For years and years, a dedicated group of volunteers including music instructors, dance teachers, ordinary teachers and others, organised an annual eisteddfod in Darwin. Both young and old could participate in competition involving dance, drama, singing and instrumental music, speaking, poetry and scripture reading and much more.

Over the years, this program largely sponsored by the Darwin City Council and committee fundraising efforts, gave support to many thousands of competitors whose futures in everything, from confidence building to preparation toward occupational futures, was supported by the Eisteddfod.

Most of the dollars given in support or raised were for venue hiring costs – heavily subsidised by the Council – and accommodation, wages and living expenses for competition adjudicators from interstate.

Sadly, monetary support and revenue raising became challenging to the point of expenditure outstripping income.

Late in the life of Eudteddfod, a foundational member donated $20,000 to zero the accumulated debt. Sadly, that could only stave off the inevitable, the Eisteddfod folded and became no more.

I was on the Council and attest to how valuable and developing the program was for students in my schools – as well as for out if Darwin.

Support also came from the NT Department of Education and that had been consistent over the years. But in the end, not even the Department could prevent the Eisteddfod from going under.

A wonderful institution was lost and the Eisteddfod has faded into the annals of history.

Farewell to the Eisteddfod.