A new Royal South Street Society Life Membership was awarded to Sandra Fishwick at the 2024 AGM.
Sandra Fishwick, born in Ballarat to a sport-loving family, never expected to find herself in the world of performing arts. But when her three daughters chose ballet and singing over sport, Sandra followed their lead.
Initially feeling out of place, Sandra became more involved in the dance community around 1981, when her daughters began competing at the Royal South Street Society (RSSS) Competitions. By 1983, she joined the Ballarat Ballet Guild, helping introduce the 12 Years and Under Ballet Championship— and event still held at our eisteddfod over 40 years later.
Sandra’s dedication to RSSS spans decades. From cassette tape days to modern times, she’s volunteered in nearly every dance-related role: front of house, registration, stage manager, adjudicator’s assistant, and committee member. Her support also extends beyond dance, contributing widely across the Society and bringing in many new volunteers, including her mother, Yvonne and daughter Jodie.
She values the deep friendships formed with volunteers, staff, teachers, and competitors, and takes pride in her family’s continued involvement. Her daughter Kellie, a former competitor, now runs The Academy of Classical Ballet in Ballarat. Kellie’s daughters, Miranda and Alexis, both danced at RSSS and now teach alongside their mother, extending the families passionate involvement and contribution to dance the performing arts.
A familiar and beloved figure at RSSS, Sandra has devoted over 40 years to its success and sustainability and the RSSS Board and community proudly welcomes Sandra as a Life Member.
(Sandra Fishwick, pictured with her daughter Kellie at the presentation)
