Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy) Share this | Hansard source

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of joining the 50th anniversary of the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre. The milestone was celebrated with the unveiling of a new portrait honouring the Athenaeum founders, Geoffrey Page and Russell Johnson. The portrait was painted by local artist Lou Primavera and will hang proudly in the foyer for years to come.

The Lilydale Athenaeum building was established in 1888 as a Mechanics Institute, and throughout the years it survived a fire and was refurbished to continue standing today as an important pillar of the Yarra Ranges art scene. The founders, Geoff and Russell, together with many dedicated volunteers, took an almost derelict building and made the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre the special place that it is today.

This milestone is a credit to everyone who has been involved in the Athenaeum over the past 50 years, the volunteers who give their time so generously and the vibrant arts community we have in the Yarra Ranges. Congratulations to the board of directors, the production committee, the volunteers and all involved. Here's to another 50 years of theatre, art, community and creativity.

I also need to pay tribute to Angela Glennie, a volunteer at the Athenaeum but also a recently retired primary schoolteacher at St Mary's. She has served our community in so many ways and educated so many young children, including my own. She has made a difference to people's lives and given a lot to the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre. Thank you, Angela.

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