In Focus: The Arts, Culture & Entertainment Award

ADVERTISING

The Arts, Culture & Entertainment category of the Clubs & Community Awards recognises clubs that are cultivating and promoting arts, culture and entertainment in the community, including supporting local artists and performers, celebrating Indigenous culture, and hosting festivals and events across the areas of film, music, literature and performing arts.

Check out this year’s winners.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment — Winner: Moama Bowling Club

Moama Bowling Club in the Riverina Region has taken out the Arts, Culture & Entertainment Award at the 2024 Clubs & Community Awards for their support of local arts and culture.

After the devastating floods which swept through the Echuca Moama region in 2022, the Club was pivotal in offering practical help to locals, groups and organisations to rebuild the area — however, they soon learnt that rebuilding spirit and introducing joy back to the community was just as important as rebuilding homes.

The Club contributed $100,000 to the Echuca Moama Bridge Arts Project, showcasing a commitment to uplifting the community through art. They also steadfastly supported the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival, the Archie Walker Indigenous Round and the Moama Lights event, all of which contribute to the vibrant tapestry of community life.

Through their dedication to arts and culture, Moama Bowling Club has not only helped the community heal but has also ensured that the spirit of Echuca Moama remains unbroken and continues to thrive.

“This win means a lot for the Club, I am very proud of the industry,” Club CEO Paul Barnes said.

“For our Club and our community to win this award, it's just sensational.”

Arts, Culture & Entertainment — Highly Commended: Euston Bowling Club

The Euston Club was awarded the Highly Commended plaque at the 2024 Club & Community Awards in the Arts, Culture & Entertainment category for their Great Murray River Salami Festival.

The festival, which has been running since 2018, celebrates the rich multicultural heritage of the region, particularly the tradition of salami making dating back to the post-World War II era.

With the Euston Club's support, the festival offers a predominantly free experience for its up to 3000 attendees.

Families gather annually over the June long weekend to make salami using closely guarded recipes passed down through generations, with the festival typically held in November — combining a salami competition with a vibrant atmosphere featuring food and beverage vendors, market stalls, live entertainment and children's activities.

Moving into its fifth year, the festival continues to strengthen community ties and celebrate local heritage.