If you haven’t heard of Spaghetti Circus, then you’re just not a local – and like many locals, the circus has suffered on many levels because of recent flood events.
Thankfully, Spaghetti Circus has opened its doors for another term with help from the community.
General manager Alice Cadwell says she is overwhelmed with gratitude for the support Spaghetti has received. ‘Spaghetti Circus is ready to welcome our students back to classes and thanks to the generosity of the community, can offer scholarships to families who were affected by the recent floods.
Picture House raised $12,500
‘Not only did hundreds of volunteers help to clean the mud from our sheds and equipment, but money has also been raised for ongoing assistance to those who need it most. The Brunswick Picture House generously hosted eight of their Cheeky Cabarets as a fundraiser for Spaghetti Circus which raised a staggering $12,500.
Ms Cadwell said the circus is so grateful to Brett and Chris. ‘The energy at the shows was electric, with world-class artists raising money to give our kids the chance to return to circus classes.’
It turns out co-owner of the Picture House Brett Haylock was a ‘local’ even before he moved to the area. ‘We knew a lot about Spaghetti Circus long before we could point to Mullumbimby on a map,’ he said. ‘Its graduates are now internationally represented in some of the biggest circus companies in the world.
Rock-solid ties
‘The ties forged between Spaghetti Circus and the Brunswick Picture House over the years are rock solid and in times like these, we feel privileged that we are in a position to assist.
‘For the Picture House, this is not only an investment in the community, this is an investment in the future of circus.’
The Picture House audiences gave generously and added to fundraising campaigns from the Aerial Angels and Adelaide Fringe’s The Garden of Unearthly Delights who have both donated $5000 to the circus. ‘Some of our students have lost their home and school, so Spaghetti classes help them to reconnect with a stable community where they feel safe’, said Alice Cadwell.
Applications for flood-related circus scholarships can be made online at www.spaghetticircus.com. These are for long-term support to match the length of recovery.
Meanwhile, the circus sheds are back and filling with happy voices and active bodies. Term 2 classes are open for enrolment with discounts on circus classes available through the Active Kids, Creative Kids and Parents NSW voucher programs offered by Service NSW.
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