Tributes flow for theatre stalwart

The Rockingham and Kwinana theatre community is mourning the loss of a favourite identity.

Valerie Fischer, 73, of Parmelia, died after a long and defiant battle with cancer.

‘‘Val was such a vibrant, tireless and compassionate member of our arts family, that her leaving us is going to be a huge hole, noteasily filled any time soon,’’ Koorliny Arts Centre chairwoman Lynne Woolfenden said.

‘‘Whether it was her beloved Kwinana Theatre Workshop, the Arts Centre board of management, the Friends of the Centre, or her next-door neighbour, Val’s hand would always be the first to go up to volunteer for anything that needed doing.

‘‘Val stage-managed what she saw as her sacred obligations to KTW from her hospice bed and later from her daughter’s home until the very end. No one had the courage to try and make her rest.’’

Mrs Fischer’s departure comes at a time when the 40-year-old KTWis experiencing a downturn in membership, low audience numbers and fewer suitable directors for community productions.

‘‘We at Koorliny are working very closely with the KTW committee to honour Val’s memory and do everything that we can to support them through this challenging and sad time,’’ Ms Woolfenden said.

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams was also saddened by the news.

‘‘The arts community has lost one of its favourite daughters with Val’s passing,’’ she said.

‘‘She was a pillar of volunteerism within the area, in the arts, seniors’ interests and various local events, and was always a tireless and willing worker whenever the call went out.’’

Ms Woolfenden noted that KTW became the theatre-in-residence when Koorliny was built in 1989, and the town was honoured to farewell Mrs Fischer where she spent so much of her time, energy and commitment.

Mrs Fischer is survived by two daughters, Alison and Wendy.