Arts Council of Mansfield recieves Commendation at the Communities in Control Conference.

Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, CEO of Our Community presented the Arts Council of Mansfield with a special commendation at the recent ‘Communities in Control’ conference on 16th & 17th June.
The award was given in recognition of Arts Council of Mansfield’s work as an innovative, vibrant, effective representative and participative leader in Australia’s community life. Eleven other community groups also received special commendations. The 'crown' of Community Idol was given to Blyth Regional Cinema, from South Australia.
Karen Pirie and Kym Stubbs accepted the award on behalf of Arts Council. “This award is an honour for Arts Council. It’s fantastic to be recognized in the ‘bigger picture of community groups’ and it’s a testament to Mansfield's supportive community culture”, said Arts Council President, Karen Pirie.
The 2008 Communities in Control conference concluded on June 17 with a performance by singer Renée Geyer and the awarding of the 2008 Australian Community Idol. Speakers during the two-day conference (described by the Chaser's Julian Morrow as "like the 2020 Summit, but with a point") included this year's Pratt Fellows, scientist Tim Flannery and international human rights expert Kate Gilmore, world health authority Fran Baum, head of National Indigenous TV Pat Turner, distinguished businessman Noel Purcell, social researcher
Michele Levine, and a stellar list of current and former politicians and community experts including former Premier of Victoria, Joan Kirner, the Hon. Peter Batchelor and Hon. Bill Shorten who each presented to the 1500 delegates at the conference.
For more details about the conference visit: www.ourcommunity.com.au