Keeping the creative arts alive

EISTEDDFODS from around Australia converged on Hobart for the Bi-Annual Association of Eisteddfod Societies conference.

Delegate of Backstage Incorporated Tony Chalinor and the association’s secretary, Maxine Chalinor OAM, both from Mount Gambier, attended the conference.

Backstage Incorporated, producers of the Mount Gambier Eisteddfod, are founding members of the association with some of their own members holding executive positions within it, now or in the past.

Backstage is due to host the next conference in March 2027.

The national association was formed so that eisteddfods could discuss the many challenges of running a competition.

At this conference, delegates discussed matters ranging from competitor and school harassment of eisteddfod organisers and adjudicators, equal opportunities, risk management to how to get volunteers.

Eisteddfods are not-for-profit performing arts competitions run by volunteers and usually dependent on grants and sponsorships.

The Mount Gambier eisteddfod is fortunate enough to be supported by private individuals, local businesses and service groups, and especially the City of Mount Gambier.