Allison Fenwick was presented with her life membership and commemorative plaque on 20th October, 2024. The following is a excerpt of the speech given at her endorsement:
Allison commenced her banding life in primary school when she joined her local community band Kahibah Bowling Club Brass Band. Having achieved everything she could musically with Kahibah Bowling Club Brass and looking for a new musical challenge, Allison came to Waratah Brass in the late 1980s. In her work life Allison is a qualified Educator at a Community Outside of School Hours Care centre and Allison uses those skills, as a communicator, manager, leader in her involvement with the running of the Waratah Brass organisation. Allison has undertaken many official and unofficial committee positions, including as President and now in her position of Vice President. In her role as President, Allison was required to guide the band through the highs and lows of banding. Whether it be supporting the Musical Director to challenge a result at the National Band Championships, to advocating for the band in its ongoing pursuit of permanent rehearsal facilities. Allison can be relied upon as a stable and guiding hand, no matter how big or small the task. She has always been supportive of the band’s needs and often Allison can be seen in the kitchen at concerts, running the front of house, organising and serving afternoon tea. Allison’s commitment to the band and her capacity to take on multiple tasks is well known and a real feature of her dedication to the band and its musical and fund-raising goals. A reliable and authentic bandsperson. Congratulations Allison on this well-deserved Life Membership.