Di started singing on radio 2SM’s The Gang and at 14 won the Coca Cola Talent Quest on 2UE.  Her professional career took off at 16 on teenage TV shows 6 O’Clock Rock, Sing Sing Sing, Teen Time and The Youth Show. She then joined NLT Talent School for Channel 9 and was a regular on Mobil Limb Show, Australian Singalong and Bandstand, Melbourne Tonight, Adelaide Tonight and The Rex Mossop TV Variety Show. She also worked at nightclubs Chequers, Romanos and Taboo at Kings Cross.    

In the cabaret club scene, Di supported many international acts including Des O’Connor, Gene Pitney, The Platters, Bobby Rydell, Toni Christie and Warren Mitchell.  She has appeared at Wrest Point Casino, on cruise ships, and as a partner in Sentimental Productions. Di has performed in many shows at the Sydney Town Hall and AJC Randwick Racecourse, and with many with Big Bands including the Australian Army Band.   Her greatest thrills have been to perform in the Great Hall Parliament House Canberra and being chosen to sing the Vera Lynn songs for 3 shows at the Sydney Entertainment Centre for the 50th Anniversary of the end of WW2, appearing with Jacqui Trent, Tony Hatch and our own Slim DeGrey.  Di retired after 49 years in the biz.  

As a founding Member of Australian Ladies Variety Association and twice recipient of “Golden Girl Award”, Di has served on various committees over the years, and is very much involved on committee, whose aim is to make sure show business friends are always cared for.

Pat Scroope was one of the original Charter members and has been involved with ALVA for most of her life. The wife of Australian Actor Doug Scroope, Pat has been an incredibly active in many of the committee positions over the years. A bookkeeper by trade, it didn’t take long for Pat to become the Treasurer. Over the years, Pat has juggled full time employment along with being Treasurer, Membership Manager and sometimes Secretary of this very busy charity. Pat has always been involved in ALVA’s Benevolence. In 2005, the committee, recognising the huge work load of the Treasurer’s position, decided to divide the job between herself and another committee member. It was at this time that Pat started training Kerri in her role as Treasurer, whilst she continued to work with the many benevolent cases. Pat returned to the Treasurer’s position in 2020 and has continued to tirelessly manage both the Treasurer and Benevolent Treasurer’s role. She is also the person in charge of our properties and investments. 

 Pat keeps everyone on the committee on their toes, making sure the processes for ALVA are in good working order. She reminds us of our public obligations and ensures that ALVA has enough funds to help whoever may need assistance. 

Kerri Lacey is a multi award winning entertainer with a number of MO Awards to her credit. Kerri trained at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and has a Masters in Performance on Bassoon. Kerri not only performs in the duo Just Jammin’, singing and playing keyboards, but she also performs in the 6 piece band “Dig This”, and is a member of the cast for a variety of Production shows where she shows her talent in Drama and comedy. Kerri is also a Secondary Music Teacher currently working at Kirrawee High School. It is here that she uses her extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry to assist the up and coming young performers to achieve their goals. She also owns Klerrisa Custom Music, which is an educational portal designed to help music teachers and students here in Australia and around the world. And to top it off, she is also a photographer who has had her work recognised globally.

When Kerri is not engaging in all of these activities, she is working on and for ALVA. She started on the committee in 2004 when Maria Venuti was President. Since joining, Kerri has served as Treasurer from 2005 – 2014 and Secretary from 2015 – 2024. In 2025, Kerri briefly stepped away to focus on family but has rejoined in 2026 in the Secretary role.

Kathy’s bio coming soon.

Karen grew up in Perth Western Australia where she performed regularly on children’s television. Karen was chosen, while still at high school, to take on the position of resident vocalist at Perth’s top nightclub, Romanos. After her move to Sydney, Karen began working on the NSW club, Convention and television circuits. This led Karen to audition for, and eventually win the 10 Network’s “You’re a Star” quest. This gave her the chance to perform a cabaret season at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. 

Since her return to Australia, Karen has appeared on all the major TV shows including the Mike Walsh Show, Don Lane Show, Parkinson in Australia, Ray Martin Show, Bert Newton, Hey Hey, Midday Shows as well as many regional appearances. Karen is a regular performer on various cruise lines including Cunard, and Royal Carribean, just to name a few. 

In between travelling the globe, Karen takes time to be an active member of ALVA. She has been on committee several times, the most recent since 2015. Whilst she does lead a hectic schedule, Karen is always ready to help her fellow entertainer, whether it be by providing the infamous “Beckett Biscuits” at a function or providing transport via the equally famous “Beckett Bus”. Karen has a huge heart that has enough room for everyone. 

Mary Gregory Bradford has been a dedicated supporter and active member of ALVA (Australian Ladies Variety Association) since 2005.

As Co-owner, Licensee, and Managing Director of The Major Oak Theatre Restaurant—Sydney’s last authentic theatre restaurant—since 1998, Mary has played a vital role in the entertainment landscape. Her work ensured quality live performance remained at the heart of the venue’s success.

Her leap into the world of entertainment was a significant and transformative career change, one that she calls a “culture shock,” but one she tackled with heart, humour, and professionalism. At her core, she affectionately describes herself as “essentially a Muggle at heart.”

Mary served three years on the Australian Entertainment MO Awards Board, during which time she co-produced three highly successful MO Awards shows and programmes. Her dedication extended beyond the spotlight, working tirelessly to raise funds and support fellow performers in times of hardship.

Mary, married to Bobby Bradford, also treasures her connection to much-loved entertainers Bobby & Jean Dennis, who were not only family but also industry icons.

Mary has recently downsized her business commitments and looks forward to giving back to the industry she cherishes – now as part of the ALVA committee.