Minister's Message
Illawarra Mercury
Friday September 21, 2001
PUBLIC schools inthe Illawarra,
South Coast and Southern Tablelands should be commended for their efforts to create a musical spectacular of the scale and quality of Southern
Stars.
The show is a testament to the performing arts talents of public school students, the dedication and professionalism of their teachers and the enthusiasm and support of local industry and local communities.
Southern Stars, with its Centenary of Federation theme, celebrates public education, Australian history and the spirit of Illawarra and Southern NSW communities that have stood behind their young people and helped them to
succeed.
Illawarra schools have a long and impressive
history of involvement in the performing arts.
They have featured in premiere events including
the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic
and Paralympic Games, the Pacific School Games, the Youth Olympics, the State Schools Spectacular and Rock Eisteddfod.
Students have also been involved in the Talent
Development Program, Sing 2001 Choir, the
Public School Singers, the Public School Symphony
Orchestra, the Public School Wind Ensemble,
the State Drama Company, the State Dance
Company and numerous other state level ensembles.
But with Southern Stars, Executive Producer
Stan Warren has unearthed an even greater
wealth of talent from public schools from Eden to Helensburgh.
Southern Stars provides students from the
Illawarra and South Coast with the opportunity to perform in a professional setting in front of a
capacity crowd.
More than 15,000 people are expected to attend
the shows, which is indicative of the reputation of public schools to perform professional and entertaining performances.
Southern Stars, like public education, is all
inclusive. It brings together more than 2000
students aged five to 18 from a wide variety of
backgrounds. It will feature an 800-member choir, 40-member stage band, and over 1200 students performing as featured artists and dancers.
It will feature the regionis top young singers,
dancers, actors and entertainers and will provide an impetus for community pride in the achievements and abilities of local students and staff.
Total commitment and many hours have been
put into Southern Stars by students, staff,
parents, local business and government to ensure the success of this ambitious project.
The event is coordinated by the Southern
Districts Creative and Performing Arts Council
and supported by Wollongong City Council.
It is pleasing to see local businesses and
organisations showing such support and commitment to the initiative, which will see the Illawarra become a centre of excellence for the performing arts.
- JOHN AQUILINA, MP
Minister for Education and Training
© 2001 Illawarra Mercury
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