1959
With television bringing the Olympics to the nation, South Street expands its reach into homes across the state, as BTV 6 televises the second half of the Prize Winners Concert.…
Read More1962
Royal South Street Society is granted “Royal” status for services to the community. Squadron leader Hicks of the RAF Band offers to bring his band to Ballarat to provide a…
Read More1963
The Mackay Junior Choral Society travels 2,000 miles to win the Juvenile Choral Contest and win the hearts of local audiences. The members endeared themselves to their hosts with their…
Read More1964
New Zealand entrants cross the puddle and successfully compete in the vocal sections by winning the Sun Aria in ’64, ’65 and ’66. The Manawatu Society of Registered Music Teachers…
Read More1965
Royal South Street purchases Her Majesty’s Theatre at a cost of 32,500 pounds through the support of Ballarat businessmen and the State Government. Renamed The Memorial Theatre, it becomes the home…
Read More1966
A Grand Inaugural concert is held at the Memorial Theatre and attended by Sir Henry and Lady Bolte, who present a cheque of $38,000 to match funds raised by the…
Read More1968
Major top to bottom alterations are undertaken to the theatre including a new front curtain, stage lighting, drapes, heating, carpets, parapets and roof.
Read More1970
Mr A W Steane, who was instrumental in forming the Calisthenics Section in 1903 dies aged 93 and Sovereign Hill opens in Ballarat showcasing Australia and the region’s remarkable goldrush…
Read More1971
New Schools Instrumental and Electronic Organ sections are introduced to the competitions.
Read More1972
The Sun Aria increases the age limit for competitors to 32 years.
Read More1973
Sovereign Hill sponsors a $500 prize for an Old Time Concert Party with contestants to provide “Continuous entertainment of Old Time Music, Dancing, Comedy, Minstrels, Melodrama, Novelty, Quartettes, Magic, Juggling,…
Read More1974
Deputy Premier, Lindsay Thompson attends a special dinner to celebrate the Sun Aria’s 50th anniversary, while The Most Graceful Physical Culture Girl Contest also celebrates half a century of competition. Cyclone Tracy…
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