Ulumbarra Foundation | A gift. A bigger stage. A lasting difference
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15 Sep A gift. A bigger stage. A lasting difference

Posted at 08:12h in Uncategorized by

For young people in Bendigo, a performing arts grant helped open the door to a life-changing experience.

For a young person who wants to perform, the biggest barrier isn’t always confidence. Sometimes it is simply the cost of taking part. That is why Ulumbarra Foundation donors are making an extraordinary difference.

The Ulumbarra Foundation’s Power Up Grant helped Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre provide participation scholarships for young people experiencing financial disadvantage. It showed how a relatively modest investment can remove a big barrier to participation in the arts.

“At Nexus, we believe that a young person’s financial circumstances should not determine whether they have access to meaningful creative, social and developmental opportunities,” said Julie Lovell, Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre’s (BYT) Producer & Director.

In July 2026, 67 young people performed in Nexus BYT’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at The Capital Theatre in Bendigo. Thirty-seven of those young people were new to Nexus BYT.

Across eight performances, more than 3,000 people came through the theatre, with three performances selling out. Behind the numbers was something more important: young people learning, contributing and discovering what they could achieve.

“Young people rehearsed together, learned new skills, made friendships and discovered what they could achieve as part of a team. They developed confidence, creativity, communication, resilience and leadership — skills that reach well beyond the theatre,” said Julie.

Scholarship recipients stood alongside their peers on a professional stage, knowing they had earned their place there. And the support went beyond getting young people into the cast. Families of supported participants were also given complimentary tickets, allowing parents and carers to share in the achievement.

The impact on Greater Bendigo’s community doesn’t end when the curtain comes down. Confidence gained through performance carries into school, relationships and future opportunities. Families come together and friendships are formed through a shared creative experience.

Ulumbarra Foundation Chair Robin Bragg said this is an example of philanthropy’s multiplier effect on the community.

“This is why your support matters: A stronger performing arts community is built one opportunity at a time. All those young people strengthen the Greater Bendigo community. And, over time, they will help create a stronger performing arts community for everyone to enjoy.”

One parent captured the difference the support made: “Thank you so much, honestly this is a most appreciated act of kindness that we are very grateful for.”