125 or through mandyevansartgarden.com
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- 104 Vincent Street - is the site of the Freemasons Tavern, now open 7 days a week, has been beautifully renovated inside and has a most attractive beer garden. More more information please phone 9646 1347, email them at freemasonstavernbeverley@outlook.com or check out their Facebook page.
- 109 Vincent Street - sandwiched between T Bones and Sons butcher's shop (great meat!) and the Red Vault cafe is Avon Trading's "Nex Dor", which showcases garden gifts, pots, BBQs, and outdoor furniture. A long term passion of Vicki's has come to life! For more information, please call 9646 1006 or check out their Facebook page.
- 115 Vincent Street - is the spot for the Red Vault Cafe - open 7 days a week from 8am - 6pm Monday - Friday and 8am - 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information please call 9646 0008 or check out their Facebook page.
- 116 Vincent Street - WE ARE the East End Gallery and Arts Precinct, which incorporates the East End Gallery, Studio 116 featuring jeweller, designer and artisan Rebecca Buglass and artist, teacher and facilitator Marion Luck, plus Jodie Edom Nolf's Vincent Street Emporium. Michael's studio and "Man Cave" is part of our usual "tour". We are open Wednesdays - Mondays, plus we hold free events throughout the year and we provide our guests with information about Beverley and promotion of other artistic endeavours in town.
For further information -
Kate 0414 255 781/ Michael 0400 373 822/
Rebecca 0422 433 434/ Marion 0402 029 011/
Jodie 0415 369 405
Email -
Kate - thewifofsif@gmail.com
Rebecca - becca124@hotmail.com
Marion - mazart2011@hotmail.com
Facebook -
eastendartistsprecinctbeverleywa
Blog -
heavenlybeverley.blogspot.com
Instagram -
@rluckdesign
@michaelsofoulisartist
@katesofoulis
Webpage -
www.michaelsofoulisawardwinningwheatbeltartist.com
Michael Sofoulis...
- 120 Vincent Street - Beverley Station Gallery and Platform Theatre is operated by Beverley Station Arts, housing the Beverley Shire's art collection, offering an Artist-in-Residence programme and organising an exciting host of shows at the Platform Theatre or in our Town Hall. Set in lovely gardens that are open to the public. The Gallery itself is open Thursdays - Sundays 11am - 3pm. For more information please call 0419 040 063
- 121 Vincent Street is there to tempt your taste-buds at the Beverley Bakery Cafe. Think delicious rolls, pies, sweet treats, sushi, coffee and more. Open 6 days a week from 7am For more information please call 9646 1839 or check out their Facebook page.
- 131 Vincent Street is the home of the fabulous Lucky Find Boutique, facilitated by the irrepressible Kylie Watts. Think clothing, shoes, accessories, giftware and much more! Her opening hours are usually displayed in her front window, Kylie can be contacted on 0479 037425.
- 128 Vincent Street is literally the centre of town. The glorious Federation and heritage listed Beverley Post Office is a wonderful glimpse of the past whilst having all the conveniences of modern postal services and an array of gifts, books, toys and other items. The Post office is open Mondays - Fridays and Saturday mornings. For more information, call 9646 1300.
- 138 Vincent Street is the location of the Art Deco Beverley Town Hall, built in 1938 is a multi-purpose venue, hosting the Community Markets, the Beverley Station Arts Easter Exhibition and Beverley Art Prize, the Rose Shoe along with performing arts shows throughout each year. The Hall is also a lovely "old world" place for weddings and receptions. For more information, please call 9646 1200.
- 141 Vincent Street is another Beverley landmark. The Beverley Visitors Centre is within the Cornerstone Building, built in a sympathetic style to compliment the Town Hall. Home to the Beverley Library, offices, the Community Resource Centre and a function room, the CRC staff will assist you Mondays - Fridays with volunteers operating the Visitors Centre over most weekends.
- 149 Vincent Street has the geometric Beverley Dome Servo open fro 5am - 8pm 7 days a week! Offering fuel, food, groceries, drinks, newspapers and other sundries. Dine in or take away. For more information and to view their menu, please check out their Facebook page or call 6285 5663.
- One Tree Cafe, run entirely by volunteers, has opened again on Sundays and Mondays.Located behind St Mary's Church on John Street, please call Nicolette on 0419 194 420 for more information.
- The Beverley Community Garden continues to open Saturday and Tuesday mornings. Located next to the RSL on Forrest Street. Once a disused drain, now a thriving and productive garden! Please call 0400 569 971,
Beverley Community Markets continue on the 1st Saturday of each month 8am - 1pm at the Beverley town hall. For more information or to join this merry band of stall holders, please call Jenny Foster on 0418 454 571.
- Discover your inner child at the Moort Wabiny playground and skate park. Moort Wabiny caters for all ages and has shade, BBQs, seating and water. Located in the centre of Beverley on Vincent Street.
- Embark on a sentimental journey through Ferguson's Vintage Machinery Collection,open weekends @ 22 Hunt Road or by appointment on 9646 1034.
The Beverley Soaring Society continues to offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity of glorious glider flights.For general queries, please call 0407 385 361.
The cooler months until late spring mean a tramp up Quajibin or a beach outing to Yenyening Lakes. And the night skies of the Wheatbelt will take your breath away. Just remember the insect repellent!
The Dead Finish Museum, another volunteer run enterprise, has opened again for 2025 until November. The Dead Finish is located on the corner of Hunt Road and Morrison Street. More information on 0417 973 559 or 0427 411 881,
- Want to know more about the Beverley Agricultural Museum? Located on Avondale Farm 5 kilometres from Beverley on Waterhatch road. Please call John on 9646 0768 or the Beverley Shire on 9646 1200.
Avondale Farm, 5 kilometres from Beverley on Waterhatch Road, is open every weekend until November. Please phone Bronwyn on 0461 421 455 for info.
This mammoth effort to describe the streets of our town began at about 4 o'clock this afternoon. Now 10.30pm. I have expressed my passion for our town, hoping that Gallery guests and other visitors catch my enthusiasm.Please also be aware of the accommodation choices here in Heavenly Beverley for an extended stay - our RV park, the Beverley Caravan Park and (very stylish) cabins, the comfort of the Beverley B&B and the charm of the Freemasons Tavern.So, without further ado, here is the launch of "The Streets Of Our Town". Do come out and see us soon!
Cheers - Kate and Michael.
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