Life Membership
Life Membership
About Life Membership
VAPAC Life Membership presents an opportunity to honour accomplished professionals in the VAPAC network who have made substantial contributions to the industry and the broader community. Awarding of a life membership involves a nomination process, with evaluation and selection overseen by the Executive Committee and approved by VAPAC members. Life membership provides the opportunity for the recipient to remain engaged with the network, and for VAPAC to draw on their experience and expertise.
Outlined below are the criteria for Life Membership of the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres:
Significant contribution to the performing arts sector: The nominated member has made an outstanding contribution and positively impacted the performing arts sector over an extended period of time. The individual’s work should have primarily been in the management of performing arts centres, but may also involve broader work in the industry.
Significant contribution to the VAPAC network: The individual should have a demonstrated track record of contributing to the VAPAC network through participation on committees, involvement in events, and through supporting other members through advice or mentorship.
Held in high regard by peers: The individual should be held in high regard by the members of VAPAC, having conducted themselves in a highly professional and respectful manner throughout their career.
Willingness to accept life membership: As far as can be known, would the nominated individual be comfortable receiving Life Membership from VAPAC
How to nominate an individual for Life Membership
Nominations for life membership can be received at any time. Please find below the three-step nomination process:
Nomination: Compose a nomination email addressed to the VAPAC Executive Committee, with attention to Executive Director Patrick McCarthy. Clearly state the nominee’s name, contact information, affiliated venue/s, and provide a 500-word description that outlines why this individual is a suitable candidate for Life Membership. Focus on highlighting their notable achievements and significant contributions to the broader VAPAC community. Submissions should be emailed to director@vapac.org.au.
Consideration by the Executive Committee: The nomination will be assessed against the criteria, with further information sought is required. If the Executive Committee votes to support the nomination, it will be presented to the broader membership for formal approval.
Final Approval: The Executive Committee will then take the nomination to the wider VAPAC membership for a final decision on whether to grant the Life Membership to the nominated individual.
VAPAC Life Members
Rob Robson
Until his retirement in 2021, Rob Robson was Manager of Arts, Culture and Events for Baw Baw Shire Council, managing West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul. During his ten years in the role, he delivered a major redevelopment of the Centre and led a team committed to the community and cultural development of a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse peri-urban region.
This role followed the previous 10 years as Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions for Greater Shepparton City Council; a period that saw him oversee construction of Westside Performing Arts Centre, Mooroopna and the redevelopment of the Shepparton Town Hall (Eastbank Centre).
Prior to his career in arts management, he was an English and History teacher for 28 years, teaching in the Victorian Secondary Schools sector.
He has served as a member and Chair of the executive team leading the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC), and as a board member of Regional Arts Victoria (RAV) and Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.
He was artistic director for the SheppARTon Festival from 2003 to 2008 and was a foundation board member of the Festival from 1997 – 2009. He is a life member of community theatre group Shepparton Theatre Arts Group and has enjoyed success as a theatre director, designer, actor and writer.
Now retired, he has, at last, found time to return to his passion for community theatre.
