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Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer is a proud patron after the Whyalla Community Brass band collected a prestigious statewide award.
Whyalla Community Brass (WCB) has been named “Band of the Year” by the South Australian Band Association (SABA). Made up of 25 brass and concert bands, SABA is the peak body for this genre of bands in South Australia.
Mayor Breuer said it was a well-deserved award for a band that has been an icon, a constant presence and community contributor in Whyalla for 105 years.
“We are proud to be one of the few remaining cities or towns that still has a town band,” Mayor Breuer said.
“The dedicated members of Whyalla Community Brass, and all those that went before them for so many years, thoroughly deserve this award.
“I am not only a proud patron of this band, I’m arguably its biggest fan.
“I just love the music the community brass band continues to play and you’ll see me tapping my toes whenever I’m privileged enough to see them play, which by the way, is luckily quite often around town.”
In an interview on ABC radio, Whyalla Community Brass secretary Reg Warnes said the band members were surprised to win the award but also very elated. The band doesn’t compete with other member bands, most of which are situated in Adelaide, but was given the award on the back of its regular performances, community work, sponsorship and engagement.
“We’re only a small rural-based and I can’t remember the last time a regional band was given this award,” Reg said.
“I think it was our community involvement, our recent 105th anniversary concert and the fact we raise our own money and source our own sponsors that impressed the judges.
“We’re absolutely chuffed.”
Reg paid special tribute to Mayor Breuer and the City of Whyalla for their support. The band is also sponsored by Eddie Hughes MP, McDonald’s Whyalla and Stratco Whyalla.
“We’d like to thank Mayor Breuer as our patron and the marvelous ongoing support of our Whyalla City Council,” Reg said.
“Mayor Breuer came along to our own celebration of the award in Whyalla after we had travelled to Adelaide to receive the certificate and award.”
While it doesn’t compete in the state championships, the band is active around the community and available to play at any function.
FACEBOOK CONGRATULATIONS
Brenton: Congratulations. Last year’s 105th concert was certainly a big event for a small country town band.
Darryl: Well done fellas. Very proud to be associated with the community brass band.
Dorothy: Congratulations, that is well deserved for this loyal enthusiastic band