 Daren Pope looks ahead to the ALSO Awards, which he says have inherited the mantle of the Rainbows.
From Brighton to North Melbourne and pretty much every suburb in between, the Rainbow Awards have had an incredibly chequered history. Over the past 20 years, the formal event recognising excellence in the community has been staged in wedding reception halls, theatres, comedy clubs, dance venues and even at Crown Casino. Special guests include the great and not so great of the showbiz and political worlds. From Rhonda Burchmore, Colleen Hewett and Caroline O’Connor to the three John’s – John Michael Howson, John Thwaites and John So – there’s never been a shortage of celebrity willing to kick up their heels for the occasion. Then there are the shows: lavishly costumed and choreographed, drag queen heavy and very, very long. Yet few on the night complain. Possibly because the ‘all you can drink’ ticket softens the blow, but more than likely because there are so very few opportunities for the broader LGBT community to meet under the one roof. It’s a winning, if somewhat expensive formula. With inclusiveness in mind, the ALSO Foundation has thrown its considerable resources behind the awards concept, and in just a few days, the ALSO Awards pick up where the Rainbows left off. It promises to be a lavish presentation at CQ Reception Centre in the city. Traditional categories such as Most Popular Drag Performer, Venue, Show and DJ remain, with the addition of a number of community oriented accolades: Most Outstanding Community Campaign or Initiative, Community Contribution and Emerging Group, Network or Organisation. Lyn Morgain, ALSO’s CEO, says the awards are reflective of a renewed community focus for the event. “The original idea to consider whether we would do these awards came from the recognition that we are very much privy to a diversity of stuff that goes on in the community,” she says. “We also thought the awards were very consistent with our own goals, which are about promoting the work that is done in our community.” Producing an awards night under the community banner is a tall order. Diversity by its very nature assumes there will be groups and individuals that don’t see eye to eye. And then there’s a perceived tension between the non-profit community sector and the commercial scene. Lyn Morgain says the ALSO Awards represent a shining example of interest groups putting aside their differences for the greater good. “You look at the range of businesses that have committed themselves to the awards and other community activities and there is clearly a very strong philanthropic interest within our business sector. Equally, the community needs that support. I am really proud of our businesses’ interest in the community, beyond if you like, their bottom line.” At $120 apiece, tickets for the ALSO Awards are not cheap. And while that price does include a three-course meal, all you can drink and a variety of entertainment, there are many in the community who simply cannot afford to go. It’s a point of criticism that Lyn Morgain and the ALSO Foundation are prepared to wear. “It’s not a five dollar picnic in the park where you can bring your dogs and whatever, but I think that’s OK,” she says. “The calendar has a range of events on it and this is but one; and it is definitely at the glamorous end.” For those unable to attend, the ALSO Awards will be broadcast live on JOY 94.9 FM and the whole community has been invited to participate by voting online and through MCV’s media sponsorship.
So what can patrons expect on the night? Drag personality Paris is booked to host along with showgirls Vivien St James and Millie Minogue. The entertainment ranges from burlesque troupes The Voodoo Trash Dolls and Tease-a-Rama to drag extravaganzas from The Pussy Cat Dolls and The Drag Kings. There will also be live singing from cabaret star Wes Snelling and members of the Australian Opera Company, along with a yet-to-be-announced high profile celebrity. The ALSO Awards’ creative director Claude Panozzo says patrons will not be disappointed by the entertainment. “We’ve made it as all encompassing as possible, from the red carpet entrance to the Hollywood lights,” he says. “It’s such a large community, far beyond the clubs, and I think it’s really important to embrace that. You can see that by the style of the shows, the nominees, to what we have donated to the auction. It’s going to be a great night.” The fundraising auction includes signed memorabilia from Hawthorn Footballer Shane Crawford and valuable works of art by Ross Watson, Brett Willis and Chopper Reid (yes, he paints too). “There has been so much speculation, but I believe these awards will be fabulous,” says an upbeat Panozzo. “It’s been a huge learning curve for the Foundation; giving people something that they’re not used to. Change is sometimes a bit tough, but I think people that come will be absolutely overwhelmed and really enjoy it.”
Vote at MCV online. The 2008 ALSO Awards, Monday, November 24 at CQ Reception Centre, 113 Queen St, Melbourne. Ticket includes three course dinner, drinks and shows/presentations. Full $120; concession $110. www.also.org.au
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Reclaiming our awards
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