Rock Eisteddfod Challenge

Rock Eisteddfod Challenge
StatusDefunct
GenreDance and drama challenge
Date(s)1980 (1980)–2012 (2012)
FrequencyAnnually
CountryAustralia
Years active31–32 years
FounderNSW Arts Council
Most recentNovember 2012
Participants~100,000 per annum (peak)
Patron(s)Rock Eisteddfod Challenge Foundation
PeopleNotable alumni:[1]
Sponsors
  • 2SM, Coca-Cola, the NSW Arts Council
  • Federal and State government health and education departments
Websiterockchallenge.com.au[dead link]

The Rock Eisteddfod Challenge, also known as the Australian Rock Eisteddfod Challenge, was an Australian dance and drama challenge for government-funded high schools that was active between 1980 and 2012. Initiated by the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge Foundation as part of the Global Rock Challenge, the aim of the event was to promote healthy lifestyle choices, particularly abstinence from drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.[2] The event started in Sydney, New South Wales in 1980 and subsequently spread to other States and territories of Australia and a small number of other countries.

In 2004 an event for primary school students was started, called J Rock, to raise awareness about obesity and other eating disorders by promoting dance as a fun way to exercise.[3]

On 9 February 2010 it was announced that due to lack of funding, the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge would not take place in 2010.[4][5] The event was subsequently revised,[6] however ceased permanently following the 2012 event.[7] On 30 June 2013 the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge Foundation voluntarily revoked its accreditation as a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.[8]

In 2013, the Government of Victoria supported the establishment of the Wakakirri School Challenge as a replacement of the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge for Victorian primary and high schools.[9]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference SMH2002 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Dance to a natural high". The Age. 17 September 2002. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference GRC history was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Loss of Rock Eisteddfod a 'disgrace'". ABC News. Australia. 10 February 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  5. ^ Arrow, Brendan (9 February 2010). "End of the road for Rock Eisteddfod". Western Advocate. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  6. ^ Olding, Rachel (26 March 2010). "Whoever runs it, the show must go on, says Rock Eisteddfod regular". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  7. ^ Topsfield, Jewel (29 January 2013). "No more singing the blues for students as competition is revived". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  8. ^ "Rock Eisteddfod Challenge Foundation". Charity register. Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2019. Charity registration is voluntarily revoked
  9. ^ "Thank You Victorian State Government". Wakakirri. Waka Inc. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2019.