STM Loves: Casey Donovan, Sodashi X Etto, Lavender Estate, Offmarket Gallery & Kelly Donougher

Casey Donovan

Performer Casey Donovan is bringing her powerhouse vocals west, first to perform at the iconic Telethon fundraiser on October 18-19 and then next year, when she embarks on a national tour. Donovan was just 16 when she became the youngest winner of Australian Idol and has built a career over two decades, including on the theatrical stage (she performed in Sister Act The Musical’s recent season at Crown Perth). Donovan will perform at both the opening and closing shows at Telethon, and be part of a panel on the Sunday. Next year’s tour, which is in WA March 5-15 and includes gigs in Kwinana, Gosnells, Harvey, Moora, Beverley, Esperance, Narrogin, Margaret River and Albany, will showcase Donovan’s songs from Australian Idol classics to tunes from hit musicals including The Sapphires, We Will Rock You, Chicago and & Juliet. See caseydonovan.com for details and tickets.

Sodashi X Etto

This meeting of two WA-founded brands stems from founders Megan Larsen (Sodashi) and Andrea Horwood (Etto) both appearing in an STM feature on wellness and skincare earlier this year. The pair connected and the result is this exclusive collaboration, a nourishing vitamin body oil dubbed a love letter from Western Australia. The oil, infused with blue mallee eucalyptus grown on Etto’s wind-powered farm then blended by Sodashi with vitamins and botanicals including lavender and honey myrtle, comes in 100ml black glass bottles, designed by artist Jasper Dowling. The limited edition release of just 100 bottles also come with a silicone massage tool and a reusable calico bag. Available at sodashi.com.au and ettoaustralia.com for $99.

Lavender Estate

It’s the nostalgic scent that recalls a good night’s sleep for some or grandma’s house for others — and now it can be sniffed to your heart’s delight as Lavender Estate opens its gates. Formerly Yanchep Lavender Farm, the Carabooda property is now WA’s largest operating lavender farm in WA, with 44 vibrant rows lined up across its 26 acres. Following a wander and photo session, you can settle into its cafe — jam and cream scones, say no more— or sprawl out on the large sweep of grass. There is also a playground and boutique stocked with products using the botanicals from just beyond its doors.

Offmarket Gallery

A taste of Italy washes into Claremont as the handmade ceramic objects by Italian brand Mutina find a resting place at Offmarket Gallery. The space, housed inside an architecturally-designed home at 29 Airlie Street, will showcase a curated collection of pieces that are made in Italy using artisanal techniques as well as limited-edition print series by Nathalie Du Pasquier, designed in Italy and produced in WA. Myaree Ceramics will create custom-designed plinths for the objects. The exhibition is open to the public on November 6, from 6pm-8pm, November 8 and 15, 2pm-5pm and by appointment. Contact art@offmarketgallery.com.au, RSVP is essential.

Kelly Donougher

To the world Kelly Donougher presents as a successful interior designer that leads a team of 11 across Melbourne and Perth. Behind closed doors though her story is one that reads as 15 years of fertility struggles and misdiagnosis before new chapters chart her brave career pivot and finding empowerment again. The founder of 13 Interiors shares this journey in her part memoir, part guide called No Fence, No Limits: Designing An Unconventional Life. The book, $32.95, is available at kellydonougher.com.au/book.

Yarra Trail

For those looking to invest in quality wardrobe pieces this season, look to quintessential Australian fashion brand Yarra Trail. They have just launched their spring/summer collection and it’s full of fashionable finds that are versatile enough to get you through the warmer months with ease, no matter the occasion. Shop at yarratrail.com.au.