As Vice President for some years now, I would like to emphasise the strength of the Arts Council of the Dorrigo and at the same time feel proud of its contribution to the local community. The strength of the Arts Council not only relies on its members and their wonderful contribution, but as part of Regional Arts NSW and Arts Mid North Coast there is access to ideas, funding and cultural development for regional and rural New South Wales. Our local Arts Mid North Coast provides links for cultural development and community partnerships – it gathers and distributes information – the email Bulletin provides a wealth of information – technology is amazing.

The Arts Council of the Dorrigo has helped foster a wide range of elements, which contribute to local identity, sense of place and quality of life here on the Dorrigo Plateau. This year as we know, there have been Art Exhibitions, Music – Festivals/Opera – together with smaller gatherings of entertainment – at the theatre, the schools or in people’s homes - But it is always a small group of people that make these good things happen. The important thing is to work together – foster a networking system with the Dorrigo community and beyond. We are all extremely lucky to live in an area where there is such a dynamic and superb wealth of creativity.

As I have said before, the communication of a clear message to the community of the Arts Council’s mission is critical to the effective work of the Arts Council. Marketing and promoting a clear image is essential to the future of the organisation. We must work with other organisations - to develop the potential of cultural development to enhance the overall community well being.

The Cultural Plan identifies clearly the need to improve the image of the Arts Council – two things are needed in 2008:

• The creation of a logo for the Arts Council
• A regular Newsletter – produced on a quarterly basis

To make things happen I am suggesting that working groups be formed (they do not need to be large) to identify the targets set down in the Cultural Plan and to move forward with some of the strategies relating to those targets. 

Let’s make it Great in 2008 

Judy Mortlock

Vice President