Over the past 13 years, Ms Lalich has been actively engaged with the arts in Shepparton, serving as co-director and company manager of the Short Black Opera Company.
Her involvement extended to co-ordinating the Dhungala Children’s Choir, performing at the Shepparton Arts Festival and participating in various events throughout Greater Shepparton, particularly with the First Nations community.
With over 30 years of experience as a performing artist and educator, Ms Lalich offers a unique perspective on the sector.
“Having been a creative child myself and growing up in Kalgoorlie, WA, I know the importance of investment in arts programs for young people in regional areas,” she said.
She also commended the foundation’s 68-year legacy of supporting the Greater Shepparton community and expressed her eagerness to contribute to the region’s rich cultural life.
One of Ms Lalich’s key priorities is to highlight the success of the foundation’s Heinze Music Program.
This program has granted young people in Greater Shepparton access to music training under the expert guidance of Lindy Tennant and Nicole Thorn, the program facilitators.
According to Ms Lalich, such music programs create essential pathways for young individuals into the creative arts, offering skill development, social connections and valuable career opportunities.
“It is vital that the growing community of the Greater Shepparton region, with the Fairley Foundation’s support, continues to encourage skilled teaching professionals to invest in the cultural creativity of the region’s diverse population and find ways to celebrate and support this creative diversity as an asset for future generations,” she said.
“The foundation aims to expand the program’s capacity with increased support from within the local community and the philanthropic sector, and I look forward to sharing the achievements of our programs with the wider community.”
Foundation chair Andrew Fairley said Shepparton was fortunate to have someone of Ms Lalich’s background with the Goulburn Valley and her experience in music education.
“The commitment of the Fairley Foundation in Shepparton is very much around driving cultural change and enhancing liveability in our region,” Mr Fairley said.
“Toni’s skills and experience in music and broader cultural arenas, together with her deep knowledge of the Shepparton community, will enable the foundation to expand its remit and ensure that arts and culture continues to be an essential foundation of the Shepparton community.”
The foundation also took the opportunity to recognise the outgoing executive officer, Vanessa Parry, who has significantly contributed to project delivery and the foundation’s visibility.
Mr Fairley commended her articulate and professional advocacy for Shepparton and expressed gratitude for her dedication to the foundation’s work within the broader Shepparton community.
