Cash cut silences schools

THE Rock Eisteddfod competition for Victorian schools, which launched singer Vanessa Amorosi into stardom, has been cancelled this year because of a lack of funding.
Thousands of school children were left disappointed this week when the State Government cut funding and raised ticket prices to compensate for the hire of the Hisense Arena.
Competition dates had already been set and many schools had already begun preparing and rehearsing for the competition.
This year signalled a year off for Dandenong High School, which competes every second year, but performing arts teacher Kelly Burgess said it was disappointing for the schools involved.
“The kids will be pretty disappointed,” Ms Burgess said. Preparation for the concert usually takes between 10 and 12 months and would affect most students from Years 7 to 12 who competed in the competition.
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich said that the cancellation was a disappointment and was an example of the State Government being “out of touch” and “arrogant”.
“Failing to support the Rock Eisteddfod and the opportunities this provides to Greater Dandenong students and schools is a strong contrast to how willing John Brumby is to fund $20 million worth of fairy lights on the West Gate Bridge,” Ms Peulich said.
The Victorian Coalition has promised $800,000 over a four-year period and Ms Peulich is challenging the government to match this amount.
Previous winners and entrants of the Victorian Rock Eisteddfod include Dandenong High School and St Elizabeth’s Parish School in Noble Park North.
– Madeline Prince