Mateship is an integral part of the Australian identity. It’s an ideal that defines our nation’s character – this idea of looking out for each other, through the good times and the bad.

The Salvos have served alongside Australian troops in both World Wars and has supported them on deployments in Korea and Vietnam. Today, we are present in military bases across the country.

We’ve been there providing support to our troops in their times of need – giving them a hand up and a listening ear in their darkest times. We recognise the power of mateship and why it’s a vital part of the Australian spirit.

Whether a simple act of kindness or helping someone rebuild after tragedy – mateship is the common thread that unites us and something that will always endure.

As we enter these uncertain times, I encourage all Australians to reflect on the ANZAC spirit and the strength and hope it brings, and remember why mateship is an ideal still worth fighting for.

Lt Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge

Chief Secretary in Charge, The Salvation Army

The City of Tamworth Eisteddfod is a big feature on the calendar for young people who perform in dance, music or speech.

Thousands of fingers are running up and down instruments, feet are tapping or spinning, and words are being practised over and over, in preparation for the coming three weeks of competition in June.

Parents are tearing their hair out and grandparents are waiting to come and see their loved ones perform.  It is an exciting and busy time for many people.

There is one part of the Eisteddfod that is set aside for mature aged performers, but this may not be so well known. 

This is the Mature Performers Section, a one evening session of acts, which include singing, speech, music and dance. 

Acts are no longer than 5 minutes and can be from individuals or groups and represent any genre. 

Speech can include any memorised piece, a speech, poem or story. It can be the performer’s own work or from a published work. 

Music, either instrumental or vocal, can represent any genre, classical, popular or country, and be presented as a solo performance or as a group. Groups can be anything from duos to choirs. 

The same applies to dancing. It can be line-dancing or ballet, jazz or tap, solo or group.

The only stipulation is that performers must be 25 years of age or over.

This is an opportunity for older people to join the Eisteddfod frenzy and strut their stuff in front of a warm and appreciative audience, one of whom will be local and very popular entertainer, Ann Walsh, who will have the task of adjudicating the performances and selecting one overall winner on the night.

The winner will be awarded the Cheapa Music Perpetual Trophy and $100 prize, and every performer will receive an adjudication of their performance.

This competition is open to all performers, out there or in the closet. 

The Eisteddfod Society wants to provide an opportunity for everyone to become part of this truly inclusive festival of the arts in Tamworth. 

The Mature Performers Section will be held on Friday 16th June 2017, in the Heritage Room at the Tamworth Community Centre, starting at 7.30pm. 

For more information, please ring Jan Morris on 6765 9478 or syllabuses can be obtained from The Tamworth Eisteddfod Society at PO Box 6, Tamworth, NSW 2340.

Jan Morris

Tamworth