Rock Eisteddfod ends on high note
Education Minister Martin Dixon hailed this year's Victorian Rock Eisteddfod Challenge a success with more than 3,000 students from 50 Victorian secondary schools performing during the finals at Hisense Arena this week.
Mr Dixon had the honour of announcing St Columba's College of Essendon and Fairhills High School of Knoxfield as the joint first-place winners of the Premier Division on Friday night. St Columba's College performed a number called A Grim Tale while Fairhills High School's performance was themed The Robbing Hoodz. This was the first time in many years that two teams were named as joint first place winners in the Premier Division.
"St Columbas College and Fairhills High School both gave a truly solid performance. The fact that we had two winners in the Premier Divisions shows the calibre and talent of this year's entrants. I was impressed by the creativity shown by the young people participating and for the passion and teamwork that was displayed," Mr Dixon said.
"The Rock Eisteddfod Challenge represents exactly what the Victorian Coalition Government wants for Victoria's young people – to be engaged, involved and creative," Mr Dixon said.
"This event provides an opportunity for young people to work together towards a common goal and represent their school outside the usual academic or sporting competition," Mr Dixon said.
"The Coalition Government provided $200,000 every year for four years for the Rock Eisteddfod to return to Victoria – so our students can showcase their best," Mr Dixon said.
"I congratulate the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge Foundation, school communities, and the teachers and parents who have volunteered for months leading up to the finals to bring together a truly spectacular demonstration of Victorian talent," Mr Dixon said.
Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said the Coalition Government was proud to once again fund the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge and help ensure that the long-standing tradition continued to be enjoyed by generations of students.
"The Coalition Government is pleased to continue to support the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge. We believe it strongly aligns with our vision of providing as many meaningful opportunities as possible for young people to create art, music and enterprise and be involved in their community while learning valuable and transferable life skills," Mr Smith said.
For more information about the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge see www.rockchallenge.com.au
