Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In June I had the pleasure of attending rehearsals for the Hornsby Gang Show. The Hornsby Gang Show has trained hundreds of Scouts and Guides in all aspects of stagecraft, acting, singing, dancing and behind-the-scenes skills such as lighting and prop building. Hornsby Gang Show involves members from the Sydney North region Scouts, Venturers, Rovers, leaders and Guides, with people aged 11 and up participating in the show. The production is enormous: 130 cast members and 250 crew. Bec Canty as production director, Yvonne Barton-Leach as musical director and Amanda Muxlow as general manager did an incredible job to pull the production together again this year. They were joined by highly capable and experienced people like Julia Ralton, Lauren Webb, Cameron Porter, Ben Dennis, Priscilla LeGuier and so many others.

Community organisations like these are full of people who come back again and again to invest selflessly in the next generation. Special mention should be made of those who have done many shows—Barry Greenland, who has done 40; Penny Becchio, 37; Betina-Ann Campbell, 31; Doug Chilvers, 25; and Andy Davis, 20—all of whom have a combined 153 years in the show.

The Hornsby Gang Show started in 1973 as the Hornsby Troop Concert. The show was set to run only one night but, because of its popularity, it added another, packing out the house on both nights. Over the years, the Hornsby Gang Show has given many people a start working in the performing arts. I congratulate the Hornsby Gang Show cast and crew on a fantastic and highly successful 46th season.