HORSHAM Rural City Council will honour long-serving Wimmera music teacher and performing arts advocate Wendy Weight, OAM.
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Horsham Mayor Cr Mandi Stewart will present Mrs Weight with a letter under the seal of council to congratulate her and wish her well for the future.
Council's chief executive Peter Brown suggested council honour Mrs Weight after he attended a farewell party for her on November 12.
Mrs Weight is leaving Horsham and will move closer to family.
Mr Brown said Mrs Weight and her family had made an enormous contribution to Horsham and the Wimmera over many years and had significantly contributed to business.
"It is important to acknowledge the contribution that Wendy has made to this community, and particularly her dreams for the future of music education, appreciation and performance and her dream for the Wesley Performing Arts Centre," he said.
"In both instances she was well ahead of the community, community thinking and council responses."
Mr Brown said Mrs Weight established Horsham Music Academy at a time when music teaching in schools and in the Wimmera community was in decline.
"The academy provides a focus not just to Horsham children, but children across the Wimmera," he said.
"It provides a very supportive approach to music education and appreciation."
Mr Brown said Mrs Weight also had a vision for Wesley Performing Arts Centre and her determination and persistence to achieve that vision should not be overlooked.
"Her ability to move along with small steps, but still work towards an ultimate goal was important," he said.
"Wendy's persistence paid off when she was able to gain the support of council, the community and significant benefactors to assist the development of Wesley.
"It has proved to be very important to this community and in many ways the experience of Wesley and the development of performing arts in Horsham has led to the current performing arts proposals."
Cr Michael Ryan said a letter under seal was one of the greatest honours a council could give to a resident.
"Wendy has been a generous benefactor to performing arts," Cr Ryan said.
"Her dedication to Wesley Performing Arts Centre says a lot about Wendy and in fairness, her late husband John.
"Wendy is now looking to move closer to family and I think a letter under seal is very well deserved."
