Boost to eisteddfod’s volunteer comms

ROYAL South Street Society eisteddfod has been awarded a five-thousand-dollar grant from the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants program to buy communication headsets.

More than 150 volunteers support the four-month annual RSSS program, whether in a front-of-house or backstage capacity, and many use headsets to speak to one another at large performance venues.

RSSS will no longer need to hire headsets.

“Our volunteers are integral to the operations and ongoing success of the Royal South Street Society,” said RSSS executive officer Judy-Ann Quilliam.

“This funding will directly support some of the critical IT equipment used by our volunteers to communicate and stage manage our eisteddfod.

“We are delighted that the Federal Government values the performing arts and our volunteers through this support.”

Following renovations and pandemic closures, RSSS comps are back at Her Majesty’s Theatre for the first time in seven years.

Competitions feature calisthenics, speech and drama, dance, debating, instrumental music, and singing.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King said RSSS has a significant economic impact on the city, while exciting competitors and audiences from across Australia.

“Everyone in Ballarat should be proud of South Street’s long legacy and the opportunities the eisteddfod continues to provide,” she said. “The comps simply wouldn’t happen without these incredible volunteers and I’m delighted that we can support them to keep doing their amazing work.”