Curtain call for MAC Inc

Current Chair of MAC Inc Kerrie Murrell said it was very sad that the group was dispersing after arts and culture had the light shined on them in the shire over the past decade.

“Our tasks were many and varied and our focus was broad,” Ms Murrell said.

“Presenting performances and exhibitions, offering grants and support for community groups, promotion of events, responsible use of funds, finding venues, finding caterers, liaising with managers and artists, selling tickets, on-line booking, websites, advertising and so on.

“There have always been challenges to overcome, problems to solve, processes to follow.”

While starting out small, MAC Inc have done a power of work and put the Moira Shire on the map in the arts and culture world as they have been able to put on numerous large performances and events.

“Looking back over the years of operation, it is quite amazing what we have managed to achieve despite many obstacles and challenges,” Ms Murrell said.

“Beginning with just an idea of bringing the arts to Moira Shire, we snowballed to presenting professional acts at venues across the shire, including Tungamah, Picola and Strathmerton, before settling mostly on Byramine Homestead, Yarroweyah Hall, Numurkah Town Hall, Cobram Italian Social Club and Cobram Community Cinema.”

Although there may be plenty of interest in the arts, it still takes a team to ensure the continuance and success of an organisation with MAC Inc occupying some of the most loyal and passionate.

“We have been a very cohesive group. Alex Monk, Lou Hamon, Estelle Chalker and myself have been in it from the beginning,” Ms Murrell said.

“Others have come and gone, to pursue personal growth and professional lives including Carolyn Ryan, Kathryn Maddox, Janet Tett, Janet Schwarz, Marie Martin and Neeska Robinson.

“New board members were recruited to replace them and continue the good work. Karyn Day, Rob Elliott, Kerrie-Anne Rappell, Marj Coulter and our executive assistant, Liliana Zito, have kept us going.

“I cannot thank them enough for their positive support, energy, passion and co-operation. Each team member brings their own strengths and skills but the organisation and vision of Karyn Day, in particular, should be recognised.

“The idea of the Artfest was Karyn’s and it was bigger than we ever could have imagined and very well received by the community. There were the challenges of COVID cancellations and flood, but the Artfest brilliantly brought together beginning and established artists.”

With several performances held each year for over a decade, there have been many highlights held right across the shire while state-renowned events have also been held locally due to the work of MAC Inc.

“There have been many highlight performances during our tenure. The Café Culture Series was presented each year with four performances, initially at the Italian Social Club and, in later years, at the Yarroweyah Hall,” Ms Murrell said.

“The performers were frequently an unknown quantity and often at the beginning of their careers; we were never quite sure what we were going to experience.

“However, they were almost always captivating, thought provoking, and inspiring. Experimental jazz, acapella, reworking of traditional Aussie ballads, musical and visual history of Italian migrants, cabaret style singing and banter, flamenco dance and Bollywood music, harmony, instrumental skill and talent were enjoyed by all who attended.

“The St. Kilda Film Festival offers a touring program featuring the winners of each category and a selection of Director’s Choice films, and we have presented this touring program each year.

“Patrons have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to see work by Australian and international film makers.

“As well as being able to host the St Kilda Film Festival on a number of occasions, the gardens of the heritage listed Byramine Homestead have been the venue for the Moira Shire leg of the Shakespeare in the Vines performances by the Essential Theatre company.

“Our hosts, Wade and Nicole McPherson, could not have been more generous or accommodating. Having a picnic while watching the brilliant actors bring Shakespeare to life has been an absolute favourite over the years.

“It will be sad to see that go.

“During Covid we had many performances cancelled and it was a bleak time for all. Just before the final lockdown we were able to present a truly special performance by cult classics, ‘The Spooky Men’s Chorale’ at the Numurkah Town Hall.”

From assisting local community groups to host small shows in community halls to hosting large renowned events themselves, MAC Inc have achieved the incredible.

“Once again, upon reflection of our achievements over the years, I am absolutely amazed at what we have been able to achieve,” Ms Murrell said.

“The number of performances we have presented, community groups we have engaged with, art shows, photographic exhibitions, public artworks we have sponsored, schools and Agricultural Shows which we have provided prizes for is phenomenal.

“Alas for us, the Shire’s funding for the arts has taken a new direction. It is with a sense of sadness that we step away from MAC Inc and bid farewell, but we do so with an enormous sense of achievement and satisfaction in what we were able to achieve over this time.”

To be able to sustain the organisation through several uphill battles over 11 years, MAC Inc has been assisted by numerous groups who they wish to acknowledge as well as their sponsorships and the community groups they have worked with are listed on their website or social media.

“All that is left is to say an enormous THANK YOU,” Ms Murrell said.

“Thank you to the Board members for what they have done. Their support and hard work cannot be measured.

“Thank you to all our patrons. There were so many dedicated supporters who kept coming to our events time after time. There were many who travelled to attend only one or two shows but were entertained and appreciative.

“Thank you also to the Moira Shire for our funding. Without your backing none of this would have happened.”

Ms Murrell finished by saying that although MAC Inc was disappearing, with so much talent and interest in arts in the area hopefully another group fills the void.

“Support for the arts is vital in any community looking to promote its liveability. Hopefully, the void we leave will be filled by other groups, thus ensuring the ongoing strength of the arts in Moira Shire.”