After a long and successful history supporting Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre (BPACC) since it opened in 2004, the Friends of BPACC faced a quandary when the centre closed in 2023. After much consideration the Friends of BPACC decided to donate the almost $40,000 of remaining funds to Tomorrow Today, with the intent that the funds be used to provide a scholarship for a Benalla student to pursue further study in the performing arts.
Lois Smith, Friends of BPACC founding member and Secretary, explained why the Friends made this decision; “We knew that we wanted the funds we’d raised to be used for the performing arts and the idea of a scholarship was agreed on. Initially we thought it would be too difficult for us to administer that but then realised that Tomorrow Today would be an excellent choice to auspice the scholarship going forward, given that they already provided scholarships for Benalla students.”
“We are so pleased that the Friends of BPACC have allowed us to take care of these funds that will benefit Benalla’s young people for years to come,” said Tomorrow Today Executive Officer, Jodie Fleming. “It is a wonderful legacy for the Friends to leave after years of tireless work bringing the performing arts to Benalla.”
In December 2024 the inaugural $2,000 Friends of BPACC scholarship was awarded to FCJ student Katie Breheny. Katie has lived in Benalla since she was three years old and for most of her life been a dedicated dancer. She has just commenced a Diploma in Elite Dance Performance as well as a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance in Brunswick.
“I danced locally at TDA Performing Arts for 12 years, and I guess I never really assumed that dancing full-time would be an option. There’s very little support for the course I’m doing. There’s no residential student accommodation or anything and dance is a very expensive activity, with lots of shoes and costumes. So having the Friends of BPACC scholarship has been amazing. It’s helped me to relocate to Melbourne and set myself up to be able to get the most out of my course.”
Pursuing a career in the performing arts in Australia is challenging for anyone, something that Lois acknowledges; “You have to have a passion, you have to be prepared for failure, and it’s a very, very small industry. But I don’t think any learning is wasted, so even if you did that course and enjoyed it, then you might find you go off in a different direction, you might take on a role that is not centre stage but behind the scenes. Those roles are equally important because without those people shows can’t go on. I would say, to any young person, follow your dream, because you have to like what you do.”
Katie is certainly on the right path to follow her dream; “I think as a country kid, there’s definitely a lack of performing arts opportunities. But after seeing that this was a possibility to go in and try and make a career out of my passion, I just wanted to go for it. I’m just excited to start and get into it. I know it’s going to be very challenging, but I’m excited for that challenge and just all the new things that are going to happen.”
A range of scholarships for Benalla students are available each year. Students in Year 12 are encouraged to apply through their school in Term 3.