RIVERSIDE AND YOU RIVERSIDEANDYOU SPRING HAS SPRUNG! WHILETHECOUNTRYSTARTSTOBURSTWITHTHECOLOURSOFTHESEASON, WEAREALSOBURSTINGWITHEXCITINGRIVERSIDENEWS. Firstly, on the June Long Weekend the Director of Riverside Theatres, Robert Love, was recognised for his service to the performing arts as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. He has been made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for “significant service to the performing arts, particularly in Western Sydney, as an administrator, and as a supporter of independent artists”. “The award provides an opportunity to spotlight the significant work and contributions of many working in arts and culture in Sydney’s west and to thank those that have supported Riverside since its opening in 1988,” said Robert. “I really have been most fortunate to have been cast in a great role at Riverside Theatres for many years with a committed support team and a great backer in City of Parramatta Council. Former City of Parramatta Council Administrator Amanda Chadwick said, “Robert has made invaluable contributions to Riverside Theatres and the performing arts industry and I congratulate him on his award. Under his directorship Riverside Theatres has become one of the most highly attended theatres in the country and has founded the resident theatre company, National Theatre of Parramatta. His passion for performing arts is truly inspiring.” From all of the staff at Riverside we too congratulate Robert Love AM on his years of commitment to the performing arts in Parramatta. And for Riverside the future is looking very positive! At the end of July the NSW Government and the City of Parramatta Council announced the delivery of a new arts and cultural precinct along the Parramatta River. The precinct will include a new flagship Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS), and an enlarged and enhanced Riverside Theatres. Redevelopment of Riverside has been discussed for a number of years and through the consistent lobbying by residents, theatre patrons, Council and the Riverside Advisory Board, $100 million has been committed to significant upgrades of our almost 30 year-old facilities. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this happen. We look forward to your continued support as planning begins, fundraising continues and we create an exciting future together. For now it’s time to get out of the house and start enjoying the season of Spring. And with a plethora of great theatre and cinema experiences on offer at Riverside you have lots of good reasons to leave winter behind and experience the world of performance. 3