After much consideration, the Friends of BPACC decided to donate the almost $40,000 of remaining funds to Tomorrow Today, with the intent that they be used to provide a scholarship for a Benalla student to pursue further study in the performing arts.
Friends of BPACC founding member and Secretary Lois Smith said it was a difficult decision.
“We knew that we wanted the funds we’d raised to be used for the performing arts and the idea of a scholarship was agreed on,” Ms Smith said.
“Initially, we thought it would be too difficult for us to administer that but then realised that Tomorrow Today would be an excellent choice to auspice the scholarship going forward, given that they already provided scholarships for Benalla students.”
Tomorrow Today Executive Officer Jodie Fleming said she was pleased that the Friends of BPACC had allowed it to take care of funds that will benefit Benalla’s young people for years to come.
“It is a wonderful legacy for the friends to leave after years of tireless work bringing the performing arts to Benalla,” Ms Fleming said.
In December 2024, the inaugural $2000 Friends of BPACC scholarship was awarded to FCJ College student Katie Breheny.
Ms Breheny has lived in Benalla since she was three years old and for most of her life been a dedicated dancer.
She has just commenced a Diploma in Elite Dance Performance as well as a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance in Brunswick.
“I danced locally at TDA Performing Arts for 12 years, and I guess I never really assumed that dancing full-time would be an option,” Ms Breheny said.
“There's very little support for the course I'm doing. There's no residential student accommodation and dance is a very expensive activity, with lots of shoes and costumes.
“So having the Friends of BPACC scholarship has been amazing. It’s helped me to relocate to Melbourne and set myself up to be able to get the most out of my course.”
Ms Smith said pursuing a career in the performing arts in Australia was challenging for anyone.
“You have to have a passion, you have to be prepared for failure, and it's a very, very small industry,” she said.
“But I don't think any learning is wasted, so even if you did that course and enjoyed it, then you might find you go off in a different direction, you might take on a role that is not centre stage but behind the scenes.
“Those roles are equally important because without those people, shows can’t go on. I would say, to any young person, follow your dream because you have to like what you do.”
Ms Breheny said the financial assistance had set her on the right path to follow her dream.
“I think as a country kid, there's definitely a lack of performing arts opportunities,” she said.
“But after seeing that this was a possibility to go in and try and make a career out of my passion, I just wanted to go for it.
“I'm just excited to start and get into it. I know it's going to be very challenging, but I'm excited for that challenge and just all the new things that are going to happen.”
A range of scholarships for Benalla students are available each year. Students in Year 12 are encouraged to apply through their school in Term 3.
For more information, visit tomorrowtoday.com.au/young-people-programs
