a history of the bca

Our Story

The Balaklava Community Arts Inc group was formally known as the Balaklava Choral and Music Lovers’ Society. This group of dedicated music lovers formed the group in 1945. The group performed concerts, musical and elocutionary competitions, soirees, pantomimes, musicals, operettas, variety shows, and assorted musical evenings and were widely supportive of community organisations and visiting groups.

1945

The original Balaklava Choral and Music Lovers' Society was reformed to become the Balaklava Community Arts (BCA) group in 1982, with financial support from the sale of the Balaklava Choral and Music Lovers' Society building.

During these early years the Balaklava Town Hall Committee offered sponsorship of Balaklava Community Arts and use of the Balaklava Town Hall as their venue.

Incorporation was completed in 1983 and the Constitution was rewritten accordingly. This enthusiastic new committee’s aims were to nurture the artistic talents of all ages in the community. As part of the constitution, the aim of Balaklava Community Arts Inc. is to promote the arts to the wider community.

1959

Through the vision of Joyce Ross and others interested in the Visual Arts, the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery was established as a sub-committee of Balaklava Community Arts Inc in 1991. The sub-committee became independent of Balaklava Community Arts Inc. with the incorporation of the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery in September 1992.

The Balaklava Eisteddfod Society was established in 1997 with the 1st Balaklava Eisteddfod Competition being held on 24, 25 & 26 October 1997. The Balaklava Eisteddfod Society was a sub-committee of Balaklava Community Arts Inc. until 2007, when it became viably independent.

The Grand Piano Fund was launched at the 2000 Balaklava Eisteddfod. Donations towards the purchase of a Grand Piano for the Balaklava Town Hall were gathered by Balaklava Community Arts Inc, and finally purchased for the community.

1982

From 1982 - 2001 Balaklava Community Arts Inc. continued to stage many productions including full-scale musicals, pantomimes, plays, operettas, variety concerts, and musical comedies.

In 1999 the group worked in conjunction with the Inter-Church Council to stage "The Royal Nativity" and "Bethlehem Market" outdoors in the town, under the direction of Paul Paulenas. “The Royal Nativity” was also held in 2001 and 2003.

1997

In September 2003, prior to the staging of "HMS Pinafore", past members of BCA were sent special invitations to attend the show and join in the 21st birthday celebrations. Each performance was followed by a ceremonial cutting of the 21st Birthday Cake and sharing of birthday cake amongst the audience.

2003

Since 2003 Balaklava Community Arts Inc has continue to live to its Aim: “To promote the arts to the wider community”, and has also focussed on “fostering and encouraging people of all ages in the arts”.

BCA continues to award a ‘Performing Arts Award’ each year to a student from Balaklava High School and Horizon Christian School who demonstrate exemplary efforts in the Performing Arts throughout the calendar year.

In 2017 BCA introduced a ‘Performing Arts Scholarship”, enabling local youngsters to seek financial support to assist them with their development in the performing arts.

2013

In 2013, “Spotlight on 30 Years” was performed, showcasing a variety of songs and scenes from the previous 30 years performances and bringing back many of the original performers. This was a wonderful celebration of the rich musical and performance history of Balaklava Community Arts.

Situated in the centre of town the Balaklava Town Hall is an important part of our local community. It  is non profit organisation committed to providing quality facilities for the use of the Wakefield Plains Community. The Balaklava Town Hall is listed on the State Heritage Register.

Our Story in Numbers
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Balaklava Community Arts

Life Members

1983

Grace Anders, Henry Carslake, Peter O’Brien, Lloyd Paler, Vera Jantke

1993

Di Spence, Joyce Ross

1999

Glenda Hackett, Win Parish and Beris Barr

2000

Paul Paulenas

2003

Margaret Baker

2009

David Appleby, Sally Cowan

2012

Kelly Bickle

2014

Lenice Cox, Chris Lester

2019

Stephanie Radowicz, Anne Read, Neil Fisher, Geoff Spence

2023

Hedi Zerk