By Dylan J Stone
The 2023 Eisteddfod is beginning to take shape – with only five months until the festival – and serious work gets underway from this Friday when the organisation’s AGM is held at the Philharmonic Clubroom, Aged Persons Rest Centre in Blende Street.
Friday 10th March at 10am
Merrilyn Podnar, Broken Hill Eisteddfod’s publicity officer, said, “the AGM allows for the election of the Committee, and we would like more volunteers to come onto the Committee if possible.”
The Committee prepares for the Eisteddfod, slated to be held from Saturday 19 through to Tuesday 22 August at the Musicians Club.
This year, Eisteddfod categories are “piano, instrumental (such as guitars, brass instruments, percussion, or virtually any instrument), vocal, corale, and speech and drama.”
The Eisteddfod Committee is planning for a strong year, “because it dropped off during Covid for a bit, but we’re hoping it will come back strong this time,” Mrs Podnar said.
Jonathon Welch, who was a founding director of the Choir of Hard Knocks, will be the event’s adjudicator, and he will also be holding workshops while he’s in town.
Volunteers are always needed to help ensure the smooth running of the Eisteddfod. “It would be nice to have more members as new blood is always good,” Ms Podnar said.
Giti Misagh recently heeded the volunteer call.
“I had been thinking about volunteering with the Eisteddfod Committee because the members have been long serving members, they are in need of more support. Volunteering is about empowering the community to continue the efforts that have already been established.
Mrs Misagh’s children have taken part in the last few Eisteddfods too.
“The Committee is doing a great job, and I don’t want those committee members to burn themselves out. If those committee members can’t continue their work, they know they can pass the baton to someone else. Knowing I can lend a hand is important because the Eisteddfod requires a lot of community effort.”
Mrs Misagh encourages everyone to participate in the Eisteddfod.
“It’s not about winning, it’s about showing your skills and developing your skills in front of the entire community.”
“It will be lovely to see the numbers of participants increase again, having that exposure to put yourself out there and sharing your skills is so important,” Mrs Misagh added. Mrs Podnar is encouraging anyone who is interested in volunteering to call her on 8087 7633.
