By Chelsea Ravizza
After decades of shining a light on the extraordinary talents of the region’s youth, 2024 marks the 40-year anniversary of the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod. The eisteddfod has proudly stood as one of North Queensland’s most celebrated talent showcases for young performers since its establishment in 1983 by President, Marie Finn.
Marie introduced the cherished event to the region with two integral principles: fairness and opportunity, and believes the eisteddfod stands as a precious idea in the Burdekin community.
“The eisteddfod is a precious idea – not a building to be maintained, but a concept to be nurtured and a vehicle for the encouragement of the Burdekin’s children’s talent, unknown to them until someone, usually a teacher, tells them they can do it,” explained Marie.
On the March 7 1983, the first official meeting of the Burdekin District Junior Eisteddfod was held with the executive committee of President Marie Finn, Vice President Ronda Holland, Secretaries Gwen Smith and Delma Schultz, Treasurer Dave Dunn, Publicity Rosemary Menkens, and committee members Joyce Crooks, Jean Nuttall, Rose Moss, Bruno Van der Heide, Rosmary Rowan, and Pat Harris.
The eisteddfod once stood as a two-day event and has exponentially grown into a 12-day showcase, hosting extraordinary performances in the areas of dance, music, speech and drama, Highland dancing, Irish dancing, and visual and literary arts presentations.
Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod President Annette Jorgensen reminisces on Marie’s dedication to the arts, and the long-lasting legacy she created for the region all those years ago.
“Mrs Finn was deeply involved in fostering a rich musical culture in the Burdekin region, starting from her early days as a music specialist to her instrumental role in establishing the Burdekin Eisteddfod,” explained Annette.
“The stories Mrs Finn shared with me about overcoming challenges, forming strong bonds with fellow educators and volunteers, and adapting to changing times, highlights the importance of passion and collaboration in nurturing young talents.”
The 2024 Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod will run from Wednesday May 8 until Sunday May 19, and the committee’s coordinators have been busily preparing since October of the previous year.
“There are over 1,000 competitors this year competing in 12 full on days, and we don’t want to give too much away, but we will have some little surprises for our audience members,” explained Annette.
The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod strives to honour Marie and her founding committee, as well as all past, present, and future event organizers in acknowledgement of their commitment to ensuring the arts continues to thrive in the region.
“Their hard work and vision have helped shape the eisteddfod into the vibrant and inclusive event that it is today; providing a platform for artists, musicians and performers to showcase their talents and for the community to come together in celebration,” explained Annette.
“This whole community is waiting for the magic dust to be sprinkled over it once again,” expressed Marie.
“In the words of the song, there is a time for everything, and with the young vibrant committee you have, this could be the time for hard work to be rewarded, with the eisteddfod taking its rightful place as a beloved community event.”
The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod committee encourages the community to come along to witness the talents of the region’s young performers and invites volunteers to contact Annette at admin@burdekinjunioreisteddfod.com.au.
WHAT: Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod
WHEN: Wednesday May 8 until Sunday May 19
WHERE: Burdekin Theatre
MORE INFORMATION: burdekinjunioreisteddfod.com.au
Front Row: Gwen Smith, Marie Finn, Joyce Crooks, Pat Harris
Back Row: Delma Schultz, Bruno Van der Heide, Rosemary Menkins
