Long-time eisteddfod volunteers recognised

THE Royal South Street Society has been a feature of the performing arts calendar in Ballarat since 1891 and relies heavily on volunteers to run its annual eisteddfod.

In 2024, the society celebrates three significant milestones – 100 years of Calisthenics Graceful Solo, and 100 years of the Herald Sun Aria – both prestigious competitions in their own field, as well as the recognition of 40 years of volunteer service of some of its longest-standing members.

At its recent annual general meeting, the society acknowledged 40 years of volunteer service by Dr Anthony (Tony) Cole, Ronald (Ron) Harrington OAM and Dawn Harrington, and Peter Zala.

All four began their involvement with the society around 1984.

Dr Cole and Mr Harrington have been supported by their respective wives, Barbara and Dawn, for as many years, and have held various leadership positions for the society including chair, discipline chair, board president and board member.

Dr Cole and Mr Harrington were both founding members of the Association of Eisteddfod Societies of Australia (AESA), which was set up to support eisteddfods throughout Australia through a range of emerging issues such as copyright, risk and compliance, regulations, costs and volunteer management.

Dr Cole was particularly passionate about dance and was chair of the dance committee for 30 years, finally stepping down from the board after 35 years, and has continued to volunteer at the venues right through to the most recent 2023 eisteddfod.

Mr and Mrs Harrington ran the eisteddfod’s largest discipline, the Australian Calisthenics Competition, for more than 17 years, with Mr Harrington still proudly serving as a board member. He was awarded an OAM for services to the community in 2008.

When he was asked why he joined the Royal South Street Society, Mr Harrington said it was “an honour and a privilege to be asked to be part of something that has been so vital in Ballarat for so long.”

Mr Zala is the longest-serving volunteer and has been a council member, vice-president, deputy chair, chair and discipline chair for various sections over his many years of service.

Entries are currently open for the 2024 Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod in the disciplines of dance, calisthenics, speech and drama, debating, instrumental bands and solos, choral, all-abilities performing arts, vocal, pianoforte, Celebrating Chopin and the Herald Sun Aria.

Contact the Royal South Street Society on 5332 1054 or go to royalsouthstreet.com.au for details.