Shirley Moreland OAM

Shirley Moreland OAM, Life Member and immediate long serving Past President of Kenilworth Arts Council is retiring from the Management Committee after an active administrative membership over 38 years, since Kenilworth Arts Council was established in 1988. While she is stepping back from formal duties, Shirley will continue to support and volunteer whenever needed – a testament to her lifelong commitment to the arts and to the Kenilworth Community.

Founding Years and the Birth of Kenilworth Arts Council

In 1988, the Kenilworth Branch of Queensland Arts Council, the forerunner to ArtsLink was established and later becoming Kenilworth Arts Council in 2000. Some  of the founding members with Shirley in 1988 included Glen and Veronika Spicer, Jean Glanvill, Coral Sutton, and Michael Wouter. Early members included Regina Wagner, Ann and Rod Roemermann, Graeme White, Nina Cox, Yvonne and Dennis James and Margaret and Tony White who generously made Kenilworth House available for dinner meetings, often with 40 to 45 present. After the  formal meeting was held, everyone tucked into a shared meal and , of course, a few wines and a few songs amid much fun and laughter.

In those days, Queensland Arts Council toured plays and music performances, with the local branches organizing the venue and advertising, in exchange for 10% of the door takings – a valuable source of funds for new branches. Memorable events were Jerry Connelly’s comedy show, the play “Matilda Women”  and a great Country and Western concert.  Two of Kenilworth’s branch successes were hosting the Arts Council Regional Conference and later on being named Queensland Branch of the Year. When all local Arts Councils became incorporated bodies in their own right, the structure changed to having a Management Committee.

Memories, Milestones and Community Spirit

An important milestone was the granting of the “KAC Shack” building to Kenilworth Arts Council through the wonderful support of our then Councillor Hermann Schwabe for a peppercorn rental! Cr Greg Rogerson and then Maroochy Shire Mayor, Joe Natoli, were also very strong supporters of Kenilworth, helping to set up the “Mayor’s Prize” of $10 000 in 2006.  Rogo and Joe had previously come to one of our exhibitions, thinking it was just a little arts group  with 30 or 40 art works on display. They were literally gobsmacked when they entered the Hall to see over 300 works on display! Paintings everywhere! They talked about it for years!

Leading up to the growth of our popular art exhibitions, then President Glen Spicer had wonderful support from Wayne Paulger and  the Kenilworth Hall Committee  in putting on our inaugural art show for one day as part of the Show and Rodeo. As the art exhibitions attracted more and more entries, KAC moved the exhibition to another date and has become the longest running art exhibition on the Sunshine Coast. The work of KAC was recognized this year when KAC was awarded the Australia Day Community Creative Arts Award.

Shirley always made community involvement a key element of her work on the Management Committee. KAC collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce, Kenilworth School, the Anglican and Catholic Churches, the local businesses who always donated generously and other arts groups such as the Artists Alliance Australia, Kim Kirkman Choirs and the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra.

While Shirley has been involved continuously with KAC since 1988, she readily acknowledges that other Presidents have also made admirable contributions. These include Glen Spicer, Kim Morris,  Jean Sandell, Mary Jane Weld, Stewart Dore and Sarah Sigley.

A Legacy of Service

Although Shirley is stepping down from the Management Committee, she remains an integral part of the Kenilworth Arts Council family. Her dedication, leadership, humour and unwavering commitment have helped shape ArtsFest into the popular and much loved event it is today.

Shirley’s 38 years of service have helped to strengthen the cultural life of Kenilworth and set the Arts Council up for continued success for many years to come with strong community arts connections.

We extend our heartfelt thanks for her tireless efforts, her advocacy and her extraordinary contribution to the arts and to the community.