Golden Rivers Theatre Group (GRTG) is receiving the Arts and Culture Award for their outstanding contribution to the local arts space.
GRTG president, Veronica Martens, was thrilled by the group’s recognition.
“I think it’s really amazing and it’s really nice to be recognised, especially after the past few years since Covid-19,” said Veronica.
“At one stage, we didn’t know if we could keep going, but we’ve had a really big renewed interest and heaps of people joined in the show last year.
“Our award really is sort of unexpected, but we all really appreciate it.”
The theatre group is a group of dedicated amateur performers who work with great enthusiasm to prepare and perform shows for the local community. For over three decades, they have dedicated themselves to enriching our lives through the magic of theatre and embracing members of all ages from our local community and beyond.
What sets the group apart is not only their outstanding performances but their commitment to education. Through thoughtfully crafted rehearsals, training and shows, they empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to flourish in the world of theatre. From stage managers to technical directors to those that love the centre stage; the theatre group provides the opportunity for locals to find, develop and hone their skills.
The group began its days in 1990 when a group of volunteers came together to raise funds for the local community hospital through a concert-hall musical performance. This group inevitably grew over several years, becoming incorporated as Golden Rivers Theatre Group Inc. in 1995. Since then, the group has aimed to produce a range of theatrical experiences from comedy to drama through both musicals and plays, authored by a wide variety of Australian and international playwrights.
Today, 30 years on, Golden Rivers Theatre Group continues to captivate and inspire us. Their dedication to the performing arts has not only entertained but has also become an integral part of our local identity. As we applaud them today, let us recognise the profound impact they have made, allowing our community to discover, develop and cherish their love for all things theatre.
Keep a look out for their next production, Little Shop of Horrors, scheduled for March.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 25 January 2024.
