QPAC

The Actors’ & Entertainers’ Benevolent Fund of Queensland (ABF) is a charity that has helped performing arts professionals in times of crisis since 1975.

The ABF Christmas Luncheon is a celebratory event that brings together longstanding and senior members of the arts community with local Queensland arts companies and emerging performers and producers.

QPAC is pleased to have sponsored this annual luncheon for more than a decade.

Following a difficult two years throughout COVID19, the event this year was the biggest to date, seeing a great turn out by the who’s who of the Queensland arts industry.

Among the guests were over 60 senior artists (many aged in their 80s and 90s), representatives from Opera Queensland, La Boite Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre, shake & stir theater co., Brisbane Powerhouse, MEAA and ABF Fund Patron, Mr Tim Fairfax AC and Mrs Gina Fairfax.

Tim Fairfax AC and Patrick Nolan.

Fund President Michael Balk JP expressed his thanks to QPAC for its continued sponsorship of the ABF luncheon, this year filling the entire Lyrebird restaurant, and helping ensure guests were spoilt during this special occasion.

Everyone was very pleased to catch up and enjoy the celebratory event and we received many comments like this one; “We were treated to wonderful food, entertainment and the opportunity to catch up with colleagues and to meet new folk.”

Marg McLennan and Michael Balk.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas AM spoke on the day and announced a donation of $10,000.00 to the Fund.

“In November 2021, QPAC proudly presented the Musical Theatre students of Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU) in GREASE on our Lyric Theatre stage. There was a modest surplus generated from this production and QPAC was pleased to pass on a donation to the ABF to further support artists who have been so hard hit over this challenging time,” said Mr Kotzas.

Michael shared that the charity had had its busiest year to date, and with the support of the community and generous donors was able to meet each and every request for assistance from arts professionals in need. 

A comment from a senior actor reflected the mood of the occasion.

“It’s an outstanding achievement and the feeling in the room was one of great pride, gratitude and comfort.” 

Harry Pitts, Peter Pinne, Abigail Dixon and Paul Sabey.

For more information about the Fund and how you can support it please visit ABF QLD.