It may only have been a $1,200 grant but it was still music to the ears of Jennifer Beh, the president of Fisher’s Ghost Youth Orchestra.
Ms Beh says the group were thrilled to receive the Camden Council cultural performance subsidy program grant, which will be sued for their South West Sydney Philharmonic project.
“Our program, The World is a Stage, will be a collection of incredibly beautiful music from theatre, ballet and classic film,” Ms Beh said.
“It’s timeless and will undoubtedly leave you wanting more.
“The FGYO Committee is absolutely committed to producing good music locally, by locals, for locals, and absolutely blow their socks off.
“This funding means we can do just this and present the program locally – where we rehearse, where we work and where we live.”
The youth orchestra was one of 12 local groups to share more than $13,000 in funding to help them access Camden Civic Centre to showcase performances and provide quality affordable entertainment to the community.
Other groups included:
- Shaun Parker and Company, which received $1,200 to run a free world-premiere of a performance integrating dance with new technology audio engineering;
- The Australian Decorative Fine Arts Society, who received $800 to provide their annual event introducing young children to music through performance, and exploration of instruments and sound; and
- Mater Dei School, who received $1,200 to provide a free matinee performance by youth with disabilities for our senior and local school communities.
All up, 47 community groups will receive more than $130,000 in funding, which was approved at council’s last meeting of the year.
The community sponsorship program will provide funding to the tune of $46,160 for another 12 groups.
Aim of this program is to support community organisations by supplementing funds raised for their events and activities.
Some of the successful groups were:
- Camden Musical Society received $3,025 for their One Night Only showcase;
- Jeremiah Edagbami received $2,560 for the Macarthur Schools Debating Competition;
- Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation received $3,200 for the Camden LEGO Fair 2020;
- Camden Rugby Union Club received $4,225 for the NSW Junior Rugby Union U12s state carnival.
The third and final component endorsed by councillors was the community small grants program, which aims to help build community capacity and engagement.
More than $85,000 was approved to be shared among 23 applicants. They included:
- Turning Point, which received $6,250 for their Domestic and Family Violence Support Package;
- Catholic Family Welfare Services, $4,140 for their Living Life Well program for seniors;
- Karitane and Anglicare, $4,000 for their Dad’s Circle community group, at Oran Park; and
- Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative Ltd, $5,195 for their playgroup.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said she was pleased to help worthy local organisations deliver key services, activities and events.
“I love seeing these local organisations seize opportunities across the Camden area to activate creative and cultural spaces, help residents in need and help connect residents to form tight-knit communities,” Cr Fedeli said.
“I look forward to seeing what each group will produce with this funding and their passion for what they do.”
