Charlotte Varcoe
THE popular Generations in Jazz event will be highlighted at the District Council of Grant Australia Day awards.
Held today, members of the Generations in Jazz committee will gather and accept the Community Event of the Year award.
First established in 1987, the jazz festival remains a unique annual event held on the outskirts of Mount Gambier/Berrin.
It continues to showcase world-class and high-energy jazz music and talented professional and aspiring musicians.
Last year, the Generations in Jazz event made its long-awaited return to its regular format prior to the Covid-19 pandemic with more than 180 volunteers jumping on board.
There were also about 4500 students from across the nation attending the event.
Generations in Jazz volunteers organiser Fiona Unger said the committee wanted to express its “deepest appreciation” for the incredible honour.
“The Australia Day Award for Community Event of the Year is a recognition not just of our efforts but of the power of music to unite, inspire, and bring joy to our community,” Ms Unger said.
“This recognition is a testament to the unwavering spirit of our community, the resilience of the arts in the face of adversity, and the profound impact that music can have on generations to come.
“It is a testament to the dedication of our Board, the commitment of our management team, and the passion of our volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the festival a resounding success year after year.”
She siad the event continued to hold a special place in the cultural tapestry of Australia.
“It serves as a conduit between generations, where the brilliance of one inspires the next, creating a continuous flow of musical excellence,” Ms Unger said.
“Year after year, we have strived to ensure that the festival remains current, relevant, and accessible to all. Our goal is to provide the best opportunities for school participants and audiences alike, fostering an environment where the love for jazz music can flourish across generations.”
Describing Generations in Jazz as “not just a three-day celebration” but also a “year-round project” which was “fuelled by the passion and dedication” of countless volunteers, Ms Unger said its success hindered on the collaborative efforts of the board, management team and volunteers alike.
“Their dedication, passion, and countless hours of selfless service have played a pivotal role in making this event a success. We owe our volunteers a debt of gratitude for their tireless efforts, and we recognise that without their commitment, our festival would not be what it is today,” she said.
