“In winter, fire is more friend than foe as we rely on wood to keep our houses warm. Tubbut Neighbourhood House has recommenced its wood gathering bees where people bring their saws and trailers together and everyone leaves with a load of wood,” coordinator at Tubbut Neighbourhood House, Deb Foskey said.

Organiser Lisa Camp said the weekends activities were possible with the help of a grant from the Arts Alliance at East Gippsland Shire Council.

“This year fire will be a source of entertainment as we head towards the solstice and the long winter nights which keep people indoors,” Ms Camp said.

“We see the dance and fire sculpture workshop as a way of balancing the horrific experiences of the fires of February 2014 the aftermath of which many of us are still dealing with.

“We are very excited about the quality of the workshop leaders who have international reputations. It is awesome that they are coming to our area.

“Margie Mackay (MA Theatre Design, BA Fine Arts) is a Melbourne-based artist and researcher engaged in ritual-art practices in communities both nationally and internationally. Known for utilising fire, projection, dance, and puppetry, Margie’s work over the past 25 years has been diverse and interdisciplinary with productions ranging from intimate indoor shows, to exuberant street theatre productions, street art installations and epic scale community ceremonies in many Arts Festivals and Community Gatherings.

“Originating from Zimbabwe, but now living in Australia, Gilbert Douglas is one of Southern Africaʼs most respected contemporary dance choreographers and teachers, and is the outgoing Artistic Director of Tumbuka Dance Company.

Gilbert has collaborated with Margie Mackay on many events in Australia, including co-choreographing for Dreamtime at the G (2012 and 2013).

On Saturday, June 11 there is a dance workshop between 2pm and 6pm and a workshop on fire, rope making and drawing. Day 2, Sunday the session runs from 1-8pm and people are asked to bring food for dinner to share.