Family and friends joined local singer songwriter Claire O'Connell for the launch of her two new albums at Gracebrook Vineyards in the King Valley on 22 November.

'Standing on the Edge' is Claire's first original album since 2021 - the result of a very creative year - while Claire & Co Cover Songs includes 15 of some of Claire's favourite songs to share with audiences.

The vocalist who hails from the King Valley and is also a regular performer at venues in the region, was thrilled to celebrate at the winery with loved ones.

About 55 people came along and were treated to some live entertainment, as Claire performed all seven of her original songs, and she said two songs in particular struck a chord with her guests.

"Carry Your Heart, which I wrote for my twin sister as a big surprise, had everyone in tears - including myself," she said.

"They also enjoyed Fool For You which is a beautiful love song."

Standing on the Edge came together over four years, Claire taking inspiration from her travels, experiences and the people she's met along the way.

She describes the album as "very easy listening" and acoustic, with only one or two instruments in each song, telling stories of love and life - produced with care and her own creative control.

The performer and vocal coach is well on the way to achieving her goal of writing, recording and producing 100 songs in her lifetime, saying creating and sharing music is her greatest passion.

The albums have now been publicly released and after a well-deserved celebration, Claire is looking forward to announcing new projects for 2026.

"I loved having the launch in my hometown of King Valley and Gracebrook winery made it extra special with their amazing service, views, food and wine," she said.

"It was a spectacular night - my best album launch so far."

For more information visit Claire & Co Music on Facebook, with the albums now available on all the major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

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King Valley in brief

Roadworks scheduled in Whitfield

Transport Victoria will begin rehabilitation works on a 1.8km section of the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road between Peipers Lane and Whitty Lane next week.

It is expected to take approximately 11 weeks to complete and includes pavement, drainage and guard rail works north of Gentle Annie Lane, plus patching and resurfacing works south of Gentle Annie Lane.

Crews will be working from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday with weekend and night works as required and delays of up to 10 minutes are expected.

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King Valley Arts Film Club screening

THE King Valley Arts Film Club will launch the fourth season of the club at the Cheshunt Hall cinema on Tuesday, 9 December.

Members are invited to bring family and friends to this free first screening of the fourth season, with delicious nibbles and drinks to be provided for as part of a special, end of year celebration.

To honour the very first film club screening of Rear Window, the December movie will be another Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece, North By Northwest (1959).

Doors open at 7pm for the 7.30pm screening at the Cheshunt Hall cinema.

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Moyhu Lions Christmas Country Market

The next Moyhu Lions Country Market on Saturday, 20 December will have a Christmas theme.

There will be a best dressed Christmas-themed outfit competition with prizes for adults and children to be won, and Santa will be making an appearance.

The bumper market will run from 8am to 12pm and feature over 30 stalls with a great range of gifts items and seasonal produce, and there will also be a Christmas hamper raffle.

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Christmas celebration at Whitfield Recreation Reserve

The Whitfield Recreation Reserve will host a community Christmas barbecue on Sunday, 21 December from 6pm to late, with all welcome to attend.

There will be live music and entertainment for children including facepainting, with barbecue and soft drinks provided (BYO alcoholic drinks) and Santa is also expected to make an appearance.

RSVP by 11 December is essential for catering purposes to kvccomplex@gmail.com or call or message Cathy on 0427 057 849 or Bruce on 0427 554 234.

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