While it might be a mouthful, the Royal South Street Society (RSSS) Ballarat Eisteddfod is the oldest and longest-running eisteddfod in the country and has seen more than a million aspiring artists—singers, dancers, orators, writers, musicians and composers— grace its stage. The full season of events for the Eisteddfod runs from June to the end of October and covers 11 different disciplines, from debating, speech and drama, pianoforte, vocal sections, the Chopin celebration, all abilities performing arts, choral competitions, schools’ instrumental music, dance and calisthenics.
The impact of Freemasons’ support over the years
Since 2016, FFV has provided annual grants of $8,000 and in 2017, a Community Grant of $9,500. In 2024, with support from a Masonic Grant, Freemasons from the Ballarat area are supporting the Freemasons Festival of Schools Instrumental Music - a combined discipline of schools’ music, bands and instrumental solos, and The Freemasons Vocal Competition – with a range of sections from Pop to Stage and Screen sections, Ballads to Opera, and substantial prize money.
It’s believed that Freemasons have likely been involved with the RSSS Eisteddfod since its inception in 1891, as donors, committee members, fundraisers and volunteers. This informal commitment has continued throughout the years and recently, Freemasons have assumed roles in security, backstage, marshalling, MC and presentation duties and other tasks as required. In fact, local Freemasons Lodges contributions through volunteer hours has averaged between $5,000 and $6,000 per year!
Ron Fleming, Eisteddfod Freemasons Coordinator, says there is a strong feeling of satisfaction being part of a team and providing opportunities for students to showcase their extensive musical talents.
“Music and song are important parts of our lodge meetings. The charitable gift of our time in providing an ongoing opportunity for competition at Royal South Street is a worthwhile use of that time”
Judy-Ann Quilliam, RSSS Business and Marketing Manager, emphasises the invaluable support from local Freemasons.
“We have volunteers from the local lodges who are just invaluable support to us. They come along - they may be ushers, some of them love to get backstage with the curtains, helping us with stage management. The Freemasons are probably one of our most prominent organisations that we have a formal partnership with around sponsorship and volunteers.”
Establishing skills for life
The impact of the Eisteddfod on the local community is profound.
“We’ve been running now for 133 years, and it’s had a massive impact on our cultural history. Over that time, we’ve seen many performers come through and establish professional careers in the performing arts. But not only that, many people call on those skills in their careers throughout life. From an impact on the community, we have so many participants who’ve had the courage to stand up and speak, to step onto the stage and perform, to say yes to opportunities. Our alumni are everywhere.”
Many of these alumni are notable, including Dame Nellie Melba, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Joan Kirner, Andrew Olle, Alfred Deakin and Anthony Callea.
The Eisteddfod also significantly boosts the region’s tourism and economy, contributing over $14 million annually pre-COVID. With FFV’s support, the Eisteddfod platform plays an essential role in the transformative journey of performers, allowing them to receive constructive feedback, refine their skills, boost their confidence and unlock their full potential.
