About Actors Benevolent Fund
ABFNSW is a charitable organisation providing assistance to professional performers & practitioners who, through injury or illness are in need of support.
Actors Benevolent Fund Description
The Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW Incorporated has been in existence since 1944. It is a non-profit charitable organization and is administered entirely by a Management Committee of volunteers from the entertainment industry. The Fund’s function is to provide assistance to members of the entertainment industry, both young and old, who, due to injury, illness or disability are unable to work, either temporarily or in some cases for the rest of their lives.
Assistance is offered in many forms, both financial and practical. Dependent upon various needs, beneficiaries may receive one off or monthly grants. Alternatively, medical expenses may be directly met by the Fund, pharmaceutical bills settled, or essential items purchased. In some cases, there may also be provision available for the care of children or family dependants of those performers in need.
A bond of confidentiality exists within the Fund. The identities of recipients are never disclosed, but many are, or have been, household names who have devoted their lives to the entertainment of others. The generosity of performers, as everyone knows, is legendary. Over the years, actors, singers, dancers, comedians and variety entertainers have willingly offered their services free of charge at telethons, charity concerts, and every conceivable form of fund raising event. The Actors Benevolent Fund redresses the balance. It’s a grand organization. It’s about performers helping performers.
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Hope you can all attend the launch of this important Platform Papers to be launched by Simon Burke. Food and drinks served and copies of the book available at the event.
Currency Press will launch the next Platform Papers Quarterly Essay
Falling Through The Gaps: Our artists’ health and welfare. By Mark R.W. Williams
... The book will be launched by Simon Burke AO on Wednesday 1 August
The event will also mark the formal launch of the STA Fund which supports mental health in theatre artists.
Falling Through The Gaps asks the question; are things better for our performance artists in Australia today? Williams says no, and studies show that among professional artists and crews, the level of mental ill-health, suicidal ideation and suicide is up to nine times that of the general population.
In a stark reflection on the history of performers’ practice, Williams shows how government and industry services, in applying the principle, ‘A fair go for all,’ have unwittingly discriminated against those who work irregular hours in hard conditions at low pay because it is their calling, Williams calls for more flexibility in public services, whole-of-life planning and self-awareness in early training; and sees opportunities, particularly in social capital housing. Without a home to come home to, he says, our artists today ‘are in terrible danger of falling through the gaps’.
Dr Mark Williams practices in Melbourne as a solicitor in copyright and the law as it pertains to theatre. He has advised large and small performing arts companies, appeared at tribunals and lobbied for and negotiated wages and conditions from both sides of the fence. He has also been at the forefront of the copyright convergence debate and cases of infringement in the Federal and High Courts. He is a Life Member of Melbourne’s Green room Awards and is a member of the Committee of the Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust.
The STA fund is a shared initiative between The Sydney Theatre Awards and Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW
Conditions that come with working in theatre can be precarious and stressful, sometimes resulting in mental health problems. The STA Fund was established to offer financial support to theatre workers, actors, creatives and technicians, to assist with the cost of receiving professional help for such times.
Launch of Platform Papers Falling Through The Gaps: Our artists’ health and welfare
When: Wednesday 1 August Time: 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm Where: Dentons Seminar Room, Level 16 77 Castlereigh Street (Between King and Market Streets)
Cost: $15 including copy of the book BOOK HERE: https://forms.zohopublic.com/…/PdKQk962 TdUioApNSZBzKlWSjJXy…
For current subscribers to Platform Papers entry is free please register here https://forms.zohopublic.com/…/bbmACI0G 8HRTvbkQ0KvPBrGrKmrw…
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A confrontating editorial on systemic support deficit for mid-career arts practitioners. Share your opinions below.
ABF NSW notes the passing of theatrical entrepreneur and agent Harry M. Miller. Working in the 60's Mr Miller brought a number of name acts to Australia and New Zealand including, Louis Armstrong, The Rolling Stones, Judy Garland and The Beach Boys. He produced the original Australian production of Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Rocky Horror Show. His agency continues to represent a number of artists.
ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY IN SUPPORT OF THE ACTORS BENEVOLENT FUND
ANDREW HENRY'S VERTICAL DREAMING
With: ERIN CLARE, PAUL PRESTIPINO, MATT RALPH & SIMON RIPPINGALE & GENEVIEVE MURATORE
... "One of the most human and humane hours you will ever spend in a theatre" Diana Simmonds Stage Noise
"Often funny, sometimes moving, at all times painfully honest and real, this brilliant show is an experience that stays with you."- Phil Scott
"In 2017, after a lifetime of wearing a mask, I took it off. I checked myself into a facility to treat depression. This isn’t a play; these are the poems and songs that saved my life, in the company of some of my best friends rocking a live band, as a theatre/cabaret. I want to contribute to the eradication of the stigma attached to mental health by standing up and sharing this with you. And don’t worry. This will be fucking entertaining."
Hayes Theatre on Sunday 24 June at 7.30
Bookings: https://hayestheatre.com.au/special-event s/
All tickets $39
Donations to Actors Benevolent Fund are tax deductible
Running time 90 Minutes
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ABF NSW note with sadness the passing of Cornelia Frances. http://mobile.abc.net.au/…/cornelia-fra nces-home-an…/9811218
Be among the first to see this hilarious new musical comedy from the team that created "Pete The Sheep"
Josephine Wants to Dance is a story about dreams, believing in yourself … and a dancing kangaroo.
When a ballet troupe comes to the sleepy town of Shaggy Gully Josephine learns that there is another way to dance and she's called to forget everything she's ever thought possible to follow her dreams!
... Based on the best selling book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, it is a story of an unforgettable bush animal. Suitable for children from 4 to 9 or for big children who just love to laugh. Ticket includes complimentary pre show drinks
Josephine Wants to Dance is a monkey baa theatre company production and has bee adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry with music and lyrics by Phil Scott.
Starring Chloe Dallimore, Rebecca Hetherington, Amanda Laing and Hayden Rodgers.
Director Jonathan Biggins, Musical Direction Phillip Scott, Choreographer Tim Harbour (of the Australian Ballet), Designer James Browne, Lighting designer Emma Lockhart-Wilson, Sound Designer David Bergman
All proceeds go to The Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW.
The Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW is a registered charity that raises funds to assist artists and industry professionals, both young and old, in times of hardship due to injury, illness, accident, disability or financial stress. Help when it's needed most.
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Jacki Weaver Patron of the Actors Benevolent Fund needs your support. Go to https://www.actorsbenevolentfund.org.au/d onations, to make a contribution.
It is with deep regret that we note the passing of #JessicaFalkholt, much loved and celebrated Australian actress, perhaps best known for her role as Hope Morrison on the long running television series Home and Away.
Miss Falkholt recently starred in the upcoming feature film Harmony and will be remembered as a true talent and rising star of the Australian film & television industry. Her loss will be felt most acutely by those who knew her best and by those who had the pleasure of working with her.
From all of us at the ABFNSW, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Miss Falkholt's family, friends and colleagues. Vale.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with Australian actor Miss #JessicaFalkholt, her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
ABf NSW notes with sadness the passing of Rory O'Donahue. Probably best know as Thin Arthur in the ground breaking #ABC comedy series #AuntieJack he was also an excellent musician and performer . Vale
Just a reminder of the Christmas gathering on Monday after the AGM and EGM at 4 pm .
Great event tonight by the #EquityFoundation at the #stc to acknowledge the lifetime achievement of Noeline Brown. Congratulations to an amazing woman.. a true icon of Australian Theatre, Radio, Film and Television.
The 2017 AGM for the Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW will take place at 4 PM on 18 December 2017. This will be followed by an Extraordinary General Meeting to adopt the updated constitution. And these will be followed by a well earned drink to round off a very busy year for the ABF Hope to see you there.
A message to all our NSW MEAA members Just a reminder that the ABF NSW Annual General Meeting and an Extraordinary General Meeting is taking place on Monday 18 December at 245 Chalmers St, Redfern. Don't forget to RSVP :-)
For more info on the meetings please go to our website - link below
... http://www.actorsbenevolentfund.org.au/ne ws/8/agm-xmas-party
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