NOTES FROM THE CHAIR
- MERYL GROSS
Welcome to Support Act's (SAL) first newsletter for 2007! There have been many SAL fund-raising activities in the past year which combined to raise the profile and produce much needed income for our organisation. All profits are put to great use in helping the needy within the music industry community. Sadly, the number of people requiring SAL's help is growing each year.
At SAL's recent AGM, held at the APRA offices on 27 November 2006, details of the audited financial records were provided. There was also an election held for vacant Directorships. It was great to see so much interest in the available positions which are completely unpaid and demand considerable time, effort and dedication. Congratulations go to Alex Coroneos, Michael McMartin and Geoff Rudd who were all re-elected to the Board.
Talking of hard workers, we should also take a moment to thank and acknowledge our National Coordinator, Lindy Morrison. She continues to make a great contribution as SAL's Social Worker and first point of contact for applicants.
We are always very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer any assistance to SAL as currently most of the work is done by quite a small group of people. We also need donations of goods for our many raffle draws and door prizes throughout the year. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you can see any way of assisting or donating prizes.
At last Novembers AGM I covered an impressive list of SAL events that occurred during the previous 12 months, which included the final FANFEST series of concerts held annually in Tamworth. During the past eight years, profits from these concerts have contributed more than $110,000 to SAL and whilst it is disappointing to see this revenue stream disappear, several new initiatives look set to replace it.
One was the stylish and highly publicised luncheon at NSW Parliament House, called Music in the House. This function had Michael Gudinski as the keynote speaker, introduced by none other than Premier Morris Iemma and Virginia Judge MP. Jimmy Barnes was the guest performer and coincidently was awarded the inaugural trophy for "Excellence in Community Service" - a trophy given in recognition of artists who regularly donate time to charities and good causes. A perpetual trophy remains on display at Parliament House, and we look forward to adding another name to it in 2007. Tickets for this event are hard to come by, so if this event is of interest to you, let us know, and we can put you on the presales list.
Of course, our annual Melbourne Cup fundraising lunch was another great success, with an array of brilliant young musicians singing the songs of Johnny Cash to finish off a great day at the races.
SALVIC, our Victorian Branch, was also involved with local events such as The Last Hurrah and the Melbourne Entertainment Guide Anniversary Party. Their enthusiasm and dedication raised thousands of dollars for SAL and we thank them for their continued good work
So, please continue to support SUPPORT ACT LIMITED.
Meryl Gross
Chair
A Word from Lindy
Lindy Morrison tells us how it is!
In 2006 the number of beneficiaries receiving grants from Support Act tripled from the previous year. As musicians and workers are now ageing in t he music industry they are developing health problems. A significant proportion of these illnesses are occupational related diseases. Support Act beneficiaries range from musicians who have spent a great part of their lives playing and/or recording music, road crew and workers from the industry such as from record companies, management and music stores.
At this time the majority of the beneficiaries are musicians. The beneficiaries have in common a commitment during their lives to their work in music. For many this has meant they have had only intermittent work and their income has been sporadic. When they apply for help to Support Act they are not only sick but are in serious financial difficulties.
Centrelink sickness and disability benefits barely cover the rents for some individuals in trouble. When there are families involved, making ends meet becomes even more unbearable and depressing.
Support Act attempts to make the application process as easy as possible under the circumstances. All applications come through the National Coordinator who spends as much time as is required for the applicants to feel comfortable with the process, understanding the criteria for acceptance as set out by SAL policy and navigate through the application forms. All applications remain anonymous.
Support Act provides a maximum grant of $3000.00 a year to beneficiaries. This grant is usually provided through the payment of bills. Last year Support Act covered electricity, gas, water, phone and internet bills for individuals and families. Support Act provided assistance to get cars on the road, computers, white goods, clothes, school books and school fees. Support Act has paid for naturopaths, carers and other ancillary health workers where required.
Support Act is still a young association. The organisation if the first of its kind in Australia and finding new strengths each year. Support Act appreciates that people receive great value from music and that they should value those musicians, those workers who have provided the gift of music.
Lindy Morrison
National Coordinator, Support Act