Centre upstages the competition

BUNBURY Regional Entertainment Centre has been named Australian Performing Arts Centre of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony held at Luna Park in Sydney last night.

The centre took home the title at this year’s Drover Awards presented by the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association.

Centre general manager Sharon Custers said the team was “so proud” to receive the award ahead of tough competition from around Australia.

“It’s a huge achievement, not only for the team at BREC but for the entire South West region,” she said.

“To be voted by the touring companies who tour to hundreds of venues across the country as the leading performing arts venue in Australia.

“We were up against some tough competition and I want to say a big congratulations to all the nominees for the great work they do.”

BREC was one of three finalists competing for the distinguished award, which included Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre and the Princess Theatre in Launceston.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan was delighted BREC received the accolade and praised the team for their hard work and dedication to bringing world-class entertainment to Bunbury.

“It is sensational news and reaffirms what we’ve always known – we have an outstanding entertainment and performing arts facility right on our doorstep,” Mr Brennan said.

“I encourage the community to continue supporting the BREC and congratulate Sharon and the team on their award.”

The Drover Award for Performing Arts Centre of the Year recognises the achievements of organisations that consistently provide outstanding performance in production, marketing and management services, as well as demonstrating exceptional success in audience development and community engagement.

Monkey Baa Theatre Company took the top spot for Tour of the Year with The Peasant Prince and Rachel Maza of Ilbijerri Theatre Co. was named Touring Legend, awarded by the APACA Board of Management, for an outstanding contribution to performing arts touring in Australia.

Introduced in 2003, The Drover Awards recognise and celebrate the contribution made by Australia’s best performing arts touring talent.

The awards do this by acknowledging the skills and expertise required for touring – whether it be through major cities or in regional and remote Australia.