David Searle is no stranger to the bright lights. And his dedication to Sunraysia's performing arts scene for more than three decades has earned him Mildura Council's Elliott Award. Lauren Adcock chatted with David in the midst of his disbelief at winning the award. Picture: Ben Gross
IT is not every day a prestigious award is handed over to someone who has influenced and graced the Sunraysia arts scene for more than three decades.
But Mildura's David Searle – the recipient of Mildura Council's Elliott Award – has been recognised for just that.
David has been heavily involved in Sunraysia Gang Show for 35 years as either a production or technical director.
He says celebrating local talent is the reason he loves his job, but never anticipated being in the spotlight for his own dedication to the industry.
"I didn't even see my own family there not even realising I'd win ... it was totally a surprise and never expected in a million years," he says.
David first became involved in Sunraysia Gang Show in the mid-80s, a memory he says is responsible for igniting his passion for theatre.
"That was the first time I got involved with the theatre side of things which started my passion and basically went on from there," he says.
Leading, guiding and motivating more than 800 Scouts and Guides are among the many reasons David is being celebrated, along with his commitment to teaching stagecraft and theatre development.
David is also responsible for ensuring Sunraysia's youngest Scouts and Guides, aged five to 10, have opportunities to perform on stage, resulting in about 80 per cent continuing to perform with Sunraysia Gang Show, Mildura Theatre Company and Musical Society Mildura's Pantomime.
"To be in the gang show you have to be a part of scouting or guiding, so I've been a scout since I was eight and I'm now 53," he says.
"I've been a leader for 36 years ... a lot of people say scouting is in my religion and in my blood. I would have to agree with that.
"I love theatre and I love seeing and producing shows to show off our local talent. We really do have so much local talent around this district it's truly amazing."
David's heart and passion for nurturing talent earned him a Sunraysia Gang Show Life Membership in 2007 for being "an extremely generous person who freely gives up his time to provide outstanding training, mentoring and leadership".
While he says it is hard to pin-point one specific career highlight, David will never get tired of seeing the end result of annual productions.
"There are so many highlights because every year is different and every show is different," he says. "I suppose the main highlight for me is the end result after putting in three and a half months of rehearsal.
"We have about 100 youth members at each show and probably almost 100 people backstage helping behind the scenes, but the transformation in their self-expression and self-confidence is just absolutely amazing.
"That's what I get out of it ... seeing all the youth members get out there and have the best time. I get shivers every time."
David ruled out returning to the stage, but will continue his service to Sunraysia Gang Show and the broader Scouts and Guides Association.
