13-Day Junior Eisteddfod Draws To A Close

Long-time coordinator Mrs Cheryl Platt was officially inducted as a life member of the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod.

L-R: Committee Members: Kelsey Rye, Bronwyn Nucifora, Merelyn McIntosh, Cheryl Platt, Cheryl Medley, Tanya Res, Annette Jorgensen (Absent Committee Members: Nicky Achurra, Sian Reardon, Sandra Reents).

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The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod solidified its reputation as the region's premier junior arts exhibition this month, drawing 2,784 entrants across a spectacular 13-day showcase.

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Running from 5 to 17 May, the event saw young performers from across the Burdekin and wider North Queensland compete in dance, music, speech and drama, art, literature, photography, and Highland and Irish dancing.

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Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod President Annette Jorgensen said the sheer volume of competitors reflects a thriving local arts scene.

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“Seeing close to 2,800 entrants this year is really exciting and shows just how much passion there is for the arts across the Burdekin and North Queensland,” Ms Jorgensen said.

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“This year’s eisteddfod was one of the strongest we’ve seen in recent years, both in terms of participation and the overall standard of performances.”

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The festival provided many local youths with their first taste of the stage, offering a supportive environment to receive constructive feedback from professional adjudicators. Ms Jorgensen said the school choirs and choral speaking groups particularly electrified the auditorium.

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“The choirs and choral speaking performances from the schools were particularly special because of the energy and teamwork they brought to the stage,” Ms Jorgensen said.

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“To have so many proud parents in the auditorium to watch their young people perform was fantastic.”

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Beyond the trophies, Mrs Jorgensen emphasised the vital role the eisteddfod plays in regional youth development, helping competitors build resilience, discipline, and long-lasting friendships.

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“In regional communities like the Burdekin and wider North Queensland, opportunities like this are incredibly valuable because they encourage young people to pursue the arts and recognise their own potential,” she said.

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The closing sessions also marked a historic milestone for the organisation with the induction of a new life member. Long-time coordinator Mrs Cheryl Platt was officially elevated to the position during the Music awards presentation to recognise nearly two decades of continuous service.

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“Cheryl is truly the heart of our Eisteddfod,” Ms Jorgensen said.

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“If there’s ever a question, Cheryl has the answer, or knows where to find it. Cheryl has been an incredible support to all of us, working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs seamlessly.”

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Mrs Jorgensen credited the event's overall success to the massive network of local volunteers, teachers, and sponsors who worked behind the scenes since early May, while offering a final praise to the competitors.

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“Whether they placed or not, stepping onto the stage and giving their best is an achievement in itself, and the future of the performing arts in our region is clearly very bright,” she said.

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See more photos here: www.burdekinlife.com/social-pics/13-day-junior-eisteddfod-draws-to-a-close

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1—Most Outstanding Dancer All Ages - Demi Minns

2—Local Encouragement Award - Radha Haller

3—Spirit Award - Imogen Armstrong

4—Most Promising Jazz Dancer - Isabelle Mcfie

5—Most Promising Tap Dancer - Ruby Pidgeon

6—Most Promising Classical Dancer - Peyton Prothero

Photos supplied

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