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. 

Olive has been an active member of ALVA for many years. She began her dancing career as a Tivoli girl, working in all the cool places in Sydney. Tap was her specialty, eventually joining the Ballet of a Thousand Years. She remained a member of that group until the start of the new millenium, the year 2000.  She has been a member of the ALVA committee for most of it’s life.  Olive continues to support ALVA with incredible raffle displays and fantastic floral affairs. 

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.

Shirley has been a member of the current committee since 2006, working tirelessly to help those in need. As avid supporter of the Mc Grath Breast Cancer Organisation, Shirley set up ties between this organisation and ALVA, showing how two charities can connect for a common cause.