High note for star search

Hopeful singing contestants from across Casey got together with Cr Louise Berkelmans and Naomi Horsley from Star Search to prepare for the upcoming Star Search for a Cause competition. From left, Chloe Kandetzki (12), Cr Louise Berkelmans, Mia Gulliver (10), Naomi Horsley and Matt Prins (20). 122960 Picture: ROB CAREW

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD

THE search for a singing star in Casey is set to get underway again and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.
With the Star Search for a Cause finals scheduled to take place at Westfield Fountain Gate for the first time, Casey councillor and co-ordinator Louise Berkelmans expects the singing competition will this year cement itself as one of the marquee events in the municipality.
“We’ve always wanted to take the Star Search somewhere bigger, we’re always limited with taking it to the Berwick Show because that’s in February and it means we do auditions in January during the holidays,” Cr Berkelmans said.
“We decided this year we need to step it up to turn it into a well-known event. We want it to be well-received and for people to get to know it.”
The Star Search for a Cause is a singing competition that raises money specifically for the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life Cranbourne-Narre, previously known as the Berwick Show Star Search.
The event has now been running for seven years and over that time has raised $10,000 for the relay.
“Going by the roadside signs and advertising banners outside Fountain Gate, we’ve had a huge response from people we’ve never heard from before,” Cr Berkelmans said.
“A lot of singing schools have got hold of it. There’s been a huge response, more than we’ve ever had.”
Auditions for Star Search will be held at the Civic Centre on Friday 18 July at 6.30pm and Sunday 20 July at 2pm.
There are three sections for the competition, including Juniors for children aged 14 years and under, Intermediate for people aged 15 to 20 years, and Senior for adults 21 and over.
There is a $10 entry fee for each performance and audience members will be required to provide a gold coin donation.
There is no need to register, just turn up on the day.
Inquiries to starsearch4ac@gmail.com.