“The party is all about thanking our volunteers,” said editor and organiser Louisa Dyce. “The paper holds other events during the year – fundraising dinners and harbour cruises – but this one is to say thanks, to give something back to our volunteer contributors and distributors who give so much.”
The party, made possible by an Innovative Community Grant from UnitingCare NSW.ACT, commenced on the roof of the youth and community centre. The rooftop is an ideal setting for such an event, with gardens and ample space for social activities. Talented school-aged rockers LOL, unfazed by dark clouds approaching from the west, launched into a short but dynamic set which included covers of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and George Harrison’s optimistic “Here Comes the Sun”.
When the first drops of rain spattered drums and guitars it was clearly time to unplug the PA system and retreat indoors.
Safely downstairs, a buffet table was again laid out with delectables from local caterers One Pot (based in Botany). Our waiter Alex was the consummate helper and guide. “The food is so good!” one volunteer exclaimed. “Often at a party there’s just a single veggie dish or salad [for vegetarians], but this is awesome.” Dishes included Marrakesh eggplants and tomatoes, seared wild mushrooms with ranch dressing, and Cannelloni of ricotta and basil, baby peas, broad beans and asparagus.
Plates piled high, we pulled up chairs in anticipation of the mighty Darling Tones. The choir was initiated and is managed by Colin Sharp and Mary Ellen McCue “so that the community of Darlington and surrounds has a place to meet and sing”. The choir’s musical director is Dale Caldwell. Highlights on this occasion included a tribute to Nelson Mandela called “Birthright” (written by Colin Sharp) and a cover of “Irish Heartbeat” by Van Morrison.
Singer-songwriters Zana Rose and Jenna Murphy host an open-mic night each Wednesday at the Woolpack Hotel in Redfern. The Sunset Sessions feature diverse singer-songwriters in a supportive and often collaborative environment. Zana and Jenna curated a special Sunset Session for the end-of-year party. The impressive lineup comprised Zana and Jenna, Chris Neto, Mark Matic, Josh Overett and our beloved music reviewer Liz Hughes. Impressive? They were brilliant!
In a makeshift art space in a side meeting room Alex Grilanc invited participants to paint their names or “tags” on small canvas boards. The youngest partygoers showed keen enthusiasm and a real flair for the task. “We’ll do something with all these little artworks,” Alex said. “Perhaps make them into something larger – an installation of some kind.” Participants will be informed of developments.
Throughout the evening, performers read out quiz questions and awarded prizes donated by the South Sydney Rabbitohs (premiership caps) and Pat Clarke (beloved writer of our Volunteers’ News column). The quiz, with topics drawn from various issues of the SSH in 2014, included memorial questions in honour of founding editor Trevor Davies and inaugural photo editor Ali Blogg.
Current editors Lyn Turnbull, Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Cate Long and Andrew Collis thanked volunteers for their immense generosity and service to the community. “Thanks also to Shane [Brown] and Mardi [Diles] and all the good people at Weave. It’s a privilege to work alongside such skilled and caring partners,” Andrew said. “It’s just one of the things that makes all this so rewarding.”
As the rain continued, partygoers made their way outside and made their farewells. Ross Smith (our beloved distribution co-ordinator) collected contact details so that volunteers might be sent their limited-edition SSH tea towels (beautifully designed by Rob Young and printed by ProPrint in Marrickville).
Roll on, 2015!
