Come and help call from small committee
A desperate call for volunteers to ensure the future of the West Gippsland Performing Arts Competition has been made.
President Meredith Davey said the small committee behind the prestigious Warragul-based event was issuing a “real come and help us or it’s just going to fold” scenario.
“It would be an absolute tragedy to lose something like this for the area as a whole,” added treasurer Cathy Cooper.
“The eisteddfod gives kids and adults the opportunity to perform in a safe environment and hone their craft.
“This gives an outlet for the kids that are musical or love to perform…because often they don’t do other things.
“It would be like Warragul Football Club closing down and the players having nowhere to go.”
Held across 13 days in July and August across multiple venues and attracting between 850 to 1000 entries, the small committee faces a huge task.
From rising venue costs – they cannot afford to hire the West Gippsland Arts Centre or Lardner Park going forwards – to more competition in attracting funding grants as well as increased child safety obligations and growing event legalities, Ms Davey said “we are struggling generally”.
However, lack of core volunteers – in particular, convenors for the piano, vocal groups and instrumental ensembles – was of foremost concern.
In addition, they are seeking an assistant secretary, assistant treasurer and new general committee members.
It’s a simple case of many hands make light work.
“People are expecting a very well-run eisteddfod,” said Ms Davey. “It’s very easy to manage if you’ve got a lot of people to help out.”
However, as it currently stands, a committee of 12 people is putting in 700 hours across the year along with a huge 800 hours during the 13-day event itself.
“The complexity is just increasing, and we really need some new energy,” added Ms Davey.
The West Gippsland Music and Drama Eisteddfod began in 1994 as an initiative of local music teachers. The event has now grown and in 2018 was retitled the West Gippsland Performing Arts Competition with performance opportunities in piano, classical and contemporary popular vocal, instrumental solos and ensembles, speech and drama as well as vocal groups.
It also includes the one of a kind Gippsland Parasteddfod.
However, if new volunteers cannot be found, the committee face tough decisions moving forward.
It has already discussed dropping disciplines, alternating events each year or holding it every second year.
To join the committee, no experience is necessary. They are simply seeking people who are interested or share a love of music and performance.
Ms Cooper was drawn onto the committee after her daughter started music lessons.
“Everyone is just so nice. Everyone just gets in and does it.”
She also emphasised the support on offer to new volunteers with clear instructions developed for each role.
Vice president Pauline Hastings is working to expand local student participation.
Whilst the competition attracts people travelling from across the state, Ms Hastings highlighted a range of “Gippsland only” sections across all disciplines.
This calibre of performers also offers a terrific opportunity for local audiences to enjoy music and performing arts at a very low cost.
To get involved and secure the future of the annual West Gippsland Performing Arts Competition, contact Pauline Hastings via email at enquiries@wge.org.au.