Performing Arts

2025 Youth Lyrebird Awards

On Sun 7 December, members of the cast and crew of Chicago - Teen Edition, geared up for what was looking to be an exciting Youth Lyrebird ceremony.

Held at Bunjil Place, the Lyrebirds are in recognition of all the hard work schools and performing youth companies have put in across the calendar year. All aspects of a production are celebrated at the awards including efforts made by staff and students both on and off the stage. This year, we were nominated for six awards:

• Best Sound - Youth Musical over $40k

• Best Lighting - Youth Musical over $40k

• Best Set - Youth Musical over $40k

• Best Ensemble Performer (Sophie Woods) - Youth Musical over $40k

• Best Acting Partnership (Tiarnna Handley & Jessie Nygaard) - Youth Musical over $40k

• Best Performer in a Lead Male Role (Harrison Bedford) - Youth Musical over $40k

Unfortunately, the talent in the local community is so wide that we were unsuccessful in winning any of the above awards. Nevertheless, it was amazing to see our cast and crew's hard work be recognised by the judges.

We did have the opportunity to get up on stage to accept a prestigious Judge's Award. This was awarded to us for our creative use of 'criminal photo opportunities with the audience in the foyer at their show Chicago - Teen Edition'. The foyer is something the team, shepherded by Clara Ranellone and Cory Roberts, are incredibly proud of each year. They are key to setting the tone for our audience even before they step into the theatre. We are so happy that their efforts have been recognised on this scale.

We would also like to congratulate Michael Dollery, who performed on stage at the awards as a part of Zombie Prom Atomic Edition for Fab Nobs Theatre Company. Michael played one of the Murderesses in Chicago - Teen Edition and was outstanding on stage at the awards. Congratulations to all the winners! We are looking forward to another impressive year of local community youth theatre in 2026.

Michaela Piritidis 

on behalf of the

2025 Production Team

College & Community Concert

The College and Community Concert is always a fantastic way to round out the program for 2025, bringing together our College Concert Band with special guests, the Edinburgh College Concert Band, the Knox Concert Band and the Knox Wind Symphony to perform to a sell-out audience. 

As well as offering a night of high quality music and entertainment, the concert illustrates that music has lifelong opportunities, with students who have had less than a year learning their instrument performing alongside professional musicians and people who have been playing their instruments for decades. It is always wonderful to see a number of Wantirna College alumni return for this concert as members of Knox Concert Band and Knox Wind Symphony.

Thank you to everyone who came along in support of this community event.

Daniel van Bergen

Leader of Performing Arts

POPA Christmas Raffle 

Congratulations to the following people who have won prizes in this year’s POPA Christmas Raffle! Your prizes are now ready for collection from the General Office. (Photo ID may be required.)

Prizes

1. Kylie Woods: 

   Bonza Beach Cart – valued $400

2. Erin Robinson:            

   Picnic Hamper – valued $250

3. Carolyn Allen:             

   Family Fun Pack – valued $220

4. Janine Henwood:       

   Pamper Pack - valued $85

5. Xiaojuan Lu:               

   Movie Snack Pack - valued $75

6. Pravin Vekariya:         

   Baking Basket – valued $70

7. Melissa McCarthy:     

   Icing on the Cake Box - valued $70

8. Brooke Kable:           

   Kidman Kandles Mystery Box – valued $64

9. Erin Sanchez:             

   Gingerbread House – valued $60

10. Laura Hoogkamer:     

    Karaoke Machine – valued $49.90

Thank you to everyone who participated in this fundraiser to support our Performing Arts program. Together, we raised over $1200!

Thanks again to the following businesses for their donations, please consider supporting them: The Icing On The Cake, Kidman Kandles, Knox Leisureworks, Genesis Gym, Metro Cinemas Boronia and Bunnings Vermont. Thanks also to Andrew Lewis for his donation and support.

Winners are selected randomly using Random Number selector, with witnesses.

The Parents of Performing Arts committee wish you a wonderful Christmas and a Safe and Happy 2026!

Nicholetta Rigano

Performing Arts Administrator

nri@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au