At yesterday’s “Music In The House” lunch, Glenn Shorrock was presented with an Award for Excellence in Community Service for his tireless efforts for charity which have enriched the fabric of the Australian community.

Variety International’s Pauline McFetridge presented Glenn with his award and commented that “We are proud to honour a man that has given his time and talent for countless good causes both in Australia and Internationally”. A perpetual trophy has been produced which is on permanent display in NSW Parliament House with recipients names added each year.

In accepting the award Glenn said “This is a wonderful surprise and it’s nice to get a surprise at my age. I’m very happy to be involved with fantastic charities such as Variety and Support Act Limited and endorse the good work they do.”

Hosted by the Hon. Nathan Rees MP, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister for Water Utilities, the lunch was attended by the cream of Australia’s entertainment industry with representatives from the Sydney Swans, Variety, and the Debonaires.

Keynote speaker, Frank Ifield, pointed out the importance of music in our lives. “Situations change, people change but the songs that have influenced our lives remain the same”.

Glenn Shorrock provided the entertainment with a wonderful acoustic set including hits Reminiscing and Help is on Its Away.

Friends of Ritsuko, the South Australian jazz pianist who lost her battle with cancer in May this year, held a tribute concert to this much loved musician on August 12th, 2007.

It was Ritusko’s wish, had she beaten the cancer and survived, to support other musicians in similar circumstances through supporting Support Act Limited, and “Jazz & Jamm – A Tribute to Ritsuko” was organized as a fundraiser by a group of South Australia’s top jazz bands and musicians for this special music industry charity designed to assist music industry participants who have fallen on hard times or are in need of assistance.

The stellar line up included performances by: Deanna Djuric Trio, Trace Canini, The Marmalade Trio, Dave McEvoy Trio and Etype. The highlight being a jam session led by Bruce Hancock, with a little help from Ritusko’s friends: Damien Eldridge; George Grifsas; Chris Soole; Peter Raidel; Laine Jamieson; Frank Fragomeni; Luke Thompson; Liz Chehade; and James Sked.

It was a wonderful event and the organizers were very pleased to present Support Act with a cheque for $6,057.

Congratulations to everyone concerned.

The Board of Support Act Limited would like to thank Michael Gudinski and Frontier Touring for the opportunity to collect donations in the foyers of the venues where the Countdown Spectacular concerts featured nationally. A special thanks to Gavin Wood for his wonderful Support Act message during the concert which alerted everyone to the Support Act charity.

A team of dedicated volunteers in each State rattled the Support Act buckets during interval and after each show and patrons of the event generously dug deep with donations ranging from 5cents to $50 bills.

We would like to thank everyone for their contribution to Support Act and are pleased to report the total sum collected was $12,500.

The Australian Entertainment industry has rallied in support of one of Australia’s biggest rock stars of the 1960s and 1970s, Max Merritt, who has fallen on hard times since being admitted to a U.S. hospital after suffering kidney failure.

A Benefit “Concert For Max” has been confirmed for Sunday 21 October at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda. The 3000 seat venue will play host to a string of artists who have donated their time in support of their good friend Max Merritt including Ross Wilson, James Reyne, Kevin Borich, John Paul Young, Swanee, Peter Cupples, Dinah Lee, The Delltones, Doug Parkinson, Wilbur Wilde and Spectrum with more performers sure to be announced prior to tickets going on sale through Ticketmaster somewhere around the 10th of September.

Speaking from his home in suburban Los Angeles, Max said “I am finding it very difficult to adequately express my appreciation for the help and support during my time of extreme personal need. Your help is absolutely overwhelming”.