The year was 2003.  ALVA Women in Entertainment and the Actors Benevolent Fund were two major charities operating in Australia with a mission to assist those in the entertainment industry. ALVA helping those in Variety and Music and the Actors Benevolent Fund helping those in theatre and TV. 

The common bond of confidential and compassionate support has been strong for many years. ALVA is incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to assist their friends during a time of need. 

Michael Craig was the President of the Actors Benevolent Fund and Leo Brown the Secretary when it was brought to ALVA’s attention that the benevolent fund needed some help in order to continue. Kathy Watson and Pat Scroope lead the initiative to assist this fund with a single donation of $50 000. 

In 1979, ALVA members began raising money by holding Fetes, River Cruises and an Annual Ball.  After ALVA became a Registered Charity, Art Unions were introduced as a way of raising much needed funds. Throughout the early years, Maria Venuti AM (now patron) began the ALVA Race Days that saw massive support from all members of the entertainment industry. This was during time of Variety television. 

It was the action and dedication of the committee’s during these years that provided the funds used to help out our colleagues. ALVA continues to expand their assistance to those in need, especially during these uncertain economic times. 

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ALVA Women in Entertainment is incredibly excited to be welcoming an icon of Australian Television. Robina Beard (mostly known as “Madge the Manicurist” from the Palmolive Ad – which ran for 20 years on Australian Televisions) will be joining us as our very special guest. 

Robina’s book “My Life: You’re Soaking In It”, is an absorbing and enjoyable personal account of the Australian Entertainment Industry, as seen through her eyes – a dancer; a TV Weather Girl; an advertising icon; a performer in musical theatre, comedy and acting; a prominent national and international dance leader and teacher, along with so much more. In 2011, Robina received the Australian Dance Award for Lifetime Achievement by Ausdance. 

Grab your friends and “soak in” all the wonderful stories and experiences that this aussie icon will share with us. It is guaranteed to be a real treat. It’s her life, and you’re going to be “soaking in it”. 

Monday 24th February 2020

Arrival: 10.30am for 11am     

Friends & Associates may arrive at Noon

Norths Cammeray 

(Formally Norths Leagues Club – Abbott St, Cammeray NSW 2062)

Please note: Lift Access is from Front Entrance of the Club ONLY. 

EARLY BIRD:  $45  Closes Wednesday 19th February

FULL PRICE:  $55   Starts February 20

Includes a light buffet lunch 

FILL OUT THE THE BOOKING FORM

Book Now: 

ONLINE: Click the link:   2020 ALVA AGM

BY PHONE:    LISA: 0414 591 020    SUSIE:  0412 038 950   KERRI: 0412 038 950  

BY EMAIL: bookings@alva.org.au

Finally the photos of the ALVA Masquerade Ball have found their way onto the ALVA Website. Who Are You? was the question. Take a look through the wonderful images photographed by Katie Hardyman. It was a sensational night. 

On August 2, 2019, ALVA – Women in Entertainment entered the history books with an unprecedented milestone. A little known charity that began in 1979 – always quietly going about it’s business, helping those in need, always in the “cone of silence” so a to respect the privacy of so many. 

It was on this day that ALVA passed the $1 Million Dollar threshold in benevolent assistance within the Entertainment Industry in Australia. This announcement was made by Pat Scroope, ALVA’s Benevolent Treasurer, at the Quarterly Nomination Members Meeting held at Moore Park Golf Club on Monday 23rd September 2019. Pat has been the voice of the ALVA benevolence for many, many years, always lending a kind ear to those in need. 

Many of the payments over the years have been for small but necessary financial relief such as utilities, medical bills including gap assistance, medical equipment and most importantly living assistance, allowing many to remain in their own homes longer.

It is fitting that in this 40th year of celebration, the committees of past and present be acknowledged for all their hard work and dedication to this charity. There are many in the entertainment industry and the community in general who would love to say thank you. 

ALVA, Cheers to you!

Our Nomination Luncheon at Moore Park Golf Club was a spectacular event attended by 65 members and their guests. During this event, we received nominations for the 2020 ALVA Committee. These nominations are listed below.   

We would like to thank Etiquette Catering and Moore Park Golf Club for their stylish treatment of our event, their attention to detail and their level of service and care they showed our members and their guests. They went above and beyond to assist the association to provide us with an extraordinary buffet at an affordable price. Oh my goodness, all that seafood was amazing!   They were incredibly adaptable when our numbers exceeded the capacity of one room, generously providing the second room at no extra charge to ALVA. It is acts of kindness such as these that energise the committee to continue to find special venues such as this one. As we are all aware, the charity dollar is getting harder to find in the current environment, but we are comforted to know that old school values such as these still exist with Mike and the team at Etiquette Catering.

The ALVA Committee consists of 5 Office Bearers and 8 Committee Members. Full or Life Members are still eligible to nominate for any of the positions listed below. To put your name forward, contact Kerri Lacey – bookings@alva.org.au  Ph. 0412 505 323

• President – Susie Smither                          
• Vice President – Lisa Crouch 
• Secretary – Kerri Lacey                               
• Treasurer – Gayle Wakeling Taylor
• Benevolent Treasurer – Pat Scroope       
• Public Officer – Kathy Watson 
• Committee:
  • Monique Montez    
  • Karen Beckett
  • Olive Johnston
  • Kaye Coleman         
  • Irene St John
  • Shirley McDonald
  • Di Georgeson 

Nominations close Monday 17th February 2020.