2021-

Calisthenics Victoria announced their decision to no longer be affiliated with the Australian Calisthenics Federation in order to strengthen the viability and sustainability of the sport in Victoria. CaliVic committed to supporting, connecting and working with other states, including access to newly developed programs and resources.

This decision meant changes to competition rules from 2024.

New sections were added to the Freemasons Victoria Festival of Schools Music, Bands and Instrumental discipline.

Set to be held between September 7-12 at Caro Convention Centre – new Jazz/Rock combo sections, VCE/VET, and non-competitive critique only sections!! Plus, all other sections from under 12 years to under 19 years!

In December 2024, Lindsay Eaton (Board Chair for RSSS) and Paula Nicholson (Board Chair for BMI) signed an MOU joining the two organisations in a creative partnership.

The purpose of the MOU was written as; ‘a collaboration based on a shared goal, that of nurturing and encouraging the talents of aspiring artists in performance arts, whilst acknowledging the benefits of such partnerships within the common goal of community coherence.’

In February 2025, the Royal South Street Society introduced Comedy as an exciting new addition to its Schedule of Events. The initiative began with a Comedy Workshop, developed to work alongside the Class Clowns program and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The workshop provided aspiring young comedians with an opportunity to develop their skills while serving as the ideal introduction to the newly established Comedy sections within the Society’s Speech and Drama competitions. It offered participants a supportive platform to build confidence, refine their performance techniques, and prepare for competition.

In April 2025, the Royal South Street Society relocated its offices from Lydiard Street, next to Her Majesty’s Theatre, to a new home at 125 Albert Street.

The new premises, located behind Mortgage Choice, were transformed into functional office space and were previously home to the Anita Coutts Dance School dance studio.

The move allowed us to consolidate our Lyric Storage Room and Archives into a single, central location, creating a more efficient workspace. An added bonus was that the new office is entirely on one level, with no stairs, making the bump-in and bump-out process for events significantly easier for staff and volunteers.

At the launch of the 2025 Season, RSSS unveiled an ambitious goal: to secure a world-class grand piano worthy of the extraordinary talent that graces its stages each year.

What began as a dream quickly became a community movement.

RSSS launched the inspiring Key to Music fundraising campaign — inviting the community to become part of the legacy by sponsoring one of the piano’s 88 keys.

Through the generosity of benefactor Andrew Cochrane — honouring the legacy of his late mother, pianist and teacher Margaret Schofield OAM — and in partnership with Bernie’s Music Land and Schimmel Pianos, the Society announced it would acquire a Schimmel Konzert Grand K195.

In a thrilling surprise at the Season Launch, it was revealed that the chosen instrument would be upgraded to the K195 Konzert Grand — placing Ballarat among the custodians of one of the finest competition grand pianos in Australia.

After more than a decade, the Royal South Street Society Showcase made a welcome return in 2025, celebrating the extraordinary talent, dedication and diversity of performers who take part in Australia’s longest-running performing arts eisteddfod.

The Royal Treasure Trail was established in 2025, with the help of Tourism Midwest Victoria, to encourage our participants and families to stay and explore the treasures of Ballarat while in town for the Eisteddfod.   Just over 30 local businesses signed up to take part!