By Jessica Anstice
Narre Warren’s Susan Bergman was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division.
The performing arts enthusiast said she was quite “overcome with emotions” and felt “extremely humbled” by the award.
Ms Bergman’s father, retired commando captain Donald Bergman, received an OAM in 2017 at the age of 88 for service to veterans and their families, and to the wider community.
“My father Don and mother Audrey have always given back to the community and taught myself and my five siblings how important this is,” Ms Bergman said.
“I am thrilled to be following in my father’s footsteps and grateful that I can thank both of my parents for their encouragement and support.
“I know they will be very proud when they receive the news.”
Ms Bergman is a member of the City of Casey Arts and Cultural committee.
“As one of many community members on this committee, I am able to give input into the arts in the City of Casey,” she said.
“The City of Casey has certainly set a very high benchmark for other councils with its support of the arts.
“It is fantastic that the staff and councillors value community members and their input.”
Her list of achievements is impressive.
Ms Bergman currently manages the Cranbourne Community Theatre (CCT), ensuring it runs well for both Cranbourne Secondary College and community hirers.
She is also involved in the Factory Rehearsal Centre for the Arts and BATS Amateur Theatre Company.
“The CCT is a wonderfully creative outlet for so many people in the community to enjoy,” she said.
“It brings people, young to old and from all walks of life together in an inspiring environment which certainly has many positive elements, such as socialisation.
“Working backstage, on stage, front of house or being in the audience, there is something for everyone to be able to participate in.”
Ms Bergman said seeing so many members of BATS Theatre Company, as well as the students at Cranbourne Secondary College where she teaches, grow in confidence and participate “My biggest achievement has been raising two wonderful daughters, Laura and Rowena Gaal,” she said.
“Also, helping to make it easier for people to enjoy participating in the arts, as well as being one member of the committee that overcame many obstacles to have the CCT funded, built and then opened in late 2002.”
When Ms Bergman first became involved in the Berwick Amateur Theatre Society, now BATS Theatre Company, in the late 1980s, she found it extremely difficult to rehearse and put together everything needed to perform a show.
“Now, thanks mainly to the help and advice of councillor Wayne Smith, for the last twenty years or so, the City of Casey has been much more supportive and provided some much needed infrastructure and financial grants that allow the many arts groups to carry out their activities more easily,” she said.
“I have seen many groups grow, particularly those that use the purpose built The Factory – Rehearsal Centre for the Arts and in turn help many people participate actively in life.
“I am looking forward to seeing the CCT reach its full potential in the near future, particularly with improved backstage facilities, with the recent promise of much needed financial help from the State Government.”
Ms Bergman said that without the support of her husband Nick Gaal, and her daughters, she would not have been able to devote as much time to helping improve the arts over the years.
