C31 Summer highlights

Channel 31 Melbourne and Geelong has followed the lead of the big guys by announcing some highlights for it summer schedule, and why not?

There are over 18 new shows in its season including four new programs Plein Air Painting, Victoria’s Islands, The Hook and The Cook, Get Dirty With Milton and a sixth season for Local Knowledge.

C31 General Manager Richard McLelland said, “Our new season programming ensures there is something for everyone on C31 this summer, offering exceptional programming choices which showcase local Melbourne and Geelong content you won’t find anywhere else.

“C31’s summer scheduling is a quality, local alternative for audiences to support and enjoy broadcast content made right here in Melbourne and Geelong.”

Summer season highlights:

• Local Knowledge – Returning Monday 5 December 2011 at 7.30pm for its eagerly anticipated 13-episode sixth season, Local Knowledge is a fascinating and heartfelt insight into a range of communities, local organisations and places within Melbourne and beyond. The series provides local documentary-makers the opportunity to tell their own emotional journey, with each episode following a different storyteller. Series standout episodes include an inspiring story about a young, disabled Greek actor who tries to find his identity within Australia; the story of one man’s epic walk from the border of Queensland to the border of Victoria; and a documentary that follows Australian circus icon Roy Maloy as he tries to establish his first circus troupe.

• Plein Air Painting – Premiering Tuesday 6 December 2011 at 6.30pm and running for 13 episodes, Plein Air Painting is a unique painting-on-location program which features tips, demonstrations and lifestyle segments in varying locations across Australia. Appealing to painters, artists as well as the broader community, Plein Air painting refers to the practice of completing a painting outdoors and on location. Join presenters Rod and Sue Moore – at locations including the Geelong waterfront and Williamstown – as they show how to capture beautiful outdoor scenery while uncovering the unique history behind each location.

• Victoria’s Islands – Brand new 13-episode series Victoria’s Islands premieres Wednesday 7 December 2011 at 7.00pm and features some of the state’s most beautiful islands. With over 180 islands in Victoria’s waters, there is much to discover with presenters Aaron McCarthy and Karen Mason from uninhabited reserves to large communities like Phillip Island. History, views and local characters deliver a humorous and informative experience in this never before seen program.

• The Hook and The Cook – Join ‘The Hook’, Scotty Lyons, and ‘The Cook’, Paul Breheny as they fish and cook mouth-watering seafood in The Hook and The Cook, premiering Saturday 10 December 2011 at 7.30pm. The pair travel to a new location in each of the series’ six episodes, and showcase regional produce, local knowledge, attractions, as well as creating delicious recipes right on location.

• Get Dirty With Milton – Premiering Friday 9 December 2011 at 7.30pm, get ready to spend a weekend in the garden with guru Milton Vadoulis in this new 13 episode series. With over 30 years of experience, Milton shares fabulous gardening tips for our climate and takes viewers on a tour of some of the most stunning gardens.