Support Act Press

Music in the House November 2011

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:11:00 +1100

Sydney, Australia: On Tuesday 8th November, 2011 the Australian music industry gathered at NSW Parliament House for the annual Music in the House luncheon to celebrate the presentation of the Excellence in Community Support Award.

This luncheon attracts some of the biggest names in the Australian music industry and this year was no exception.

Hosted by the Shadow Minister for the Arts, Nathan Rees, the focus of "Music In The House" is to honour members of the music industry who, by their tireless efforts and charitable works, have made a difference and enriched the fabric of the Australian community. Previous recipients of the award have been Jimmy Barnes, Glenn Shorrock, Don Spencer, Richard Clapton and John Paul Young.

Joining this illustrious group is Russell Morris. Russell is one of Australia's most enduring singers whose 45-year career encompasses many highlights across a variety of genres. During the 70s, 80s and 90s, Russell spent many years touring and in the early 90s, formed a highly successful performing trio with fellow 60s heroes Ronnie Burns (replaced in 2000 by Jim Keays) and Darryl Cotton. Russell was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2008, and in 2010 his 1973 album ‘Wings of an Eagle’ was listed in the book ‘100 Best Australian Albums’. For many years Russell has been an active supporter of diverse charitable organisations including Myeloma Cancer Foundation, Golden Stave Foundation, Sacred Heart Mission, Bali Children’s Foundation and the Variety Club of Australia.

Russell proved why he has enjoyed enduring success with a fantastic acoustic performance which included his smash hits, "Wings Of An Eagle" and "The Real Thing" and was joined by good friend and SAL Board member, Brian Cadd, to showcase a track from their latest album.

As keynote speaker on the day John Watson provided an engaging and entertaining talk. During his long career in the Australian music industry, John has played in indie bands, been a freelance music journalist, worked as A&R Manager at Sony and established the Murmur label. As John Watson Management and through his label Eleven, he has been responsible (either jointly or independently) for managing a number of well-known, respected and highly successful Australian artists including Silverchair, Missy Higgins, Little Birdy, Kisschasy, Wolfmother, Birds of Tokyo, Pete Murray, Cold Chisel and Gotye.

Support Act Chair, Meryl Gross, commented "it is fantastic to see the music industry provide support for this annual fundraising lunch and I am personally delighted to be able to acknowledge the incredible contribution many Australian performers make to the not-for-profit sector. Their appearance at Charity fundraisers is often the key draw card for the event and their impact cannot be underestimated."

Support Act NSW Chair, Ray Burgess added "Such a gathering of music industry luminaries highlights the importance of our moral obligation to look after our fellow workers in this wonderful music business, and embrace all who live and love their music. A big thank you must go to everyone who made the event possible, and the sponsors who gave willingly."

Support Act would like to give a very special thanks to Music in the House prize sponsors Chugg Entertainment, BridgeClimb and wine sponsor Brokenwood.

Formed in 1997, Support Act (SAL) provides relief and assistance to members of the Australian music industry who are in need or suffering hardship, illness or distress. Support Act is a registered charity – its founding members are ARIA/PPCA and APRA/AMCOS.

For further information please visit www.supportact.com.au.

Condolences - David Gilchrist

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:15:00 +1100

Support Act would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of David Gilchrist who passed away recently. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Join the Support Act Team in Dry July

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:19:00 +1000

Challenge yourself to a month off the booze this July and help adults living with cancer.
Dry July is an online social community where an individual or a team can sign up for a month of abstinence and directly help those living with cancer.

Support Act would like to express its support for Dry July (www.dryjuly.com) and invites any members or friends of Support Act to get involved with its team.

If you would like to join the Support Act team please email Joanna or visit www.dryjuly.com/teams/supportact.

Condolences - Greg Clarke

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:09:00 +1000

Support Act would like to convey its deepest sympathies to the friends and families of Greg Clarke, who recently passed away from a suspected heart attack in Sydney. Greg was the former tour manager for Billy Thorpe, and was currently tour manager for Rose Tattoo. Greg will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Support Act Benefits from Australian Institute of Music Event

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:31:00 +1000

Support Act was recently named as the beneficiary of an event organised by Entertainment Management students from the Australian Institute of Music (AIM), who were responsible for conceiving and coordinating an event from start to finish as part of their studies at AIM.

The event named 'Jingle Ball' was a howling success and was held at the Gaelic Club in Surry Hills in December 2010. Artists such as Darryl Beaton, Sammy G, Castlecomer, Burning Violet Bridges and a host of others took to the stage, helping to raise a cool $2,493.05.

Rai Thistlethwayte, front man to the Australian Band Thirsty Merc, recently took time out from his busy schedule to drop in at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) to present the cheque to Support Act.

APRA's Director of Member Services and Support Act representative Sally Howland was on hand to receive the cheque, as was AIM Entertainment Management student Rachel Rigg, and Thomas Heymann, Head of the Entertainment Management Department.

Rai Thistlethwayte said that "it was encouraging to see music students getting behind such a worthy cause, and thanked AIM for providing the opportunity for such an event to successfully happen", adding "the future of the music industry is in good hands".

L-R Sally Howland (APRA/Support Act), Rachel Rigg (AIM Student), Rai Thistlewayte (Thirsty Merc), Thomas Heymann (AIM Head of Department)

Condolences - Dutch Tilders

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:07:00 +1000

Support Act is saddened to hear that Dutch Tilders passed away on April 23 after a battle with cancer. Known as Australia's 'Godfather of Blues', Dutch inspired many musicians and toured with many of the greatest blues players. He moved to Australia from the Netherlands at a young age and played his first concert in Melbourne at age 15, in a gig that also featured Johnny O'Keefe. Support Act would like to extend its sympathies to Dutch's family and friends at this time.

Condolences - Eric Gross

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:00:00 +1000

Support Act would like to convey its sympathies to the family and friends of Eric Gross, who passed away on April 17, at the age of 84. Eric was a highly respected composer and educator in the Australian classical music community. His catalogue of work ranges from symphonies to chamber and solo instrumental works, many of which are regularly performed both in Australia and overseas. Eric will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Condolences - Robert 'Jock' Bain

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:36:00 +1000

Support Act would like to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of audio engineer Robert 'Jock' Bain who passed away recently. Jock worked with many bands and production companies around the world and will be missed by all those who knew and worked with him.

Condolences - Hugh McLean

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:43:00 +1100

Support Act would like to pass on its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Hugh McLean, founder of McLean Audio in Melbourne, who passed away on the 1st March. McLean Audio provided the sound for many events including concerts, the Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup.

Condolences - Peter Laffy

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:41:00 +1100

Support Act was saddened to hear that Peter Laffy recently passed away in Hawaii after a long illness. Support Act would like to pass on its sympathies to all of Peter's family and friends at this time.

Condolences - Bruce Jackson

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:38:00 +1100

Following recent media reports of his sudden death in a flying accident in California at the end of January, Support Act would like to extend its sympathies to friends and family of Australian audio engineer Bruce Jackson. Bruce was a huge figure in the audio industry worldwide; not only involved in a number of pioneering companies here and in the USA he was also responsible for the live sound of many iconic artists (including Elvis, Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen) and he will be missed.

The Music Goes Round My Head by David Johnston

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:07:00 +1100

Support Act member, musician and music lover David Johnston has very generously offered to donate to Support Act the entire profits, once printing costs are covered, from sales of at least the first print run of his new book The Music Goes Round My Head: Australian Pop Music 1964-69.

After 2½ years of intensive research and direct contact with over 100 musicians from the era (including Support Act’s own Brian Cadd and Keith Potger), the result is a major history of Australian music in the 1960’s. The Music Goes Round My Head is a large format paperback with a gloss-laminated three-colour cover, 400 pages, around 250,000 words, and over 1,000 small margin photos and other images. The book is fully indexed, with comprehensive songlist, artists' websites and more.

This is a landmark publication in the history of Australian music and Support Act is proud to benefit from sales of the book. We are once again humbled by the kindness of people in this remarkable industry we work in – if the first print run sells out, David’s donation will mean that up to eight families and individuals in crisis can be assisted by Support Act.

If you would like to purchase a copy of The Music Goes Round My Head, please contact our Adminstration and Fundraising Manager, Joanna Forman, on joanna@supportact.com.au

Condolences

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:40:00 +1100

Support Act would like to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of Steve Prestwich, who recently passed away from a brain tumour at the age of 56.

Support Act was also saddened to hear of the passing of Harvey James aged 58, after a battle with lung cancer. The organisation would like to convey its sympathies to his family and friends on their loss.

Support Act Victoria Maton Raffle Winners

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:45:00 +1100

The winners of the Support Act Victoria Matton Raffle are;

First prize: P. Burston
Second prize: V. O'Keefe
Third prize: M. Loe

Congratulations to the winners

South Australian Music Hall Of Fame

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:43:00 +1000

South Australia has a rich musical history which is lauded across the globe. At one point Adelaide was known as "Liverpool Downunder", producing such prodigious talents in all musical fields from Johnny Mac and Doug Ashdown to the Masters Apprentices, Cold Chisel, Glenn Shorrock and so many, many more. The flag continues to be carried today and into the future by favourites including The Hilltop Hoods, The Audreys, Beccy Cole and the world-renowned Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

It has long been the dream of many to establish a Hall of Fame in honour of South Australian music and this dream has now been realised thanks to the tireless work of David 'Daisy' Day, Terry Little, and the generosity of the publicans of North Adelaide institution, The Kentish Arms - Anna Carbone and Linton Mudie.

The South Australian Music Hall of Fame is the holder of South Australia's musical Holy Grail. As the name suggests it's all about the music: pop, rock, jazz, country, rap, classical, entrepreneurs. The State's musical heritage has made an indelible mark, not only on SA and Australia as a whole, but the world as well. SA’s world breakers have included Robert Stigwood, AC/DC, Little River Band, Johnny Mac, Paul Kelly, The Angels, Cold Chisel, as well as the scores to many Australian films that have been produced and recorded in South Australia.

The importance of the Hall's website has also been recognised by an offer of inclusion in the PANDORA Archive, a joint venture of the State Libraries and the National Library of Australia. The State Library of South Australia is responsible for identifying South Australian web sites for preservation and will archive the titles onto the National Library's PANDORA Archive (Preserving and Accessing Networked Documentary Resources of Australia). The letter of offer from the State Library of South Australia describes the work of the PANDORA Archive as follows:

"The National Library of Australia aims to build a comprehensive collection of Australian publications to ensure that Australians have access to their documentary heritage now and in the future. The National Library and Australian State Libraries have traditionally collected items in print, but are also committed to preserving electronic publications of lasting cultural value."

The Hall committee comprises:

David Day JP, Curator: South Australian radio legend, author, budding artist, music industry stalwart and Support Act SA Chairman.
Terry Little: motorsport promoter, businessman, music tragic, former disco promoter and Support Act SA committee member.
Angus Redfern: barrister and ex-Member SA Upper House.
Julia Murant: grants
Annette Day: sponsorship and events manager
Tony Savage: events
John Swan

Nominations are open now for the South Australian Music Hall of Fame awards 'The Vinnies', named in memory of the late John Vincent with the kind permission of the Vincent family. John 'Vinnie' Vincent was a much loved and respected South Australian Radio and Music performer who passed away in 2009. Voting for the 'People's Choice' awards will also be available soon.

If you wish to make a nomination for The Vinnies or the People’s Choice awards, or have any SA music memorabilia you might like to have included in the Hall’s exhibitions, please contact curator/director and Support Act SA Chapter Chair, David ‘Daisy’ Day on daisy@samhf.com.au. Any items will be on loan to the Hall and will remain the property of the donor. Valuable documents can be photocopied for protection of the originals and all items are fully insured against loss and damage.

The South Australian Music Hall of Fame is located on the first floor of the Kentish Arms Hotel, Stanley Street, North Adelaide and at www.samhf.com.au.

John Paul Young To Be Presented With “Excellence In Community Support Award”

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:58:00 +1000

Sydney, Australia: On Wednesday, September 22, 2010, the Australian music industry will gather at NSW Parliament House for the annual MUSIC IN THE HOUSE luncheon to celebrate the presentation of the EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SUPPORT Award. This luncheon attracts some of the biggest names in the Australian music industry and this year is set to be one of the biggest yet.

The focus of "Music In The House" is to honour members of the music industry who, by their tireless efforts and charitable works, have made a difference and enriched the fabric of the Australian community. Previous recipients of the award have been Jimmy Barnes, Glenn Shorrock, Don Spencer and Richard Clapton.

Hosted by the NSW Minister For The Arts, The Hon. Virginia Judge MP, the 2010 recipient of this prestigious award will be the 2009 ARIA Hall of Fame Inductee, JOHN PAUL YOUNG. JPY has supported children's charities for many years. Just some of those he has helped include the NSW Variety Bash (both as a participant, and in entertaining along the way) and the children's emergency transport service NETS through its 4WD4Kids fundraiser

Formed in 1997, Support Act (SAL) provides relief and assistance to members of the Australian music industry who are in need or suffering hardship, illness or distress. SAL is a registered charity – its founding members are ARIA/PPCA and APRA/AMCOS and it is run by a group of music industry volunteers.

There will be a lot of love in the room when JPY does a rare acoustic performance following the award presentation supported by long time band member, Warren Morgan, on piano.

Meryl Gross, Chair of Support Act, commented "The Board of Support Act are proud to pay tribute this year to JPY who, along with a number of members of the Australian music industry, generously respond to the many requests they receive to support various charities. It is through the efforts of these people that funds are raised and community efforts rewarded. This lunch is a fundraiser for our own charity, Support Act, and we are aware just how difficult it can be to stage a successful fundraising event. Our thanks to all the people who will give their time supporting this lunch".

Bookings for this lunch can be made by faxing 02 8569 1183, calling 02 8569 1144, or by emailing events@supportact.com.au. The cost is $150.00 per head and includes pre-lunch drinks, a three-course meal and beverages.

For any interview requests please contact Vanessa Johnson, 0405125715

For further information about Support Act, go to www.supportact.com.au.

Music in the House
Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 12.00 noon to 3.00pm
Strangers Dining Room, NSW Parliament House, Sydney

Country Music Kicks Off Support Act Endowment Fund

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:30:00 +1000

Support Act Limited (SAL) was this week presented with a cheque for $35,000 by Board members from the Contemporary Country Music Coalition (CCMC) representing Support Act’s first "Endowment Donation".

The Contemporary Country Music Coalition was formed in 2001 as an advocate for the expansion and promotion of the professional interests of Australian and international contemporary country music.

The Endowment Donation to Support Act comes from commission from compilation and licensing fees from a series of compilation CD releases - "Award Winning Country" which feature award winning tracks from the three established country music world markets, Australia, Canada and the U.S. Distributed by Sony Music Entertainment, this successful series has chalked up sales in excess of 100,000 units. Featuring the cream of American stars, it has supported many Australian independent artists and introduced some of Canada's top artists such as Corb Lund and Carolyn Dawn Johnson. Volume 9 has just been released.

CCMC'S Treasurer, Rob Potts commented... "When Jim White suggested to our Board that we could establish an endowment for SAL, the whole board embraced the idea. We hope it is the first of many such endowments to this fantastic organisation."

"Endowment Donations will be invested as a Support Act asset in perpetuity and interest or dividends will be taken to SAL's profit and loss account on an annual basis showing the donor's name and the amount notionally generated by the gift on a yearly basis. An endowment donor can add to their endowment at any time by providing a further tax deductible gift. This generous donation by the CCMC is the first of its type to SAL and we would like to thank the Directors for supporting our organization and ensuring their donation will continue to provide annual income in the years ahead" said SAL's chair, Meryl Gross.

Support Act will be actively seeking Company and personal donations under the Endowment scenario which permanently acknowledges the philanthropic nature of the donor, Company or organization.

Support Act is a registered charity which was formed in 1997 to provide relief and assistance to members of the Australian music industry who are in need or suffering hardship, illness or distress. It was founded by the music industry's peak bodies ARIA, APRA, AMCOS and PPCA. Support Act is a non profit organization and receives no Government funding and therefore relies solely on fundraising events and donations nationally.

For further information please contact Vanessa Johnson on 0405 125 715 or www.supportact.com.au

ABC TV program ‘Dimensions’ reveals how Support Act can make a real difference

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:44:00 +1000

ABC's 'Dimensions' spotlights the work that Support Act does assisting members of the music industry who have become ill or fallen on hard times.

Read the show transcript...

We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:28:00 +1100

"We get by with a little help from our friends..." was certainly the theme at SUPPORT ACT, the Australian Music Industry Benevolent Fund’s, first national conference.

Founded 12 years ago, Support Act is a registered charity and non profit organization which raises funds to provide relief arising from hardship and/or illness amongst those working in the Australian music industry, the only benevolent fund for this purpose. Founding members include the industry's key bodies, APRA/AMCOS and ARIA/PPCA.

The conference was hosted at the APRA headquarters in Sydney and attended by the Support Act National Board and the CHAIRS from each State – Keith Potger (Victoria), Clyde Bevan (Acting Chair W.A.), David Day (South Australia), Wayne Rowley (NSW) and Wayne Budge (Queensland). These branches are all run by committees of dedicated, caring volunteers who find time to plan and present various fundraisers in their States to assist those who are less fortunate.

A stirring address from Support Act's part time Welfare Co-ordinator, Lindy Morrison, set the tone for the meeting when she read a letter expressing thanks for assistance recently received by an applicant who had been in dire straits before coming to Support Act for relief. This "anonymous" client advised "Support Act has helped me move on, from being the confidence shattered person I was (having survived my third heart attack and a period of being homeless) to finally being excited about music making again. Early last year I was still experiencing panic attacks, anxiety and depression. Even the love of music which had helped me deal with any crisis previously was slow to help me over come this. However bit by bit I have done a project here and there. Slowly I have gained more confidence and a positive outlook. I would have found it more difficult without Support Act helping me by covering costs of repairs and replacement of some of my musical gear. Also helping me afford a computer and internet access. These have helped me start new music activities which have given a new spark to my life." and "I would particularly like to thank Lindy for her understanding and caring. In some ways it was these conversations that were the most valuable contribution towards me being able to acknowledge my contribution as a musician/ sound engineer in my 30 year involvement in the music industry. When you have life threatening health problems it is not always easy to see what you have achieved and can still achieve. I have learned a lot about myself and how best to deal with my physical/psychological limitations. I am ready to live the next chapter in my musical life and forever grateful to Support Act for helping me get to this next stage" and this is indicative of the appreciation by many grant recipients who receive ongoing assistance and support from Lindy Morrison through SUPPORT ACT.

The fundraising activities now carried out by the Support Act Branches around the country will allow the organization to continue to build much needed reserves to cope with the increasing number of people falling on hard times, particularly as the population ages.

The two-day conference was an overwhelming success and Support Act Board member and National State Coordinator, Brian Cadd said

"This has been a personal dream of mine…to see all the State branches up and running, and to have their CHAIRS all in one room together with the National Board.

The interaction and brainstorming was amazing to be part of and we on The National Board now feel that SUPPORT ACT has reached a new plateau of growth and effectiveness.

Activities and consequent revenue will quickly escalate from this point on and I feel immensely grateful to the individual STATE CHAIRS and their teams of committee members who will be instrumental in facilitating this sudden and most welcome growth."

New and exciting fundraising initiatives were developed which will give the organization the opportunity to build on its current strong foundation and the long term goal is to be in a position to increase the annual assistance provided to clients to ensure their quality of life.

All applications to Support Act are treated with anonymity and the client's privacy is respected at all times. In addition to helping individuals, Support Act also assists families who may be struggling due to illness or death and any donations made specifically to Support Act to assist children are isolated from general funding and used specifically for this purpose.

To learn more about support act, its state groups, or to make a donation, please visit www.supportact.com.au. Brian Cadd is available on behalf of support act for Media interviews. enquiries should be directed to the National administrator, joanna forman on 02 9332 4424 or joanna@supportact.com.au, or the State Chairmen – contact details via the website.

Bertie Blackman One Night Charity Art Exhibition and Auction

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:29:00 +1100

Bertie Blackman One Night Charity Art Exhibition & Auction Thursday, 19th November 2009, 6-8pm.

Bertie Blackman undeniably is, and has always been, an artist. Her legacy has encouraged her to be nothing but, and for one night this November, she takes us into another area of her fantastic world of creativity with her first ever solo art exhibition.

Bertie allows us a peek inside the open door to her imaginary world with a selection of large scale pen and ink illustrations of her “Nanimals”; Some may say that they belong somewhere between Alice’s Wonderland and Where Maurice Sendak’s Wild Things Are, and no one would expect anything less from the daughter of Australian art world royalty, Charles Blackman & Genevieve de Couvreur.

“I like the graphic quality of using pen and ink,” Says Blackman, “I also like making “things”, building and shaping things, but drawing in black and white allows me to better interpret my characters as I see them, and for others to see.”

The host of Bertie Blackman’s exhibition, Mossgreen Gallery, is one of Australia’s most progressive galleries, representing a number of groundbreaking new and established Australian and International artists.

Bertie Blackman’s artwork will go on show for one night only, where art lovers and fans of her music alike have the opportunity to buy her original drawings. Bertie is conscious of the support that she has received from friends and family to help her shape her music career and now she has the opportunity to do the same; All profits from the sale of these original drawings will be donated to Australian music charity Support Act.

“Support Act, the Australian music industry's benevolent fund, is proud to be involved with Bertie Blackman’s Art Exhibition and Auction and we encourage Forum 5 in its development of emerging Australian talent such as Bertie Blackman. We wish her the best of luck with her ARIA nomination and great success in her career.”

The evening will include a acoustic performance by Bertie as she performs tracks from her ARIA nominated album, ‘Secrets And Lies’, available in stores now.

Throughout November and December, Bertie’s album will be available with a bonus T-Shirt bearing the design of one of Bertie Blackman’s illustrations in all participating retail stores.

Download the exhibition invite