Two new members were elected to the Support Act Board at this week’s AGM, together with long standing Board member, Michael Chugg who stood down and was re-elected. These vacancies were due to the unfortunate death of Billy Thorpe and, after a stint of 10 years, Alex Coroneos stood down and did not stand for re-election.

Both new Board members bring tremendous experience and will make a great contribution to the organization. John Hansen is a 40 year veteran in the industry ranging from management in the seventies (Johnny O’Keefe and a large stable of others) to international touring (Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck and Don Maclean, to name a few). John’s company was also the entertainment supplier and consultant for the Panther group of clubs for over thirty years. He has been a Board member of the Australian Entertainment Industry Association for nearly ten years and a committee member of the ACE Awards for five years.

Robert Patterson has worked in the Australian music industry in a number of roles encompassing retail, sales, marketing and A & R. He heads up ABC Music (Australia’s largest independent record label and part of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation). ABC Music is dominant in the genres of classical, children’s and country music and is a major force in the Blues & Roots genres and contemporary independent music through its relationship with Triple J.

“We are delighted to welcome John and Robert to the Board and know they will play a significant role in building this charity in the coming years” said SAL Chair, Meryl Gross. “With the launch of the Billy Thorpe Foundation we are anticipating some exciting fundraising events which will enable Support Act to follow through on Billy’s plans to provide nursing facilities for those in the industry who are seriously or terminally ill as well as continuing our assistance to those in the music industry in need.”

Support Act now has two interstate branches in Victoria and South Australia, operating under the leadership of Keith Potger (SALVIC) and David Day (SALSA) who are doing a fantastic job co-ordinating their teams of volunteers and making much needed contribution to Support Act”s funds.