Highly commendeds went to:
Visual Arts
Judy Simonson and the Mural Project
Judy started the Mural Project in 2018 after previously running workshops on behalf of the Gloucester Art and Cultural Council Inc (GACCI).
The project is a new initiative which attracts experienced and inexperienced artists to participate in painting works to add to Gloucester`s tourism appeal and enhance the community’s identity.
It also promotes a greater degree of involvement with the Gloucester Arts community.
The murals are hung in the outdoor court of the Gloucester Art Gallery, and can be seen from the street.
They are rotated up to seven times per year, giving new artists the opportunity to express themselves.
The project promotes inclusion and makes the arts accessible to everyone. Judy is the driving force behind it all.
Chris Steele and the “Pix from the Stix”
A founding member of the Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council Inc [GACCI], Chris started the annual “Pix from the Stix” Photography competition and exhibition 19 years ago.
The project encourages professional and amateur photographers of all ages to participate in a month long photography exhibition at the Gloucester Art Gallery.
The competition focuses on highlighting the beauty and culture of the Gloucester rural area, as well as encouraging emerging talent and promoting the Visual Arts.
Chris and his team of volunteers work hard to present this challenging and rewarding event every year.
Chris has a long and impressive history of supporting cultural development in the community, with particular attention to artistic and creative photography.
Performing Arts
Maureen Hjorth and the Gloucester Youth Theatre
With her Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council Inc [GACCI] support team, Maureen produced the first Gloucester Youth Theatre in 2017.
This was a new initiative to welcome local children and young people to the wonderful world of Theatre performance.
Previously, performance opportunities for children and young people in local theatre productions had been limited.
Maureen had run school holiday day-long workshops in the past, but the newer, and longer, Workshop version allowed students to spend more time working on character development and the art of theatre.
A series of free workshops were conducted over several months, resulting in the production of a One Act play.
The project aimed to have the students work toward an acknowledged end result. Most of the students were new to drama.
It provided them with the opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment, build self-confidence and team work, develop their imaginations, and enhance their performance skills.
Roger Griffiths
For many years Roger was music director of the Hunter Division Australian Army Band, followed by 12 years as head of concert bands at Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School.
He moved to the Manning Valley and becoming music director of the Manning Valley Concert Band over six years ago.
In 2014 he established the Manning Valley Youth Band.
He has established concert band programs in four local primary schools and is a co-producer of four productions of the “Rotary Manning Schools Spectacular,” including formation of a local pops orchestra.
Roger also teaches students of woodwind and brass instruments, many of whom have gone on to further their musical careers.
He has prepared and conducted orchestras to perform at a number of Christmas carols events, along with his work organising regular workshops for young musicians, and supporting the annual Taree and District Eisteddfod, while also preparing his students to give of their best in competition and performance.
A man who freely gives his time, experience, talent and skills, to nurture and develop local musicians, Roger is a remarkable contributor to cultural development in the Manning Valley.
Jill Watkins
In 2008 Jill founded “Circatus,” the innovative Circus School based in Wingham.
An Early Childhood graduate, Jill brings her strong educational skills to her classes.
While training students in the physical circus arts, she also facilitates life skills such as confidence-building and teamwork.
The circus troop comprises both young people and adults, working together to bring colour and joy to audiences at the many events at which they perform.
Jill is dedicated to raising community awareness of a number of environmental and social justice issues, from protecting endangered species to protecting and building a better future for marginalised or at-risk youth.
In this context “Social Circus” refers to programs which use circus arts as tools for social justice and social good.
She applies her teaching and artistic skills to her well-being workshops through the “My Place, My Space” program for teenagers with a disability, Aboriginal youth, and children in out-of-home care.
Jill`s insight, professionalism, hard work, and unique artistic skills are highly regarded.
Geraldine Mullin
For more than 30 years Geraldine has made outstanding contributions to the growth, diversity and professionalism of the Manning Valley Choral Society (MVCS).
A member of the management committee since 2001, Geraldine has created an extensive list of other remarkable contributions.
These include her work as a production director, performer, choreographer, soloist, chorus member, set and stage designer, music selection, costume sourcing, and concept writer, in approximately 14 different productions, with numerous performances.
Since 2009 she has been the conductor of the Forster U3A choir.
Over the years she has also performed with the Taree Arts Council, the Schools Music Festival, MVCS performances at Aged Care facilities, MVCS Christmas Carol performances, and many fundraising events.
A talented singer and performer, Geraldine is also an inspired script writer. She has great insight and the ability to balance the dialogue and music score to complement the varied talents of choir members. Geraldine always encourages others to embrace their vocal journey and inspires them to give of their best.
Andrea Rowsell
A professional ballerina, Andrea moved to the Manning Valley and commenced teaching at La Vive Classique Academy of Dance some 26 years ago. She opened the Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance in 2002.
Andrea has dedicated her life to teaching ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary dance to young students of the Manning Valley.
She works long hours and has established a thriving and respected school of dance.
Students participate in the Taree and District Eisteddfod, sit dance examinations, and present two professional concerts each year.
Andrea encourages her students to do more with their dancing and become involved in special community and fundraising events, including school fairs, “Flash Mob” appearances, Taree and Old Bar Christmas carols, Rotary events, three visits per year to local nursing Homes, some cheerleading for football clubs, Riding for the Disabled and much more.
Andrea has guided many students to successful ballet career paths. She also encourages travel to give them wider opportunities and experiences. A dedicated teacher and an inspiring leader, Andrea is making outstanding contributions to the well-being of our young people.
“Big Night In” – A project of Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council Inc (GACCI)“Big Night In” is a talent quest with judges who have performance and music experience.
The judges provide feedback to the performers to help them develop their stagecraft.
GACCI began presenting the “Big Night In” in 1999 to provide young people with opportunities to musically perform on stage before a live audience.
This provides a safe environment for young people to perform for the first time, or return to further develop their skills.
A former contestant, Maddy Andrews, is now a professional performer.
She attributes her confidence and success to her time as a “Big Night In” contestant.
While awards are part of the process, the real focus is on supporting the performers in their endeavours to improve their stagecraft and musical expression.
Open to all, the event aims to encourage and facilitate opportunities for young people to become more involved in their music and the performing Arts.
PCYC Taree “Gymaroos”
Taree PCYC Gymaroos were established in 1988 and were pioneers in performance gymnastics.
There have been more than 300 participants over the past 30 years.
As time went on, more dance, drama and other performance elements were introduced.
These created a unique reputation for them at their many performances throughout NSW as well as gaining them approval to represent Australia overseas in many countries.
These international connections led to many successful cultural exchange visits. The National Danish Performance Team has built a strong alliance with Taree which includes instructor exchanges.
Each time the team travels overseas they produce authentic portrayals of Australian culture, including Aboriginal culture, as part of their story telling routines.
Aboriginal children are becoming increasingly inspired to become more involved with PCYC activities.
The Gymaroos present an annual show at the Manning Entertainment Centre, and proudly perform at community events.
Their coaches encourage public performances to build confidence, self-esteem and teamwork.
Aside from those in the actual Gymaroo team, there are many more children and young people who aspire to be part of teams and classes.
These teams enrich their lives, physically, culturally, and emotionally, as they keep fit, represent their town or country and strengthen their life skills for the future.