People Power
1 Mar 11
Regular readers of the Voice will be familiar with the list of community groups on the back page of each issue. There are no less than 42 of them - a remarkable number for a community as small as ours. Yet how many valley residents know much about any of the groups in which they are not personally involved? In an attempt to inform readers of who does what, and why, in this new series Tony Barnett will focus on two community groups in each issue of the Voice.
This first article features one of the oldest of them, and one of the newest.
CHILDREN’S MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
In 1958 authority was given to a small band of Kangaroo Valley residents to form the first Auxiliary to raise funds for the Children’s Medical Research Foundation.
The inaugural committee included Mr & Mrs O.B. Brown, Cyril Dent, Cecil Stacey, Mrs M. Wright, Mrs A. Napier, Miss D. Chittick, Mr & Mrs T. Rendell and Mr. A.Good.
The Auxiliary is now into its 53rd year of continuous fundraising, and Isabella Butler, who provided the information for this article, has been a member for almost half that time.
Children’s Medical Research Institute is an independent research centre which focuses exclusively on fundamental research into human development. This involves the study of the progressive changes in our body cells from the time of conception when the genetic basis for our biological future is determined.
Unless otherwise specified, all donations to the CMRI are not spent but invested in perpetuity into the CMRI’s capital fund, and the interest from those investments is used to support the research programs.
One in every 20 children suffer from some kind of congenital abnormality or chronic disease. The scientists at CMRI are determined to find out why, so all children can have a healthy beginning.
Recent fundraisers have included supporting Jeans for Genes, a car boot sale, the sale of Christmas Cards, and of course the Annual Melbourne Cup “Chicken and Champagne” Luncheon. The 2010 luncheon was again a wonderful success, and members of the Institute attended and spoke about the latest discoveries made at the Institute.
The Auxiliary meets one morning every second month, and anybody who is willing to help in this very worthy cause is welcome to attend. If you prefer not to attend meetings, please contact us and we will arrange to keep you informed of any fund-raising activity.
For further information about the work of CMRI, please contact one of the current office bearers:
President Mr George Howe 4465 1248
Secretary Mrs. Joan Bray 4465 1851
Treasurer Mrs. Joan Good 4465 1166
KANGAROO VALLEY ARTS FESTIVAL
Kangaroo Valley Arts Festival Inc. (KVAF) realised a long-held dream of Belinda Webster, its Artistic Director. It was formed in 2005, with the principal objective to bring classical and fine contemporary music and visual arts to Kangaroo Valley. To that end it has held two three-day festivals, Arts in the Valley, in 2007 and 2009, with occasional single concerts between the festivals.
The festivals and concerts have featured several of Australia’s leading musicians, including soprano Yvonne Kenny, guitarist Slava Grigoryan, pianists Ian Munro, Geoffrey Tozer, Gerard Willems and Geoffrey Lancaster, cellist David Pereira, harpist Alice Giles, violist Brett Dean, didgeridoo player William Barton, the Goldner String Quartet and The Song Company. And each festival includes two signature events: for music, a series of concerts in private houses; and for visual arts, a garden sculpture exhibition in one of the valley’s finest gardens. Other concerts and exhibitions have been held in venues as varied as Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Resort, Kangaroo Valley Hall, churches and restaurants.
The inaugural President of KVAF was Elizabeth George, who was the driving force behind the first two festivals. The current executive officers are John Wright, President and Treasurer, Kathy Harrington, Vice President, Tony Barnett, Secretary, and of course Belinda Webster, Artistic Director.
They are supported by ten teams, comprising a score of members, each responsible for an area such as administration, sponsorship, grants, marketing, publicity, graphic design and production. In addition, each festival would not be possible without the help of over 100 volunteers during the days before, during and after the event itself.
Members of KVAF receive a number of benefits, including priority booking rights and reduced ticket prices. Membership costs $20 until 30 June 2011, and then $35 for two years.
The third festival, Arts in the Valley 2011, will be held on 6-8 May this year. If you have not already received a brochure, you can download it from the KVAF website, www.artsinthevalley.net.au, or obtain a hard copy by phoning 0438 631 351. Further information about KVAF, including how to become a member, volunteer or supporter, can also be obtained on-line or by phone.