The Goondiwindi Apex Eisteddfod is held in the first week of August each year in the rural QLD-NSW border town of Goondiwindi, on the banks of the McIntyre River.
The modern eisteddfod has been a firm fixture in the community’s cultural calendar since commencing in 1996. Sadly COVID 19 has interrupted this 23 year run however the organisers are committed to the events return in 2021.
The mainstay and principle organiser of the eisteddfod is Judy Dunlop who has been the eisteddfods’ secretary since 2005. Judy proudly proclaims that, in some years there has been as many as 1300 entries competing in the four classifications of Speech & Drama, Instrumental & Piano, Vocal & Choral, and Dance. Judy says the school orchestras and choral groups only count as one entry each so closer to three thousand contestants could have been involved; oh, and then their parents!
They travel to Goondiwindi from northern NSW, from the 7 border district schools, from Toowoomba, Inglewood, Dalby, Texas and Warwick, and further afield.
Current President of the Goondiwindi Apex Eisteddfod committee, Cathy Kneipp, became involved when her children participated over many years and developed a love of the performing arts. "It is a wonderful opportunity particularly for children to experience performance in a supportive and encouraging environment with the benefit of professional critique and advice."
"In a nutshell, the Goondiwindi Apex Eisteddfod has been attracting performers and entertaining and enchanting a community for the past 23 years. It attracts more than 900 entries each year and is known widely as the friendly Eisteddfod a sentiment proudly reflected in its’ motto “improving performance standards through friendly encouragement".
One local contestant who played guitar as a 7 year old, and competed, and won his sections for many years, went on to become a true music professional. Sam Jessen is now the music teacher at Goondiwindi’s own St Mary’s Catholic School.
Some of the photos on the front cover include:
Gerry Clarke B.PED
