By PUBLICITY OFFICER
Narrabri resident Annie Lampe was awarded a lifetime membership for her dedication and commitment to ArtsNational Narrabri (formerly ADFAS Narrabri) ever since being a part of the inaugural committee which was established by the late Rania Manchee 30 years ago.
ArtsNational brings us international and Australian experts offering illustrated talks across a wide spectrum of arts-related topics to the members of 36 societies across Australia.
Firm believers in the power of the arts to enhance lives, the mission of ArtsNational is to serve its communities with inclusivity and influence in educating, supporting, and advocating for the arts, and to foster a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape.
Former ADFAS Narrabri committee members, back, Mary-Jane Douglas (dec), Marie Leculier, Beatrice Storie, front, Jenny Seccombe, Pam Barrett, Annie Lampe, Georgie Murray and Kay McDouall (dec).
Serving terms as vice chair and chair of the Narrabri committee, Mrs Lampe has devoted a huge amount of hard work and commitment to the organisation ever since its launch in 1994 with only short breaks in between positions held on the committee.
Mrs Lampe fondly recalls the days when Mrs Manchee was the inspiration behind bringing the arts to the local district, establishing the Narrabri society and taking on the position of ADFAS Narrabri’s first chair.
Mrs Manchee was duly awarded a lifetime membership in 2022, and members of ArtsNational past and present were saddened to learn of her passing in February of this year.
The original committee led by Mrs Manchee were Annie Lampe, Prim Winston-Smith, Margot Leitch, Pam Barrett, Judy Swallow, Helen de Frederick, Judy Bell (dec), Patsy Carberry (dec), Kay McDouall (dec), and Winifred Simshauser (dec).
ArtsNational Narrabri chair Elizabeth Campbell was proud to present the award to Mrs Lampe at the organisation’s first lecture of the year featuring ‘Sculpture and Architecture’ presented by UK sculptor David Worthington on March 4, 2024.
“We would like to express our appreciation for Annie’s hard work and dedication from the very first days of ADFAS’s beginnings.
Former committee members Pam Barrett, Mary-Jane Douglas (dec), inaugural chair Rania Manchee (dec) and Annie Lampe celebrating ADFAS Narrabri’s 10-year anniversary.
Annie has been a driving force behind establishing and working towards the successful organisation it is today,” she said.
Mrs Lampe was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a certificate.
“I was so delighted to receive this award,” she said.
“I have always loved ADFAS and all it stands for as I believe it is so important to bring arts and culture to regional towns. Small rural towns can miss out on opportunities such as this.
“I have been proud to be a part of this non-profit organisation run solely by volunteers ever since the early days with Rania, to today.
“Attending the lectures brings so much joy to many, learning something new each time and of course the camaraderie of getting together with friends.
“I would like to thank the present committee of ArtsNational for this accolade.”
Annie Lampe with current ArtsNational Narrabri chair Elizabeth Campbell, who presented Annie with a lifetime membership award in March.
