Friends of the Athenium are an active group within the community who want to preserve and restore the history of Junee, especially regarding the Athenium, and support the different groups within the town. Branching out from their usual movies at the Athenium, the Friends of the Athenium are now providing the town with a variety concert at the Athenium this Sunday, October 8 (which has previously been advertised as October 2) and which has seen many community groups get involved.
The concert starts at 2:00pm. The purpose will be to raise funds for the Junee RSL Sub-Branch. The concert has a lineup of the area’s best local talent with So Dance, Piano Recital and Duet, Junee Ukulele Group, Murrumbidgee Magic Chorus, Illabo Melo – drama and Wagga City Rugby Male Choir among other solo acts. If that’s not enough to get you to book a ticket, then perhaps the sound of lucky door prizes, raffles and auctions on the day will. Afternoon tea will additionally be provided by the Friends of the Athenium.
Chairperson Maria Turner said the rigorous planning is quickly turning the event into something truly special for the town.
“Everything’s been planned down to the minute; we’ve got a full program and one of the latest inclusions was the pink ladies who are famous in Junee for doing hilarious dance routines in tutus. They’re bound to bring a lot of laughs.
“It was wonderful of one of our members who put their hands up to do it. Several years ago, they had trouble with fundraising from down in Sydney which was resolved and the members are free to do more fundraising. It helps with the mental health of returned soldiers or those in military training. They assist these men to get to their medical appointments and whatever they may need.
“Bookings are steady and we’re in the final stages of numbers for catering so it’s important they contact to say they’re coming or go through Trybooking, they can still call so we can make up special afternoon tea boxes since it’s only a 30-minute intermission.”
Tickets are $25 for adults which includes afternoon tea, $5 for children 13 and above and free for children under 13. Children additionally receive a goody bag upon entry.
“We’re all looking forward to the concert coming together, when you see the list of performers, there’s a lot of local talent and we are showcasing our area, its not just Junee its Illabo and a fellow from Gundagai, singers from Wagga. It’s the surrounding districts as well. They’re well known in their sphere but not the wider community, they’re hidden gems. “We’re all keen to raise money for the RSL Sub-Branch. It’s not just straight performances, there’s a bit of humour. There will be laughs and a very nice afternoon has been planned.
“Come a bit early to get your seat because the program needs to start at 2pm sharp.”
Bookings are very much preferred and you can secure your ticket through www.trybooking.com/CLOCC or you can contact 0498 130 764 to RSVP. Cash facilities will be available at the door if you prefer to pay that way.
Jack Murray
