We thank you for entering the competition and wish you all good luck. Winners will be notified by late October and announced Australia wide early November.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Le Mot du Président
Chers tous,
Welcome to the September edition of your favourite
newsletter. On that note, do you realise that if you are reading this
newsletter, you are already halfway to your next trip to France!
Six members of the Papotage and Blahblah group braved the
cold wind and met up on 30 July at The Eddy by Toast café in Merimbula for a
delicious, chatty and cheerful get-together. During lunch, the fact that we
were speaking French attracted the attention of two younger women, one French
and one Flemish; I will leave you to imagine just how varied our topics of
conversation were!
Following an idea by Ian Showman, on 4 August, 33 members of
the Alliance Française gathered for a delicious lunch at ‘The Barracks’, the
student-run training restaurant at TAFE NSW Bega. For those of you who were
unable to attend, the menu was a true tribute to French cuisine, featuring
gougères, a ham hock terrine, duck confit served with a sour cherry jus,
melt-in-the mouth lamb navarin, a silky ratatouille and pommes Anna, to name
but a few of the dishes we were served. To round off the meal, we were treated
to some classic French desserts: profiteroles with hazelnut praline, crème brûlée
and crêpe Suzette — the perfect ending to a truly delicious meal. (see photos
on page 3). A huge thank you to Ian for this brilliant idea and to Mike for his
brilliant execution.
On 9 August, Wal and I went to Headland Theatre to see the
play “The Brainstorm”, and were delighted to catch up with a few members of the
Alliance Française. Patrick Dickson’s performance stands out for its intensity:
he takes to the stage alone for nearly two hours to portray several characters
and accents, whilst also evoking Guernsey’s wild seascape. Hats off to you, Mr
Dickson – you have captivated and enthralled us. Read on page 6 Simon Alridge’s
review.
Most of you will have heard about the photo competition
organised jointly by the Alliance Française network and the French Embassy in
Australia. You’ll find the details on pages 4 & 5, as well as on the
Alliance’s blog https:// afsaphir.blogspot.com/ I hope many of you will
participate in this event. Our next event is taking place on 17 September. I
definitely encourage you to join us for dinner, followed by the AGM and the
screening of the movie Les Choristes (The Chorus). Released in 2004, the film
was (and still is) a huge hit with the public, a little gem that you will
discover, with immense pleasure. The film is short and effective, funny and
poignant, cruel and tender. A little masterpiece that concludes with a
wonderfully nostalgic touch. I highly recommend it to you.
To finish my chitchat, I have a message specifically for our
car rally enthusiasts: for family reasons, I am unfortunately unable to
organise our rally this year. I can assure you that this is only a
postponement, and I look forward to seeing you all again next year for another
day of discovery and fun.
Sylvie
Monday, August 31, 2026
Say Cheese… it’s open
The competition is officially OPEN! 🌟
Grab your camera (or your phone!) and send us your best shot before 30 September.
No theme. No rules. Just your eye, your light, your story, your imagination — and a little bit of French flair. 🌟
Give your photo a title in French. 🇫🇷
Submit your photo to the Alliance Française today via the link:
https://framaforms.org/say-cheese-photo-contest-1787554799
or: 🖇 afsaphire.blogspot.com
Bonne chance (Good luck)
With the support of @franceinaustralia
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Say Cheese Photography Competition
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SAY CHEESE! is a photography contest conducted by the Alliance Française network and the French Embassy in Australia to celebrate the Bicentenary of Photography. |
| Two hundred years ago, a French engineer changed the world forever by inventing permanent photography. Now it’s your turn! |
Submissions are open from 1 to 30 September 2026.
Whether you shoot on your camera or your phone, this is your moment to be part of a global celebration that started in a small French village two centuries ago.
How to enter:
The contest is free and open to everyone in Australia over the age of 16, no matter your experience, and you don't need to be a member of the Alliance Française to participate.
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The key points are: |
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Winning prize:
🥇$200 courtesy of the French Embassy in Australia, in a form of cash, a subscription to a French magazine, a 5 year family membership for the Alliance Française, or even free entries to Alliance’s events (restaurant, concerts…etc.)
The Winning entry will be showcased at national level across the Alliance Française Australia network and the French Embassy in Australia. A National Winner will be selected by public vote.
Entry guidelines:
- Photographs in JPG or PNG format (refer to Terms and Conditions)
- One submission per participant
- Submit photo after 1 September via [Add link to Google Form on 01/09/26]
- By submitting your entry, you agree to the Contest Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
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Key dates: |
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Submissions Open |
1 September 2026 |
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Submissions Close |
30 September 2026 |
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Winner Notified |
Mid October |
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Winner Announced |
Early November |
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Australia Winner |
Late 2026 (French Embassy’s Instagram profile) |
Questions?
Contact Alliance Française of the Sapphire Coast here
🎥 🧀 😀
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Say Cheese! is proud to have Martine Perret, French-Australian photographer, as Ambassador. |
|
 © David Dare Parker |
“Photography is my language for articulating ideas and creating dialogue. I see the process as relational - built on trust, collaboration, and ensuring the people I work with have agency in how they are represented. I believe photography can be a form of social engagement and meaningful change. The bicentenary represents an opportunity not only to reflect on the past, but to question whose histories have been remembered and whose have been overlooked. I encourage photographers from across the Alliance Française network in Australia to take part in this competition. Your perspective matters, and your images will become part of the bicentenary of photography. Say Cheese!” Martine Perret |
About the Alliance Française Network in Australia:
The Alliance Française Australia network was created to promote the French language and culture, and to encourage cultural, intellectual, and artistic exchange between Australia and the French-speaking world. Since 1989, the annual Alliance Française French Film Festival has become a major event in Australia, bringing the best of French cinema down under.
Today, 29 Alliances Françaises operate throughout Australia as not-for-profit organisations, as do more than 800 chapters worldwide.
About the Bicentenary of Photography:
In 1826-27, French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce captured what is considered the world's first photograph from the window of his Burgundy estate, “Point de Vue du Gras”. That single image launched a revolution that transformed art, science, journalism, memory, and everyday life across the globe. Two hundred years later, photography is more alive — and more democratic — than ever. Say Cheese! is the Australian Francophile community's contribution to this extraordinary anniversary.
To know more about the Bicentenary of photography, visit the Ministère de la Culture website.
 Point de vue du Gras The original plate is on display at the Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas in Austin. |
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Le Mot du Président
Chers amis,
This month, I will start with some very special news: the
Moulin Rouge has appointed an Australian woman as its ballet mistress. Nicole
Savage, born in Brisbane, has just been appointed ballet director at the Moulin
Rouge in Paris. This is a historic appointment for this former dancer at the
famous cabaret, where she began her career in 2008, and which now sees her at
the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious stage productions. One figure
perfectly illustrates the special bond between Australia and the cabaret: among
the 18 nationalities currently represented in the Moulin Rouge troupe,
Australians make up the largest national group. This statistic testifies to the
exceptional talent of Australian dancers and their particular affinity for the
art of French-style cabaret.
The other big news of this month is the launch of our
Alliance's Instagram account, which I invite you to follow: AF_Cote_Saphir. It
is still in its early stages, but it will soon become a regular source of
information, including one about a photo competition (see the flyer on page 2).
For more visibility, both Instagram and Facebook pages are now linked. Please
don't hesitate to share your comments and feedback with us.
On 4 July, Wal and I went to the ‘Sounds of the 60s’
concert, performed by Spirit Allegro, and were delighted to catch up with a few
members of the Alliance Française. It was a most enjoyable afternoon of music:
the choir and the musicians treated us to a superb performance that was a real
treat for everyone’s ears. I highly recommend that you don’t miss their next
performance.
Bastille Day, what a fantastic evening! We celebrated the
French National Day in grand style and with true French flair. The atmosphere
was incredible, filled with joy, laughter, magnificent costumes, extraordinary
musicians, and outstanding food. A truly unforgettable evening, full of warmth,
friendship, and celebration. The Best Costume winners were Marie-Antoinette,
alias Bec Shoebridge and Napoléon, alias Wal Wolzak; August Rodin, alias Simon Arlidge,
won the jury Special Award.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event so
special, our members and their guests, the Metro staff restaurant team, Janine,
Billy and Nani, our wonderful musicians, Jarrah, Andy, Phil, and Michael, and a
very special thank you to Jessie, Max, Mike, and Wal for their invaluable help
in setting up the scene.
Our next event will be a French buffet lunch at the Barracks
restaurant at Bega TAFE. The hospitality students have put together a very
special and mouth watering menu. I am counting on you all to show your support
and appreciation, as I am sure it will be another very successful event! See
you on Tuesday 4 August.
Bien à vous,
Sylvie
Monday, July 6, 2026
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Le Mot du Président
Chers amis,
On 18 June, Lilias and Mike, with the help of Justin, Amazing
Grapes Canberra, reopened their Centre de Vino-thérapie (Wine Therapy centre),
much to the delight of 32 attendees, members and guests. Once again, it was a
very pleasant and cheerful evening, full of all sorts of conversations; we were
so caught up in our conversations that we only took one photo… but we all had a
brilliant time!
It is nearly 14 July, so our Mouette is in a revolutionary
mood and has decided to take our monthly newsletter by storm! Every year, 14
July transforms France’s towns and villages into one huge public celebration.
Fireworks, firemen’s balls and military parades mark the day, but did you know
that 14 July actually commemorates the Fête de la Fédération (Federation Day),
celebrated on 14 July 1790, rather than the storming of the Bastille itself?
This event symbolised the unity of the French people after a year of
revolutionary upheaval, prioritising national cohesion over the violence of the
siege. It was not until 1880 that 14 July was officially declared a national
holiday, thanks to MP Benjamin Raspail. Before that, the date changed several
times: 4 May, 30 June, 15 August… This final choice was intended to firmly
anchor the Republic in the collective memory.
Since I am on the subject of the Bastille, here are two
interesting facts:
• At the time of its storming, the Bastille held only seven
prisoners, most of whom were there for debt or matters of honour; the
insurgents’ real objective was primarily to seize the ammunition. The
revolutionaries subsequently embellished the account to justify their actions.
• Pierre-François Palloy, a visionary entrepreneur,
infiltrated the ranks of the attackers to negotiate the demolition of the
fortress. In less than two days, he secured the contract and profited from the
sale of the stones, whilst organising guided tours for two years!
July is not just about the storming of the Bastille; it is
also the month to celebrate ‘Christmas’. From 10 to 19 July 2026, Sydney’s
historic Rocks district will host the ‘Christmas in July’ festival. Over ten magical
nights, visitors can wander amongst traditional European-style wooden chalets,
where over 30 stallholders will be offering handmade gifts, seasonal treats,
winter drinks and culinary experiences inspired by French, German and Alps
Christmas markets. If you love snowflakes, sauerkraut, mulled wine and
Christmas desserts, this is the place to be!
To add a touch of glamour to your programme, make a note that
the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is hosting the largest exhibition ever
dedicated to Cartier in Australia, from 12 June to 4 October 2026. The
exhibition traces the evolution of the house, from its beginnings in Paris at
the turn of the 20th century to its most contemporary creations.
I would also like to mention events taking place in our
region, either because members of our Alliance Française are participating in
them, or because they have a connection to France. I therefore strongly encourage
you to go and enjoy:
Spirit Allegro “Sounds of the 60s” - tickets $15 at the door.
Saturday 4 July 2:00pm, Wolumla Hall
Sunday 5 July 2:00pm, Nethercote Hall. The Brainstorm - tickets https://events.humanitix.com/the-brainstorm/tickets
We have all heard of Victor Hugo and his works “Les
Misérables” and “Notre-Dame de Paris” (The Hunchback of Notre Dame*). In this
show, Patrick Dickson invites us to dive into the boundless imagination of this
extraordinary man. Combining storytelling, original music, and animated
projections, the show explores the author’s tumultuous life and creative
genius, offering a visually rich and theatrically inventive journey into the
world of Victor Hugo.
Headland Theatre - Tathra Hotel Friday 7 August 7:00pm
Saturday 8 August 7:00pm
Sunday 9 August 2:00pm
I am counting on you all to come celebrate Bastille Day in
style, dressed up as a legendary French figure of your choice and ready to have
an unforgettable evening.
Bien à vous,
Sylvie
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