Final performance: Schools mourn end of song and dance shows
15th February 2010
10 Feb, 2010 04:00 AM
MUSIC and dance students at two south-west schools have been left disappointed after the national Rock Eisteddfod challenge was cancelled due to a lack of sponsorship.
Warrnambool' s Emmanuel College and Timboon P12 College have participated in the annual event for more than 20 years, winning numerous awards between them.
Emmanuel College rock eisteddfod co-ordinator Trudy Sharrock said she was disappointed after finding out the event had been cancelled yesterday morning.
She said the school had participated in 10 challenges since its first tilt at the Rock Eisteddfod title in 1992.
"We weren't competing in the event this year but if we were it would have been worse because by February planning and production are well under way," Mrs Sharrock said.
"Once this type of large event has stopped it is very hard to get it started again.
"The Rock Eisteddfod challenge was a great way for students interested in music, dance and art to showcase their talents and to have it finish up is pretty disappointing."
Mrs Sharrock said Emmanuel had rarely missed a state final of the event, which had been running for more than 30 years.
Both Timboon and Emmanuel colleges battled it out during the 2007 state Rock Eisteddfod grand final but missed out on making it to a national level.
"You know how good it is for the kids and the opportunities it brings so hopefully there is a change of heart from the State and Federal governments over funding next year," Mrs Sharrock said.
State Opposition education spokesman Martin Dixon attacked the State Government yesterday after its decision to reduce funding for the event contributed to its demise.
"Victoria's Education Minister (Bronwyn Pike) is a penny-pinching piker, who puts funding for advertising and spin ahead of funding the Rock Eisteddfod dreams of many students,'' he said.
"Any competent Education Minister would do whatever was necessary to allow this year's Rock Eisteddfod to take place and ensure the viability of future eisteddfods."
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