Diane undertook a Bachelor of Music Degree via distance education at Armidale University graduating at the age of 60 in early 2014. The skills she gained, along with those obtained through over 20 years of intensive vocal coaching both in Broken Hill and Adelaide, have been used to the benefit of the Broken Hill community in many ways.
Diane has been the conductor of Broken Hill Philharmonic Society Inc Choir for 16 years. This is a totally voluntary position which involves training and conducting the choir for two major concerts each year plus other smaller events. Diane is on the management committee as well as two sub-committees and is heavily involved in planning and bringing to fruition the concerts and other events including fundraisers. She has also held the positions of Chairman and Publicity Officer for the choir over many years.
Diane has performed as a solo vocalist at countless events both for the Philharmonic, Repharmonic, Theatre 44, BIU Band, Anglican Church and others from the early 1980s to the present.
Diane was the primary organiser of a visit by Jonathon Welch OAM in September 2023. Mr Welch conducted a vocal masterclass, four school workshops and an additional four workshops for adult singers in addition to adjudicating the local Eisteddfod. This was an amazing boon for singers of Broken Hill.
For 22 years, Diane had conducted the St Peter’s Anglican Church Choir which involved rehearsing and conducting a smaller group of singers for Sunday services, funerals and other church events. She also assisted in church fundraisers, organising music performances for fundraisers such as concerts and dinners.
Diane represented the Philharmonic Society on the Broken Hill Proms Concert Committee, also taking on the role of co-ordinator for a period. This committee was responsible for planning and presenting a combined music groups annual concert incorporating the Philharmonic Choir, Civic Orchestra, BIU Brass Band and Cameron Pipe Band.
As a committee member of the Gallipoli Memorial Foundation, Diane assisted in the organising and also performed at the Foundations’ annual concerts to fund its scholarship for those undertaking study outside of Broken Hill.
Diane has been a volunteer helper and committee member of the Broken Hill Eisteddfod Society for many years and currently serves as vocal co-ordinator and assistant secretary.
In addition to her committee and choir commitments, Diane has also contributed to many other events singing at nursing homes and retirement villages, community events, conferences, International Women’s Day breakfast and Carols by Candlelight. Her contribution has not just been with her own performances but also as a vocal coach to dozens of young singers.
Diane has also been a committed member of her church communities having undertaken a number of roles including Treasurer of the Railwaytown Uniting Church, junior choir member, Parish Secretary at St Peter’s Anglican Church and creator of the weekly Parish newsletter.