AGY-5163 | Community Programmes Unit [Premier’s Department [I]]

Full description

The Community Programmes Unit was established in the 1978-79 financial year to co-ordinate the annual activities of Carnavale, Senior Citizens’ Week, and the Premier’s Department Royal Easter Show exhibit, and other lesser community programmes. (1)

The Community Programmes Unit was responsible for the presentation of Senior Citizens’ Week (in March), Carnivale (in September) and the Premier’s Department exhibit at the Royal Easter Show. Carnivale was a state-wide multi-cultural festival first held in 1977 and sponsored by the New South Wales Government as a community awareness programme to recognise the state’s cultural diversity. The Community Programmes Unit, in addition to its role as co-ordinator, provided on request limited financial assistance, arranged advertising, provided advice and received reports after each festival. A report was submitted annually based on the information received by the Unit after each festival. (2)

The Community Programmes Unit organised activities such as a Garden Party at Government House, lunchtime entertainment at Martin Place, and ferry cruises on Sydney Harbour as part of Senior Citizens’ Week. Staff of the Unit also assisted organisers of community activities by offering advice on particular ways to arrange activities. (3)

In 1980 the Unit was part of the Community Relations Division within the Premier’s Department. (4)

In September 1983 the Community Programmes Unit was disbanded and its three main functions were transferred as follows: Senior Citizens’ Week to the Office of Aged Services, Carnivale to the Division of Cultural Activities within the Premier’s Department, and the Royal Easter Show exhibit to the Advertising Branch of the Management Division of the Premier’s Department. (5)

ENDNOTES
1. Public Service Board Annual Report 1978-79, p106.
2. Concise Guide to the State Archives of NSW (P-R): Premier’s Department, Community Programmes Unit.
3. NSW Premier’s Department Annual Report 1980, pp32-33.
4. ibid., p10.
5. NSW Premier’s Department Annual Report 1983, p21.