Bathurst Regional Council [1]
Dead Bones Society
Division: B | Category: Managing Culture - Cultural infrastructure, programs and projects
Imagine learning to write horror comedy with Australia’s only T.rex skeleton leering over your shoulder.
The Dead Bones Society (DBS) at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst is a unique collaboration between boys’ literacy consultant and author of teenage fiction Paul Stafford, Bathurst Regional Council, Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the education community.
This series of writing workshops facilitated by Paul Stafford is an innovative strategy for developing boys’ literacy skills. In the eerie atmosphere of the Museum after hours, boys aged 9-13 (years 4-6) are inspired to build on an interest in science and prehistoric life as an entry point to develop skills in creative writing. A group of CSU teacher education students, museum staff and Vice-Principal of South Bathurst Public School act as mentors for participants. Stories produced are published on the DBS website and podcasts of the stories are currently being developed in consultation with local radio stations.
Council website address: www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: lesley.atkinson@bathurst.nsw.gov.au
Link: www.deadbonessociety.com
Blacktown City Council
Back Home
Division: C | Category: Acknowledging Culture - Aboriginal cultural development
Back Home is a new theatrical work developed in a partnership between Urban Theatre Projects and Blacktown Arts Centre (BAC). The work demonstrates Blacktown City Council’s commitment to empowering the urban indigenous Aboriginal communities of Blacktown through the development of creative works of national and international significance. The success of Back Home was based on unique development and community consultation processes employed during the devising and rehearsal stages - this allowed the issues, cultures and communities the work deals with to be represented with respect and authenticity. Premiering as part of the 2006 Sydney Festival, Back Home was a popular and critical success, selling out weeks in advance of its season. The work has since toured to two other major Australian Festivals, including a season at the Dreaming Festival in Woodford in June 2006. The show is being prepared for a national tour and a tour to Canada in 2007.
Council website address: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: jenny.bisset@blacktown.nsw.gov.au
Broken Hill City Council
Historian-in-Residence Program
Division: A | Category: Accessing Culture - Library and information services
The Historian-in Residency program is a community residency, the first of its kind for a public library in NSW to our knowledge, that enables an undergraduate or postgraduate historian/social researcher to visit Broken Hill to carry out original work in the Outback Archives.
The researcher spends a period between two and four weeks in the Silver City and conducts research using the resources of the Archives and those in the community. This residency is administered by the Library and in reciprocation the Outback Archives receives a copy of any published, manuscript and/or notes resulting from this research. The Historian-in-residency also presents a public lecture and information session for the Library.
Council website address: www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: admin@bhlibrary.org.au
Coonamble Shire Council [2]
Outback Arts - Moorambilla Festival
Division: A | Category: Managing Culture - Cultural infrastructure, programs and projects
Coonamble Shire Council is one of seven councils that comprise Outback Arts. In addition to the financial contribution paid by member councils Coonamble hosts the offices for Outback Arts through subsidised rent at the Coonamble Rural Transaction Centre and provided significant support for the organisation to attract and host a major cultural event to Coonamble for 2006, 2007 and 2008. Moorambilla is a community choral festival started in 2002 by artistic director Michelle Leonard. It invites choirs and composers together to create new Australian works for whole community participation, as well as offering workshops in a variety of musical styles by leaders in their field to participants. Moorambilla gives choirs and communities the opportunity to experience music making with professional musicians in a relaxed and innovative environment, and create new audiences for choral music. Moorambilla was named after a property in the district and was the original name for the first “parish” of the Coonamble shire. Outback Arts hosted the event and the package of support from council in 2006 exceeded $10,000.
Council website address: council@coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: steven@coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au
Links:
Dubbo City Council
Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC)
Division: B | Category: Building Culture - Cultural infrastructure
Dubbo City Council’s largest capital works project outside essential infrastructure valued at $8.2m is the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) that opened September 2006. It houses Dubbo Regional Gallery, Museum & Community Arts Centre on the site of the former Dubbo High School, and sets the new bench mark for cultural facilities in regional NSW.
- Within walking distance to Dubbo’s CBD, the WPCC includes:
- 4 galleries, one of which is designed for children;
- 3 museums, one of which is a permanent display of Dubbo's social heritage
- 60 seat auditorium
- 4 studios for photography, ceramics, painting, drawing
- 4 studios for general meetings including Family History, University of the Third Age
- and general community hire
- 60 seat café
- 10,000m2 of grounds overlooking No. 2 oval, bowling green and tennis courts
Council website address: www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: brigette.leece@dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Link: www.wpccdubbo.org.au
Eurobodalla Shire Council [1]
Eurobodalla Shire Council Cultural Plan 2006-2010
Division: B | Category: Developing Culture - Cultural policy and planning
Eurobodalla Shire Council is proud to nominate its achievements in the endorsement and implementation of the first year of Council's first Cultural Plan during 2006. The project encompasses three stages.
Research, consultation and development of the Cultural Plan leading to Council endorsement in February 2006. The Cultural Plan's Integration with and influence on other Council planning processes during 2006. Specific actions and initiatives of the Cultural Plan, implemented in partnership with the community, by the end of 2006.
The Cultural Plan, which was agreed to by Council in February 2006, has had an influence on Council's integrated planning principles, best practice public art policy and process, cultural venue and program development, and the establishment of a community arts position. In having the first Cultural Plan, and making the first permanent appointment of a Community Arts Officer in the South East, Eurobodalla Shire Council has gone out ahead in its desire to facilitate quality cultural development for its residents.
Council website address: www.esc.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: jan.seatonberry@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au
Fairfield City Council [2]
Bodgies, Westies & Homies: Growing up in Western Sydney
Division: C | Category: Managing Culture - Cultural infrastructure, programs and projects
The Bodgies, Westies and Homies: Growing Up in Western Sydney project was an ambitious, innovative, cross-cultural, cross-generational community development project to foster greater understanding and appreciation of others. The project involved accessing two different generations in our community to acquire stories, objects and photographs that addressed the stereotype and reality of growing up in Western Sydney. It explored the concept of being young in 2006 in comparison with previous generations who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s.
The project harnessed the energy of the youth assisting them to record their social history on film, in photographs and through visual works produced in facilitated workshops. They were able to capture their thoughts, feelings and experiences for future generations.
The outcomes of the project were not only the exhibition, the text panels, a film and the book but also the increase in social connectivity of our community where individuals feel valued, understood and appreciated.
Council website address: www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: shutchinson@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Gosford City Council
5 Lands Walk
Division: C | Category: Managing Culture - Cultural infrastructure, programs and projects
The 5 Lands Walk is an initiative of Gosford City Council. The program for the walk was developed with the local community - significantly including local Aboriginal people - interested in preserving and appreciating the unique heritage of this land and its people. The inaugural event took place on Saturday 24 June 2006. The winter season was chosen to coincide with the northern migration of humpback whales. Community members hosted celebrations at their coastal villages, starting with a ceremonial opening at the Cockrone Lagoon followed by an Art Trail Festival at Avoca Beach and ending with a spectacular closing ceremony at The Haven, Terrigal. The walk featured cultural links with Aboriginal dreaming stories and contemporary community art.
Council website address: www.gosford.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: debra.schleger@gosford.nsw.gov.au
Link: www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/community/cultural_events/five_lands_walk
Griffith City Council [1]
Sensational Seniors
Division: B | Category: Accessing Culture - Library and information services
Griffith City Library made a conscious effort during 2006 to implement a range of activities for senior citizens that would raise the awareness of the library and its vast array of services appropriate to their needs, thus keeping them stimulated, interested and active. By clearly identifying the library as a community hub library staff were able to develop some exciting initiatives for the not so younger generation. The library has become a meeting place that acts as a conduit for interaction, friendship, education and socialisation for this generation, many of whom are isolated and lonely. In the process a network of partners and stakeholders has been developed in which all work together to improve the lives of Griffith's senior citizens. The year saw a complete overhaul and review of seniors' services with the introduction of a Seniors Newsletter, seniors' computer club, a discussion group, movie screenings, group knit-ins, morning teas and a phenomenally successful Seniors' Week function.
Council website address: www.griffith.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: anne.garzoli@griffith.nsw.gov.au
Holroyd City Council
Cultural Plan - Cultural Vitality in Holroyd City
Division: C | Category: Developing Culture - Cultural policy and planning
The Cultural Plan 2006 –2011 'Cultural Vitality in Holroyd City' is Council's second Cultural Plan and builds on the success and achievements of the first, with a focus on linking creativity and collaboration.
In developing the second Cultural Plan for the City, recognition of the importance of providing a structure to facilitate the integration of creativity and the embracing of a range of community cultural values is critical.
The plan is based on four platforms
Creativity
Our People
Collaboration
Our Place
Growing and strengthening arts partnerships and recognising community engagement opportunities are key. Through the cultural community development strategies within the plan, Council and community partners will work towards further promoting the community's stated aspirations for their City as vibrant, diverse and culturally active.
Council website address: www.holroyd.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: gaynor.corfield@holroyd.nsw.gov.au
Kempsey Shire Council [1]
Identification of Aboriginal Graves
Division: B | Category: Acknowledging Culture - Aboriginal cultural development
All cemeteries have a history that is recorded on the headstone however, during the years of Aboriginal Segregation those who were buried were never acknowledged until recently.
In the late 1990's a section of the East Kempsey Cemetery was identified as being the resting place of a number of people of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal descent. Back then, five (5) simple white posts identified this location until the history of this area could be determined. As a project of Reconciliation oral history interviews where conducted by Council's Aboriginal Liaison Officer into those family members that may have been buried in this location of the cemetery.
This consultation revealed that the segregation practices of the 1930's through to the 1950's where in force with many relatives remembering attending funerals for their kin in this area that had become to be known as the 'Aboriginal Section'. With this knowledge available and the advent of non-intrusive technology to identify graves a grave identification process took place to identify the missing kin.
Council website address: www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: debra.morris@kempsey.nsw.gov.au
Links: www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au
Marrickville Council
Marrickville International Artist Exchange,
Local and National Artist Residency Programs
Division: B | Category: Managing Culture - Cultural infrastructure, programs and projects
The Marrickville International Artist Exchange & Local and National Artist Residency Programs aim to contribute to the on-going development of Marrickville's relationships with local, regional NSW, interstate and international artists, arts organisations and arts workers. The programs provide professional development opportunities for artist and artsworkers while promoting cultural understanding and development in communities. The Residency Programs were first developed in 2003, with Council resolving to maintain an artist residence at the Petersham Town Hall and a studio space at the Addison Road Centre in Marrickville. The International Artist Exchange Program is auspiced under Council's Sister Cities Program and provides cultural development opportunities for local and international artists. The Residency Programs have attracted applications from throughout Australia and the world since their inception and hosted over 40 emerging and mid-career artists and artsworkers, who have brought a diverse range of valuable skills and experiences into the local area.
Council website address: www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: mccs@marrickville.nsw.gov.au
Moree Plains Shire Council [1]
Acknowledging Culture: Aboriginal Cultural Development
Division: A | Category: Acknowledging Culture - Aboriginal cultural development
Moree Plains Shire Council Local Government Area is home to the largest Aboriginal population outside of the NSW metropolitan area boasting 17.9% of its residents claiming Aboriginal heritage (Menzies 2003 (e) p. 2). Clearly, the significant contribution made by these residents directly impacts our positive view of the world and the economic vibrancy of the Shire. Aboriginality brings into high relief the cultural and spiritual importance the original inhabitants, the Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi people, have for the area. Moree Plains Shire Council recognises and acknowledges this spiritual connectedness and actively promotes Aboriginal cultural planning and initiatives by local Aboriginal people and organisations. Council has and continues to undertake close consultative measures with the Aboriginal communities which have resulted in constructive and important measures that ensure Aboriginal history, both pre- colonisation and contemporary, are preserved for posterity.
Council website address: www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: tony.baxter-tomkins@mpsc.nsw.gov.au
Oberon Council
Oberon Readeo
Division: A | Category: Accessing Culture - Library and information services
The idea of an annual 'Readeo' in Oberon was inspired by the long running 'Birth to Kinder' project in Parkes. We developed their idea of a community reading day in the main street, giving it a local interest theme with the name and added information displays from relevant child health and welfare organisations. At the same time we launched our 'Books for Babies' project which provides each new baby to Oberon with a kit containing child literacy help brochures, an introduction to the library, a picture book to keep and other giveaways.
Readeo celebrations including dressing up (as cow-persons), logo design, a colouring competition, sausage sizzle and of course having a wide variety of volunteers reading to very receptive children.
This is a whole of community project we intend to grow each year, the library being heavily involved with local schools, businesses, community groups and health and welfare personnel.
Council website address: www.oberon.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: library@oberon.nsw.gov.au
Parramatta City Council
Parramatta Artists Studios
Division: C | Category: Building Culture - Cultural infrastructure
Parramatta City Council is working to make Parramatta a 'Creative City'. Building on the success of the Riverside Theatres and the Heritage Centre, Council has adopted an ambitious strategy to increase the opportunities for artists and the community to participate in the arts. As part of this strategy, Council with assistance from Arts NSW (NSW Ministry for the Arts) has established the Parramatta Artists Studios in the heart of Western Sydney.
Parramatta Artists Studios is the first major initiative of the Council's new, ambitious 10 year arts plan. The Studios will provide affordable accommodation to both emerging and established professional contemporary artists. The focus of the Studios will be on contemporary arts and craft, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, photography, film making, design, sound, music and digital media. The Studios will contribute to the broader community through an annual program of events, workshops and arts activities. Activities will revolve around the making, learning and sharing of contemporary arts in all its forms.
Council website address: www.parracity.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: mdagostino@parracity.nsw.gov.au
Link: http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/culture__and__leisure/arts
Shoroc Group - Manly, Mosman, Pittwater & Warringah Councils
Onashoestring
Division: C | Category: Accessing Culture - Library and information services
This project was an initiative of the Shoroc libraries (Manly Mosman Pittwater and Warringah) - an excellent illustration of the benefits of collaboration between councils. It shows community participation on the one hand, and library organisation and preservation on the other. It demonstrates the broad field covered by librarians as information providers and the work of local studies collections, which are an invaluable resource for our communities.
72 people were interviewed about their memories of 1930s and the Depression. Paula Hamilton combined their recollections of schooling, community and social life, the impact of the Depression and the regional landscape, in the book Cracking Awaba.
The website www.onashoestring.net.au builds from the book and brings to life a wealth of memories and local images, creating a rich history. Interviewee's words can be read and heard, simultaneously showing a portrait of the speaker. The website is a local record for posterity and the participants.
Council website address: www.shoroc.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: virginia_macleod@pittwater.nsw.gov.au
Link: www.onashoestring.net.au
Sutherland Shire Council [1]
Junk Theory
Division: C | Category: Managing Culture - Cultural infrastructure, programs and projects
In December 2005 there was a riot in Cronulla, New South Wales. This put the Sutherland Shire on the international map, causing shock and heartache for Australians across the country. Throughout 2006 and in partnership with Hazelhurst, award winning arts company Big hART and local young people met regularly, listening to each others' stories, listening to others in the community, helping to encourage understanding, respect and empathy. They worked with photographers, filmmakers, composers, older residents, shipwrights, seafarers, local business and over 35 local community organisations to re-examine the world and each other in a new light. This created a strong picture of life in the Sutherland Shire and the result was a new floating multi media work for the 2007 Sydney Festival called JUNK THEORY.
Council website address: www.sutherland.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: mrolfe@ssc.nsw.gov.au
Links:
Sutherland Shire Council [2]
Faces of the Shire
Division: C | Category: Managing Culture - Cultural infrastructure, programs and projects
Celebrating a birthday of any kind is an important occasion. When it is your 100th birthday however, it is cause for a very special celebration. To honour its centenary in 2006, Sutherland Shire Council created the Faces of the Shire project to recognise 100 people who embodied the social, cultural and historical identity of the community throughout its 100 year history.
To engage the people of the Shire and encourage participation, council called for nominations from the community. People from all walks of life and every decade were selected. Individual photographic portraits and a commemorative booklet documenting their stories were produced. The portraits then toured the Shire throughout 2006, inspiring further community-based activities. Following the completion of the project, the portraits are being donated to the families, friends and nominators of the Faces.
Faces of the Shire received overwhelming support from the many and varied community organisations in the Shire.
Council website address: www.sutherland.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: tfong@ssc.nsw.gov.au
Link: www.facesoftheshire.com
Sutherland Shire Council [3]
Nomination: Tim Fong
Division: C | Category: Honouring Culture - The Brendan Hartnett Award
Tim began his career with Sutherland Shire Council in 1989 as the Community Arts Manager. This was his first encounter with local government and his first dedicated cultural development role.
A one man band, Tim initially operated out of a small office in the Sutherland Entertainment Centre. Between unannounced visits by an enthusiastic local arts community he would tackle his own admin, phone calls, leaflet design, event planning and sponsorship proposals for the programs he hoped to launch.
Undeterred by council's initial lack of resources to foster the arts and integrate cultural programs into council's core business, Tim has grown his unit to a team of six. Council now boasts an extensive annual calendar of events and cultural programs that create a sense of belonging and pride in local cultural diversity. His title is now Manager, Cultural Planning and Events.
Council website address: www.sutherland.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: clumley@ssc.nsw.gov.au
Willoughby City Council [1]
The Guringai Festival
Division: C | Category: Acknowledging Culture - Aboriginal cultural development
Founded in 2001, the Guringai Festival is an education and cultural development project that brings together local councils, community groups, business and other government organisations to work together to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and people.
The Guringai Festival Committee works actively to promote awareness and understanding of Australia's indigenous culture by encouraging participation in the annual festival and it's art and cultural programs.
The Festival runs each year from late May (National Sorry Day) through to mid July (NAIDOC week) and is a joint project between ten local government areas based on the traditional lands of the Guringai people, as well as education and community groups and other government departments. The 2007 Guringai Festival will be the 7th consecutive year that the Guringai Festival has been running. In 2006 over 35 events took place across the Northern Sydney region.
Council website address: www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au
Project Manager email: eilis@willoughby.nsw.gov.au
Link: www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Guringai-Festival.html
