Rally for Don Russell PAC - City of Gosnells wants to close the venue

Fri, 15 Oct 2010, 02:08 pm

Melz28 posts in thread

Information has come to light today that the City of Gosnells have voted in favour of closing Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in Thornlie.

Don Russell PAC is part of the CircuitWest network and this will effect both state and federal touring productions as well as the City of Gosnells and neighbouring communities.

Moved Cr C Fernandez Seconded Cr D Griffiths
That Council move management of the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre to City Facilities and hire out the centre in a similar manner to other City of Gosnells facilities
CARRIED 7/5
FOR: Cr T Brown, Cr C Fernandez, Cr D Griffiths, Cr L Griffiths, Cr K Jones, Cr B Wiffen
and Cr O Searle.
AGAINST: Cr W Barrett, Cr J Brown, Cr R Hoffman, Cr S Iwanyk and Cr R Mitchell.

All will be decided at the next Council Meeting - Tuesday Oct 26 at 7.30pm. Performing Arts lovers, we need to rally at that meeting to show the communities support of Don Russell Performing Arts Centre.

If you would like to read the minutes from that meeting - here is the link - it all starts on page 14.

http://www.gosnells.wa.gov.au/upload/gosnells/11F55A20C67649789F72A90811CE67B.pdf

To contact the councillors and to share your concern and voice your support for Don Russell PAC - this link will take you to the contact details of the Councillors http://www.gosnells.wa.gov.au/scripts/viewoverview_contact.asp?NID=126

I will definitely be at the next Council Meeting on Tues Oct 26 at 7.30pm
Address: 2120 Albany Highway, Gosnells

I hope you will all rally too!

They forced one of WA's loved community theatres to close last year - Acorn Theatre to move which resulted in their closure - now they're doing it to a professional venue !!!

If you want to contact me please do via email - taz@tazentertainment.com.au

Thread (28 posts)

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MelzFri, 15 Oct 2010, 02:08 pm

Information has come to light today that the City of Gosnells have voted in favour of closing Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in Thornlie.

Don Russell PAC is part of the CircuitWest network and this will effect both state and federal touring productions as well as the City of Gosnells and neighbouring communities.

If you would like to read the minutes from that meeting - here is the link - it all starts on page 14.

http://www.gosnells.wa.gov.au/upload/gosnells/11F55A20C67649789F72A90811CE67B.pdf

I will definitely be at the next Council Meeting on Tues Oct 26 at 7.30pm
Address: 2120 Albany Highway, Gosnells

I hope you will all rally too!

They forced one of WA's loved community theatres to close last year - Acorn Theatre to move which resulted in their closure - now they're doing it to a professional venue !!!

If you want to contact me please do via email - taz@tazentertainment.com.au

Johnny GrimSat, 16 Oct 2010, 10:02 pm

Thankyou Melz for bringing this to our attention. There are a number of things that sadden me with this post. The most obvious one is of hearing yet another council opting to close another venue based entitely on it's CV. The CV in this case being the only CV that councillors ever take heed of, and that's 'Commercial Viability.' In this case, they have deemed the centre unviable. On looking at the figures presented in the minutes few would argue that from a CV point of view, the centre is unviable, but surely the same could be said for the numerous sporting facilities in the district? The difference of course is that sport has a higher profile than any of the art forms, sad but true. In addition, I think if they were to close a sporting venue said sports men and women would bleat rather loudly ,something we arts lovers don't seem to have the temperament for. It wasn't so long ago that Harbour called for support when the council wanted to close them down, they've now been given a temporary reprieve, but for how long? I'm embarrased to admit, that although sympathetic to Harbour's plight, I didn't lift a finger in support. Dare I say, that with the news of the Don Russell,and theatre's in South Australia on the brink, that it's time for our theatre communities as a whole, to take a stand on the very venues that allow us to ply our wares? For us not to do so, would seem a folly, for the fact is, all councile are manned (or is that driven?) by CV thinkers. Melz. where do I sign up? Johnny Grim A lad in sane productions

JoeMcSun, 17 Oct 2010, 12:09 pm

'CV' = "Crapper Valve'

'CV' in this case may mean the 'GCC Crapper Valve'? {[as in Thomas Crapper's inovative 'No1 Water fountain'] which was for a No2 as well?} thus I feel it could follow that the GCC spend far too much time & effort in straining as 'Dunny thinkers'!

Walter PlingeSun, 17 Oct 2010, 11:43 pm

Here is the City of

Here is the City of Gosnells' rules on petitions: http://www.gosnells.wa.gov.au/scripts/viewoverview_contact.asp?NID=6781

Walter PlingeMon, 18 Oct 2010, 11:15 am

Disaster for Don Russell Centre

Media statement - 14 October 2010 Disaster for Don Russell Centre Gosnells MP Chris Tallentire is calling on the City of Gosnells Council to reverse its decision to abandon the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre. “City of Gosnells Councillors need to swallow their pride and admit they got this decision wrong,” said Mr Tallentire. “At their next meeting there will be a motion to rescind the decision. I’m calling on the Council to step away from this disastrous decision and think again. Council officers provided ample reasons in their report to keep the performing arts centre going as is. I think the Councillors need to show more respect to the 1300 residents who signed a petition accepted by the Council at the same meeting. “I was really pleased that some brave members of the local community, headed by Ruth Kershaw, the respected President of the Older Women’s Network, had the guts and drive to go out and collect signatures on a petition to take to Council. “Because of this work, Councillors could see that the Centre is a vital part of the community infrastructure in the City of Gosnells and that a large number of people shared this view. I still think it would be crazy for the City to lose an asset it would never be able to replace, and risk creating a cultural desert. “As Rick Heath from the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association said in his letter to the City: ‘Local Governments have a responsibility to provide cultural services to their communities as they do other community services. Accordingly, arts centres require subsidy in the same way as a library, swimming pool or sports field. Indeed, arts centres are often seen as a strong indicator of community well-being.’ “Councillors need to backtrack to make sure that local music, drama and dance groups will still have a place to perform and that touring productions will remain easily accessible to people who live in my Gosnells electorate.” Media contact: Chris Tallentire on 9493 2223

Walter PlingeMon, 18 Oct 2010, 12:42 pm

Save the Don Russell - Public Meeting 24 October

Save the Don Russell You are invited to a public meeting so that the recent decision by the City Of Gosnells to abandon the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre can be overturned. When: Sunday 24th October 2010 Time: 4.00pm Where: Don Russell Performing Arts Centre Murdoch Rd, Thornlie (alongside the Forest Lakes Shopping Centre) Who: This is an open meeting, facilitated by Chris Tallentire MLA, Member for Gosnells and Andrew Waddell MLA, Member for Forrestfield. All City of Gosnells Councillors are invited to the meeting. Your support for the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre is very welcome. For more information please contact Chris Tallentire MLA, Member for Gosnells on 9493 2223.

MelzTue, 19 Oct 2010, 01:48 pm

Save DRPAC - Online Petition

We now have an online petition, so please show your support for the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre.

go to: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Save-Don-Russell-Performing-Arts-Centre/

Thank you in advance.

Melz :-)

kwyloThu, 21 Oct 2010, 03:53 pm

RTRFM Morning Magazine - Don Russell

Tomorrow's edition of 'Morning Magazine' on RTRFM will highlight the calls for the City of Gosnells to reverse their recommendation to close the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in Thornlie. Our guest will be member for Gosnells Chris Tallentire. Also on morning Magazine tomorrow we'll look into the latest on the proposed stop and search laws, Film Director Chris McCabe tells us about horror film 'The Potato House' and our resident sexologist Dr Gareth Merriman. RTRFM 92.1 The Sound Alternative www.rtrfm.com.au Graeme Watson

MelzThu, 21 Oct 2010, 09:22 pm

RTR 92.1FM - Friday Oct 22 at 10am

Thanks Graeme, will be tuned in :-)

The messages of support for the Don Russell PAC on our online petition is wonderful and heartwarming... we need to get as many signatories as possible by Monday Oct 25.

Thank you to those who have already signed, if you haven't yet, it won't take a moment, please head on over to: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Save-Don-Russell-Performing-Arts-Centre/

Thanks again

Melz :-)

kwyloSun, 24 Oct 2010, 01:46 pm

Chris Tallentire on RTRFM 92.1

If you missed hearing Chris Tallentire on RTRFM 92.1 on Friday morning, you can now listen to the podcast of the interview. http://www.rtrfm.com.au/stories/type/interviews/category/arts/2414 Graeme Watson

Tim ProsserSun, 24 Oct 2010, 03:51 pm

I had planned to go to the

I had planned to go to the meeting today, but there are no trains going to Thornlie today. Good on you, Transperthetic...thanks a lot.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Ray CondySun, 24 Oct 2010, 07:35 pm

Where were you?

I have just got back from a Sunday afternoon meeting at the Don Russel Performing Arts Centre. What I noticed was that of the 90 plus people there, over 90% were aged 55 or over. As the majority of plays feature actors in their 20 to 30s, it was disappointing that more of you were not there. Whether you aspire to be a professional actor or make community theatre your passionate hobby, as theatres close your opportunties dwindle. The less theatres, the less plays, the less auditons. Community theatre is where you hone your skills and improve your talents. So my question is Where were you?

Bass GuySun, 24 Oct 2010, 10:05 pm

Well, for one...

... after being awakened by the 3yo at 5am, traipsing to rehearsal with the 9yo for 9am-12.30pm, taking said 9yo to a show I was playing bass for with 4hrs notice at 2pm until 4.30pm, taking said child home and relieving wife who the went to the reading for the script of the play the 9yo and I had been rehearsing music for- and in the same breath swapping parent duties to look after the 3yo- and consoling 9yo with his nightmares brought on by the show he saw in the afternoon... I've kinda sorta had my hands full. Hope that's alright with you; please cut me some slack. And as I don't LIVE there... I'm finding it difficult to extend my care that far... Well, you DID ask, Ray... El

SlothwanSun, 24 Oct 2010, 10:48 pm

I cut my teeth in that

I cut my teeth in that theatre Ray, as you well know. If i wasn't already busy at a matinee performed in a venue where the council encourages performing arts, I would have been there for sure. After all, it was the nursery for Blak Yak. It's a shame that the council made it cost prohibitive for us to continue to operate there all those years ago, otherwise we would still be there and not roaming around the metro area trying to find venues to perform in. I'll be watching this one with bated breath. Adam Shuttleworth Treasurer Blak Yak Theatre

Ray CondySun, 24 Oct 2010, 11:04 pm

But Bass Man

El, I sympathize with you,in the past I have also had two young children so I can understand all of the above. Except for the line: And as I don't LIVE there... I'm finding it difficult to extend my care that far... You don't live in South Perth or North of the River, but you and your partner have both done many shows at other theatres, you haven't just stuck with your local theatre. All the best Ray

MelzTue, 26 Oct 2010, 04:57 pm

Thank you for supporting Don Russell PAC

I wanted to quickly call in and say thank you to the 253 people that signed our online petition to save Don Russell Performing Arts Centre... we hope it makes a contribution towards the hopeful reversal of the City of Gosnells decision. Some of your comments were so inspiring!

The rally last Sunday was very successful, and we understand that there were many who would have loved to come along to voice their concerns and show their support. You were definitely there in spirit :-)

Tonight is the cruncher... the City of Gosnells council meeting is on tonight (Tues Oct 26) and starts at 7.30pm. If you are able to attend, you are more than welcome, and we are hoping there will be a strong contingent of people, thus showing the dedication and support for this community venue that is one of Perth's elite venues and on state and national touring circuit.

City of Gosnells is located at 2120 Albany Highway, Gosnells and if you can try to be there at 7pm, that would be ideal. Please let Mr Chris Tallentire MLA know you are there to support Don Russell Performing Arts Centre.

Personally, due to other commitments, I am unfortunately not able to attend tonight, but I hope there are alot of you that will be. I of course, will be there in spirit, and our online petition will be submitted by one of the supporting Councillors tonight.

Thank you again to you all.

Cheers

Melanie DeCull

TAZ Entertainment

Melz :-)

MelzTue, 26 Oct 2010, 04:58 pm

253 signatories in just 1 week

I forgot to mention that those 253 signatories were gathered in just 1 week... congratulations to all and thank you for spreading the word.

Melz :-)

LabrugTue, 26 Oct 2010, 07:37 pm

Good results

Let's hope it makes a difference.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

Looking for an Agent? Read this first!!

kwyloTue, 26 Oct 2010, 10:49 pm

Decision Upheld

Sadly the Gosnells City Council has decided to continue with their plan to remove the staff from the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre and reduce the centre to being a 'hall for hire'. At this evenings council meeting there were some passionate and logical speeches from people supporting the motion to revoke the decision. Regretably only one councilor changed their vote. Graeme Watson

LabrugWed, 27 Oct 2010, 09:46 am

Disturbing Trend

Thanks GW. This sets a growing and disturbing trend.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

Looking for an Agent? Read this first!!

jeffhansenWed, 27 Oct 2010, 10:31 am

Anti Arts

A trend if you are part of the City of Gosnells. What if they were to close the sports centre? What would the public outcry be? www.meltheco.org.au

MelzWed, 27 Oct 2010, 11:13 am

Outraged at City of Gosnells decision to close DRPAC

Totally outraged at the decision made last night by the Councillors and the scarcastic Mayor of the City of Gosnells ! They did not listen to their own community or the wider voice of Perth !!!!!

They obviously have their own hidden agenda's with decisions that have obviously already been made behind closed doors !!! The vote was a tie, and DRPAC needed a majority to stay ! ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGED !!

My colleague who obtained legal advise was told that if an authority fails to provide proper supervision to ensure regulations are met then, if damage or injury occurred councillors themselves could be liable and might not be protected either by the Local Government Act or by Public Liability because in simple terms they had been negligent. May the Councillors who showed no support and the Mayor feel it one day!!!

DRPAC is only .7% of the City's budget, they are not in any financial troubles, they can afford to have DRPAC.

The staff and equipment will have to move out. I believe "Driving Miss Daisy" that is on in November will be the last official show... let's sell it out !!!!

This scenario is heartbreaking !

Melz :-)

MelzWed, 27 Oct 2010, 12:07 pm

Hold the Fort - another opportunity to revoke

Hold on - hold the fort... developments have been taking place. It sounds like there will be one more opportunity for revocation. Will know definitely on Friday but looks like we might need to rally the troops again for council meeting in a fortnight!!

Melz :-)

stephendeanWed, 27 Oct 2010, 07:54 pm

Now if the venue does

Now if the venue does become a hall for hire, the public liability is then assigned to the hirer, as it is likely to be a condition of hire. Even in a standard contract to hire a theatre there is always a clause about the client being responsible for their own public liability. As long as the council maintain the building in a safe state as required by your local Occupational Health and Safety act and the hirer signs a contract with the correct clause then the council will not be liable. It is unfortunate that another venue is being closed effectively, we are going thru the same here in South Australia. Sport is my high profile than the arts - unfortunately. So we always have to fight harder. I have written about both these problems on my blog. So I understand what are you are going thru. I may even write an article for CX magazine when I get further info and look at what is happening else where. Stephen Dean Ramblings of a Techie www.theatretechgeek.wordpress.com

Justin FreindThu, 28 Oct 2010, 08:37 am

DRPAC

I totally agree Melz. But I believe there may be a little glimmer of hope in that one of the councillors 'couldn't sleep' and may change her vote at the next council meeting in 2 weeks. Maybe my little 'outburst' at the end of the meeting might have had some affect.....but when you have idiots on the council like the councillor who said it is not a regional venue as we can all travel to Perth 16kms away to put on and attend theatre....what hope is there. I assume that the City of Gosnells will be able to save a fortune when they close all their sporting facilities.... there are some fantastic facilities only 16kms away!! Justin

Paul TreasureMon, 1 Nov 2010, 04:54 pm

Save DRPAC? Why!

When I first heard they were decommissioning DRPAC I was hoping beyond hope that it meant they'd bulldoze it and build a better one in its place... I sincerely hope that the talked about PAC in Armadale will not make the same mistakes that Gosnells made when they built this dog of a venue

JoeMcWed, 3 Nov 2010, 11:43 am

What great expectations Paul?

Of course Paul Armadale will duplicate the same style multi purpose theatoriums, in an atenpt to justify them selves, by creating these so called Performing Arts Centres,

The only things one can be sure of is it will be unworkable & come in over budget.

Walter PlingeWed, 3 Nov 2010, 05:58 pm

Performing Arts Centre for Busselton

different council - different day of the week..... http://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/node/4500

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