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Contents
Vision
To be recognised locally, nationally and internationally as an
innovative and effective cultural leader;
To engage with our community to create and facilitate inspiring theatre experiences
that strengthens audiences, artists and our industry;
And to give a voice to the Illawarra region.
21
23
financial
report
18
20
staff
Volunteers
16
hirer events
at ipac
8
10
4
chairperson’s
report
5
6
artistic director/
CEO’s report
statistical
snapshot
merrigong
season 2011
make it @merrigong
merrigong for kids,
schools and families
Artistic Rationale
We will make exceptional theatre that tells stories of local relevance,
but universal resonance. The theatre we produce and present will not be ordinary.
It will be special. It will lift us from our day-to-day lives – transport us, thrill us,
amuse us, open our minds, strengthen us.
2
3

Chairman’s Report
Artistic Director / CEO’s Report
It is my pleasure to introduce the 2011 Annual
Report for Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Ltd. (trading as Merrigong Theatre Company).
Although a difficult year financially for the
Company, it has been rewarding in what we
have been able to achieve and contribute
to the cultural life of the city. We consider it
our responsibility to the community and to
Wollongong City Council, the owners of the
facility that we operate, to present and develop
exciting theatre for all to enjoy. Our role in
providing a vibrant facility in which new theatre
is developed, where people of all ages and
ability have access to skill development, and
where citizens of the Illawarra can come to
enjoy theatrical experiences created locally, as
well as from around Australia and the world, is
key to our existence.
We plan our theatre season up to 18 months
in advance, and we make commitments
attempting to anticipate the taste of the
theatre-going public. Most times we get it
right. We are unable to predict, though, the
volatility of economic circumstances that affect
our patrons and their ability to pay for a ticket
to the theatre. Nevertheless, 2011 proved to be
one of our most outstanding in terms of what
we were able to achieve.
Simon Hinton, our Artistic Director and CEO,
continues to lead a talented staff to deliver all
the services that are needed to achieve our
goals. This year we welcomed Anne-Marie
Heath to the position of General Manager to
assist Simon in this task. Our commitment
to staff development is exemplary. We have
sent members of staff overseas to work and
collaborate with theatre companies of excellent
repute. This little known fact is something of
which all residents of the Illawarra should be
proud. This year we also farewelled a number of
staff to opportunities in the Sydney theatrical
space. It seems that if you work for Merrigong
Theatre Company, you are well regarded in the
industry.
Our Board of Directors, listed elsewhere in this
report, are a voluntary group of people with
business, legal, educational, and arts expertise,
as well as other necessary skills to guide the
Company into the future. We volunteer our
time because of our belief in the importance of
what we can offer to the cultural life of the city.
The Company’s involvement with international
product, particularly from the UK and USA,
is putting Merrigong’s name, and indeed
Wollongong’s, in front of a multitude of
audiences around the world. For some of these
companies we are regarded as the first point of
contact if they intend to tour Australia.
Our program selection includes something for
everyone. In addition to our main Merrigong
subscription season, our Merrigong Moves
package for dance enthusiasts, our Kids,
Schools and Families program for the younger
generation (and their Mums and Dads), our
own productions and theatre development
projects through the Make It @Merrigong
program, as well as our mixed abilities theatre
project, all add depth to how we contribute to
the community.
Coming to the theatre is now not just sitting
and watching a production, you can also go
behind the scenes and talk to the writers,
performers and personnel involved to gain
greater insight into the production. Our Q&A
sessions proved very valuable during The Table
of Knowledge season, for example, in fostering
healthy discussion on the values that our
community aspires too.
I wish to acknowledge the continuing
assistance, both financially and through
service support, provided by Wollongong City
Council. This on-going relationship will be
further strengthened with the revision of the
Company’s Constitution that will be completed
in 2012.
In the above context, I commend this Annual
Report for your information and endorsement
of the work of all our staff, volunteers,
supporters and Board.
2011 was a year of great highs and a few
lows for Merrigong. The continued economic
downturn, particularly severe in our city,
finally made its impact felt on our audiences,
resulting in a downturn at the box office for
both Merrigong and hirers of the venue, and
hence a very difficult year financially for the
Company. Yet artistically, and in terms of
community engagement, I believe we had our
most successful year to date.
In our Company’s artistic rationale we aspire
to tell “stories of local relevance, but universal
resonance”. We threw ourselves into making
that a reality in 2011, with not one but two
productions featuring distinctly Wollongong
stories. The Dapto Chaser by Mary Rachel
Brown, with the unique world of dog racing
brought to life by a wonderful cast, was a
milestone for the company, being the first full
length work commissioned, developed and
then produced by the Company.
The Table of Knowledge, our co-production
with Sydney performance company version 1.0,
was both an artistic and box office triumph,
setting a new attendance record for a show
in Merrigong’s theatre season. I believe it
also marked a highpoint in the Company’s
engagement with our community. Bringing
this essential local story to the stage just
days before the first Council elections since
the events it depicted, the show became a
focal point for debate and reflection on the
city’s future, with vigorous post-show Q&A
sessions, and a series of panel discussions held
in conjunction with the season. Our producing
partners version 1.0 are certainly deserving
of the acclaim they’ve received for this show,
which is now slated to go on to further seasons
and tour across the country.
In 2011, however, our producing was not limited
to locally focused shows. We embarked on our
most ambitious international collaboration to
date, co-producing a new touring version of the
hip-hop theatre hit Funk it up About Nothin’
with Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) and
our regular international partner, Londonbased
Richard Jordan Productions. We toured
this brilliant production to seven venues in
Australia, and CST also presented it in Chicago
and at Theatre Royal Stratford East in London.
An important outcome for Merrigong was the
opportunity given to a Wollongong lighting
designer to light the show in both Chicago and
London.
Once again, our season featured some
extraordinary theatre from some of the best
Australian and overseas companies. And the
families of our region came out in force again
for the South Coast Children’s Festival – three
days of inspiring, creative experiences for
children and their adults.
Through our Make It @Merrigong program,
the Company continued to commission and
develop new work, as well as support a range
of interesting independent artists, produce
the regular Vault Cabaret in Port Kembla, and
deliver some exciting creative projects, such
as the first stage development of our mixed
abilities theatre project, under the working title
Blaze.
I’d like to acknowledge the wonderful support
we had in 2011 from a range of supporters,
particularly our major funding partner
Wollongong City Council.
There is no doubt that the economic climate
made it a difficult year of particularly hard work
for our terrific team of staff at Merrigong, and
I’d like to thank them, our band of volunteers,
and our dedicated Board of Directors for all the
time and effort they put into making the year a
success.
Simon Hinton
Steve Sanders
4

Statistical Snapshot
Audiences at IPAC 2011 2010 Increase/Decrease
Merrigong subscription packages 1,543 1,836 -15.96%
Merrigong audiences 36,475 43,322 -15.80%
Total audiences at IPAC 90,235 108,007 -16.45%
Total centre visitation 121,401 138,959 -12.64%
NB: Subscription packages include Theatre Season and Moves package buyers. Total audiences at
IPAC includes both Merrigong Season audiences and those for venue hirer events. Visitation includes
audiences, performers and participants at classes and workshops.
Events and Performances at IPAC 2011 2010 Increase/Decrease
Unique events / seasons 173 192 -9.9%
Performances 475 431 10.21%
NB: Unique events / seasons vs. Performances: a season of a unique event (e.g., The Dapto Chaser)
may be made up of several performances. Workshops are included in Unique events / seasons, but
not in Performances.
Merrigong on Tour 2011 Funk it up About Nothin’ 2010 MacHomer
Venues 7 3
Performances 28 31
Audiences 5,793 7,461
6
JQ and Ericka Ratcliff in Funk it up About Nothin’. Image: Michael Brosilow

Merrigong Season 2011
Merrigong Moves
Untrained 10 – 11 June Lucy Guerin Inc
Belong 8 – 10 September Bangarra Dance Theatre
Tom Tom Crew 10 – 12 November Strut & Fret
Merrigong’s 2011 Season presented a world of great theatre, transporting audiences to new points
of view, new perspectives and new ideas.
The year kicked off with the infectious and hugely enjoyable Funk it up About Nothin’, a hiphop
adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing co-produced by Merrigong, Chicago Shakespeare
Theater and Richard Jordan Productions, and successfully toured by Merrigong around the
country (see page 10 for details). Also early in the year came Chronicles of Long Kesh – a deeply
moving production from Northern Ireland’s Green Shoot Productions.
Other highlights included treats from Sydney Theatre Company - their lush and cheekily titled In
the Next Room or the vibrator play and the ever-popular The Wharf Revue: Debt Defying Acts,
which sold-out most performances. Big hART brought us the stunning and artful Namatjira,
an affecting fusion of the visual and performing arts, while Belvoir’s Neil Armfield lent his deft
directorial touch to a Dutch children’s classic, resulting in the impressive The Book of Everything.
But Season 2011 is impossible to discuss without highlighting the enormous impact of The Table
of Knowledge – a landmark for Merrigong in terms of producing new, exciting and relevant
contemporary theatre work, but also for its critical and box office success. With the season being
extended twice due to popular demand, The Table of Knowledge became the highest-selling
Merrigong Season show ever. Occurring at the same time as the first local government elections
since the Council’s sacking, the production made a significant and vital contribution to the
discussion within the community.
Kids, Schools and Families
Class Clowns 2011 19 May Melbourne International Comedy Festival
My Grandma Lived in
Gooligulch
12 – 13 July Garry Ginivan Attractions and Gooligulch
Productions
The Man The Sea Saw 16 – 17 August Spoon Tree Productions
South Coast Children’s Festival
2011, including:
30 September –
2 October
Merrigong Theatre Company and
Illawarra Children’s Services
Pirates
Flying Fruit Fly Circus
I Wanna Be
fLiNG Physical Theatre and Circus
Monoxide’s Half High Circus
The Happiest Show on Earth
Patch Theatre Company
Post-show Q&As
All Merrigong Season shows had a post-show Q&A during their season. Post-show Q&As allow
audience members to stay for a discussion with members of the cast and creative team, and gain
a deeper and richer understanding of the work.
For The Table of Knowledge we held post show Q&A sessions after every performance and
coordinated three discrete panel sessions which addressed issues relating to the production.
These were:
• Headlines, Talkback and Reporting from the Court Room, with speakers Jamelle Wells, Court
Reporter for the ABC, ABC Illawarra Radio’s Nick Rheinberger and the Illawarra Mercury’s
Stuart Howie
• Exposing and Prosecuting Corrupt Conduct in Public Office, with speakers Nicholas Cowdery,
former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Andrew Goldsmith, Executive Director of the
Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention at the University of Wollongong
• The Pledge for Wollongong’s Future, with former member of the NSW State Parliament and
social activist John Hatton, Kylie McRae, the Independent Chair of the Audit Committee of
Wollongong City Council and (at the time newly-elected) Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery.
Add-On Shows and Other Merrigong Events
Raw Comedy 1 March Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Taylor Mac – The Ziggy Stardust 5 March Taylor Mac
meets Tiny Tim Songbook
(or Comparison is Violence)
The Vault Cabaret
19 March, 21 May, Merrigong Theatre Company
16 July, 17 September
The Ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll Jam 31 March – 2 April Bold Jack
Session
Melbourne International
19 – 21 May Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Comedy Festival Roadshow
RUFF! New Works in Progress
Merrigong Theatre Company
RUFF! 1
23 July
RUFF! 2
30 July
Treasures from the Vault 12 November Merrigong Theatre Company
Theatre Season
Funk it up About Nothin’ 23 – 26 February Produced by Chicago Shakespeare
Theater, Merrigong Theatre Company
and Richard Jordan Productions
A Commercial Farce 22 – 26 March Malthouse Theatre
Chronicles of Long Kesh 6 – 9 April Green Shoot Productions
The Dapto Chaser 12 – 22 May Merrigong Theatre Company
In the Next Room or the 1 – 4 June Sydney Theatre Company
vibrator play
Faustus 27 – 30 July A Bell Shakespeare and Queensland
Theatre Company co-production
The Book of Everything 10 – 13 August A Belvoir and Kim Carpenter’s Theatre of
Image co-production
Rainbow’s End 24 – 27 August Riverside Productions
Other Entrepreneurial Events
Acrobatic Allstars 4 - 5 March 3CT International
Katie Noonan and Karen 18 May The Harbour Agency
Schaupp
Simon Tedeschi and Kevin Hunt 29 June Patrick Togher Artists’ Management
Jonathan Zwartz and Phil Slater 18 August Jonathan Zwartz and Phil Slater
Merrigong On Tour
The Table of Knowledge 30 August –
20 September
A version 1.0 and Merrigong Theatre
Company co-production
Funk it up About Nothin’
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre
Orange Civic Theatre
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
Albury Entertainment Centre
Carriageworks, Sydney
Drum Theatre, Dandenong, Melbourne
1 - 2 March
4 - 5 March
8 March
10 - 12 March
16 - 26 March
29 March - 2 April
8
Namatjira 21 – 24 September Big hART
The Wharf Revue: Debt
31 October –
Sydney Theatre Company
Defying Acts
5 November
9

Arky Michael and Kym Vercoe in The Table of Knowledge. Image - Heidrun Löhr
Make It @Merrigong
Through the Make It @Merrigong program, Merrigong is committed to commissioning and
developing new Australian works for future production, and to supporting the development and
presentation of the work of local independent artists through new and established performance
platforms and regular development opportunities.
Merrigong Productions
The Dapto Chaser
The Dapto Chaser by Mary Rachel Brown was a huge milestone for the Company, marking the
first time that Merrigong created a full-length work from commission through to production. It
was also an opportunity for Merrigong to connect with a niche sector of the local community,
people from the world of dog racing, who came to see the show in large numbers. The show was
directed by Merrigong’s Artistic Associate, Anne-Louise Rentell, designed by Imogen Ross (local
artist), lit by Toby Knyvett (local artist), with sound design by Daryl Wallis, and an experienced
cast of actors in Don Reid, Noel Hodda, Drayton Morley (local artist) and Doug Scroope.
The Table of Knowledge
The Table of Knowledge was a version 1.0 and Merrigong Theatre Company co-production and
the first time Merrigong had partnered with a contemporary performance company to
co-produce a new work based on an important local story.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption’s Operation Atlas investigation into local
developers, former Councillors and former staff of Wollongong City Council culminated in the
sacking of the elected Council, criminal proceedings and a scandal that deeply affected our
region. As Wollongong’s local theatre company, we felt it was our responsibility to respond to
this story, and in 2008 began conversations with version 1.0 about co-producing an original
theatre work investigating these events. It was great for us to work with a company of version
1.0’s calibre to realise a new, innovative and relevant piece of theatre about our town. The sell-out
season validated this, with record-breaking box office and overwhelmingly positive audience and
critical response. Occurring at the same time as the first Council elections since the sacking, the
production also gave us a chance as a city to bring some closure to this difficult period of time in
Wollongong’s history.
Funk it up About Nothin’
This hip-hop version of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing caused a sensation when it
opened in Chicago in 2008, and then went on to win best musical at the Edinburgh Fringe.
In 2011, Merrigong co-produced a new touring version of Funk it up About Nothin’ with Tony
award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Richard Jordan Productions - a significant
international partnership for an Australian regional theatre company. With duplicate sets created
in Chicago and Wollongong, this new version of the show toured the US and London, as well as
its Australian tour, and featured lighting design by Wollongong local, Toby Knyvett. Merrigong
toured Funk it up About Nothin’ to seven Australian venues – including Carriageworks in Sydney
and Melbourne’s Drum Theatre – and the show received critical acclaim wherever it went.
“This production by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is vigorous, funny, enjoyably crude and
smartly put together…The audience I saw it with was sold. I highly recommend.” (Sun Herald)
“The exuberant energy and bravura wordplay on offer...make it delectably watchable. Sure,
Shakespeare himself never rhymed info with nympho, but somehow one has the sense that he’d
approve.” (Time Out Chicago)
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11

Alicia Battestini in Treasures From The Vault. Image: Chelsea Lowe
Projects In Development
At Merrigong
In late 2010, Merrigong requested tenders from six playwrights towards the selection of two
new works for commission. In April, Merrigong confirmed that Charcoal Creek by Marcel Dorney
and Continental Bathing by Mary Rachel Brown would be taken through to full commission. A
first draft reading of Charcoal Creek took place as part of Ruff! New Works in Progress in July
after a week’s development with actors. As a result, Charcoal Creek will be produced as part of
Merrigong’s Theatre Season in 2012.
With other companies
In 2011, Merrigong supported the development of two new works being created by other
companies: Glasgow Girls, a new work from Glasgow-based, award-winning director Cora
Bissett, and Ride On Theatre’s The Story of Mary MacLane by Herself. Glasgow Girls will be a
brand new, life-affirming musical telling the story of five girls in Glasgow who in 2005 took on
the Scottish and English governments in support of asylum-seeking families and succeeded
where politicians and adults had failed. It will be produced in late 2012 by the National Theatre
of Scotland in partnership with Theatre Royal Stratford East, Pachamama Productions, Richard
Jordan Productions Ltd and in association with Citizens Theatre and Merrigong Theatre
Company. The Story of Mary MacLane by Herself was produced in 2011 by Ride On Theatre and
Malthouse Theatre in association with Griffin Theatre Company, Merrigong Theatre Company and
Performing Lines. It also features in Merrigong’s Season 2012.
Ruff! New Works In Progress
Catherine Fargher’s new work The Jetty and the first draft of Charcoal Creek by Marcel Dorney
were given script developments with actors before being read for Ruff! New Works In Progress
in July. The Jetty development was financially supported by Playwriting Australia through their
State Exchange program and the State Theatre Company of South Australia. This support
enabled Adelaide-based director/dramaturg Catherine Fitzgerald to participate in the project.
12
Independent Projects In Development
The following independent artists and groups were selected for support through the
Make It @Merrigong program:
Simon Binns - If you’re going to get political you’d better have the right personnel
This development of a devised work by a group of graduate students from the University of
Wollongong’s Faculty of Creative Arts, was supported with access to space and a showing to an
invited audience.
Building 25 – Anyone can edit…Phaedra
This work from Building 25 (graduates from Wollongong University’s Creative Arts Faculty)
qualified for the Independent Artists Program, an opportunity for artists to present the first
showing of new work to an audience. They presented the work over two nights in the Bob Peet
Studio before taking the work to TINA (Newcastle) and Under the Radar Festival (Brisbane).
Wendy Regan – Adrift
The development of Wendy’s solo female clown and physical theatre work was supported
through the provision of space as well as dramaturgy from experienced physical performer and
director Jo Turner and a showing to an invited audience.
Robbie Curtis – WithinFall
The development and creation of Robbie’s new solo dance work for film was supported with
space and a showing to an invited audience.
Toby Knyvett - Feedback
Toby was provided with space and technical support to continue developing stage 2 of this
interactive multimedia work.
Emma Khourey - Miss Wollongong, Memoirs of a Pageant Princess
The development of Emma’s new comedy circus/theatre show was supported with space and a
showing to an invited audience.
Peter Bloem – Botany Bay
Peter worked with Merrigong’s Artistic Associate, Anne-Louise Rentell as dramaturg on the
development of this new script.
13

The Vault Cabaret
The Vault Cabaret supports the showing of work from emerging and established local artists.
Four Cabarets took place at The Vault venue in Port Kembla throughout the year, which were to
be well supported by both the community of artists and audiences.
Merrigong also produced the 7th Treasures from the Vault, the annual presentation of some of
the best acts seen at The Vault Cabaret throughout the year. In 2011, Treasures was also part of
Wollongong City Council’s Viva La Gong Festival, taking place in the evening of the main festival
day. Performers were: Mikelangelo, St Clare, Circus Wow, Harvey’s Troupe, Electric Eddie (Alicia
Battestini), Miss Wollongong (Emma Khourey), Austinmer Dance Theatre and Wil Massey and the
Ghost Trio.
Community Projects
Mixed Abilities Theatre Project
Merrigong continued its collaboration with the Illawarra Disability Trust towards a new mixed
abilities devised physical theatre work in August and October. Anne-Louise Rentell worked with
local professional artists Alicia Battestini and Drayton Morley, and two actors from the Trust’s
drama group, Altogether Drama, Phillip Prentice and Rachel Murphy. The development of Blaze
(working title) culminated in a work in progress showing in early November.
Untrained
Two local men under 40 years of age with no dance training, Malcolm Whittaker and Andy
Aveling, were selected through an audition process to participate in Lucy Guerin’s Untrained.
Untrained was presented through the Merrigong Moves program.
Workshops and Other Events
Sydney-based director/actor, Jo Turner ran a workshop Clown for Theatre in October.
Don Reid in The Dapto Chaser. Image: Heidrun Löhr
Illawarra Performance Writers Group (Ipwg)
During 2011, the following plays by emerging local playwrights were read by local volunteer
readers: Coffee Haus by Bill Purnell (May); Botany Bay by Peter Bloem (July and November),
The Cottage at Tathra by David Burke (September).
Doug Scroope and Drayton Morley in The Dapto Chaser. Image: Heidrun Löhr
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15

Merrigong for Kids, Schools
and Families
Merrigong Theatre Company is committed to promoting the benefits and importance of early
involvement with the performing arts, delivering a program specifically targeting kids, schools
and families.
School day matinee performances were offered for nine productions in our Theatre and Moves
Seasons. Each show provided the opportunity for students and teachers to engage with the
cast and creative team through post-show Q&As. In addition, we offered My Grandma Lived in
Gooligulch during the July school holidays to families, preschools and vacation care groups.
Additional educational experiences included a hip-hop workshop run by the cast of Funk it up
About Nothin’ for students from Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts and Smiths Hill
High School, and a Bangarra Dance Theatre ‘meet & greet’ event for students from Wollongong
University’s Woolyungah Indigenous Centre and Eden Marine High School. Our work experience
and volunteer program enabled 6 work experience and work placements students to participate
in working life at Merrigong Theatre Company. Another 127 students caught a glimpse of what
goes on behind-the-scenes at IPAC on backstage tours.
There were a total of 1,737 school group attendees in 2011, with students from schools in the
Illawarra, South Western Sydney and Shoalhaven regions, as well as the Bega Valley and the
Eurobodalla Shires.
Our subsidised ticket and transport program, Passport to Performance, funded by Arts NSW’s
ConnectEd scheme, enabled 404 students from 7 priority funded schools to attend theatre
performances.
South Coast Children’s Festival
In 2011, Merrigong partnered with Illawarra Children’s Services for the second year running to
produce the South Coast Children’s Festival. While presenting work from one of the country’s
most respected children’s theatre companies, Patch Theatre Co with their production of The
Happiest Show on Earth, Merrigong also decided to present work made by young people for
young people with the inclusion of The Flying Fruit Flies Pirates alongside I Wanna Be, an
exciting collaboration between fLinG Physical Theatre and Circus Monoxide’s Half High Theatre.
Merrigong supported the latter through the provision of a stage manager for seasons in Bega and
Wollongong.
The Festival also engaged a number of local artists and organisations (Circus Wow, Circus
Monoxide/Harvey’s Troupe, Lilli Pang, Ann Lehmann, Kaija Upenieks, Fiona Gabb-Finley) and
presented work that Merrigong had supported the development of, or even commissioned, such
as Toby Knyvett’s Block Jam (an interactive installation), Public Mischief’s Ghostship, and Monkey
Baa’s When I Was 5, an intergenerational story-telling workshop. These activities sat alongside
other new initiatives such as The Tinkering Tent, Magic Makeover and other fun, interactive and
creative workshops. The Festival attracted over 4,500 children and adults, including 485 children
and teachers from vacation care groups over the three days.
Feedback from teachers
“Thank you so much for inviting us to see Funk it up About Nothin’. The students from all
different backgrounds and intellectual levels were thoroughly engaged. Without your Passport
to Performance Program it would be near impossible to entice our students to open their minds
and see the benefits of making performing arts opportunities like this a valuable part of their life
experience.”
Donna West
Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Warrawong High School
“Our students have thoroughly enjoyed the performances they have attended. Without the
Passport to Performance program our students would not have been able to attend any of the
dedicated schools’ shows. It has been wonderful to enable the students to experience first hand
a live stage performance and to see the students so engrossed and engaged in the shows. Staff
and students alike have given high praise for the performances that they have seen and always
comment on the benefits of the program.”
Cathy Reade
Principal, Wollongong West Public School
Feedback from students
Funk it up About Nothin’
“We couldn’t stop dancing in our seats to the rap music – it was really cool! The characters were
very funny and entertaining and we laughed a lot. We liked the romance and the music. The
actors came and spoke to us after the show and answered our questions. We had a fantastic time
and can’t wait to go to the theatre again.”
Seteone Lakalaka and Rachael Fletcher
Warrawong High School
The Dapto Chaser
“A thoroughly enjoyable performance whether you are a greyhound racing fan or not, although I
wouldn’t recommend it to younger audiences because of the strong language.”
Leah Harvey
Academically Gifted Class, Farmborough Road Public School
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17

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Dance Spectacular 2011
Marilla Productions
Looney Tunes - Classroom Capers
Mario Maiolo Promotions Pty Ltd
In The Mood
MDC Dance
Born This Way
Musica Viva
Australian Music Day with Damian Barbeler &
Michael Kieran Harvey
Off Prompt Productions Pty Ltd
Broadway Revisited
Opera Australia
WotOpera
Razzle Dazzle Dance Studio
Movie Magic
Rhythmic Moves School of Dance &
Performing Arts
The Magic Lamp of Aladdin
rockcity Event Marketing
David Strassman - Chuck’s Revenge
R-Star Performers
Where Dance Meets Fairytale and Fun
Russian Ballet Touring Ltd
Festival of Russian Ballet
Sound One Pty Ltd
Jon English in “The Rock Show…More!”
South Coast Drama Festival Committee
Illawarra & South East Region Drama Festival
String Angels
String Angels Photoshoot
Studio 7 School of Dance
Thank You
Subway Development of NSW & ACT
Subway Sandwich Artist Roadshow
Tara Becker School of Dance
Once Upon a Time
The Academy of Performing Arts Macarthur
Tell Me A Story
The Black Dog Institute
Navigating Teenage Depression
The Bloc Bargo
Welcome to Hollywood
The Drama Studio
Bugsy Malone
Drama Studio mid-year workshops
Pinocchio
The Love For Three Oranges
The Fairies Touring Pty Ltd
The Fairies Christmas Ballet
The Harbour Agency
Buddy The Concert - Rave On
The Scouts Association of Australia
The 19th Korimul Gang Show
The Silver Belles
Step in Time
Thirroul Dance Academy
TDA is going to Vegas!
Token Events Pty Ltd
Josh Thomas
Tom Gleeson - Up Himself
Trent Bowater
Star Street Studios 2011
Vanessa Lee Dance Academy
Wonderland
Welcome 2 Wollongong Community Working
Group
Welcome 2 Wollongong
Wollongong City Council
Noborito Mixed Chorus
Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
Michael Kieran Harvey
The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra
Wollongong Conservatorium Reunion Jazz
Orchestra
Wollongong University Medical Students Med
Revue Society
E.C.Glee
Young Australia Workshop
Soldier Boy
Youth Services, Wollongong City Council
Plays in Progress
Dance World
Dance World Revue
18
19

Staff
Volunteers
Artistic Director/CEO
Simon Hinton
General Manager
Anne-Marie Heath (from 6 September)
Venue Services Manager
Amanda Foote
Assistant to the Artistic Director/CEO
Melanie Carolan
Venue Services Coordinator
Steven Robinson
Cherryann Acacio
Val Allen
Margaret Anderson
Gary Barnes
Pam Dickson
Talina Dolan
Helen Faulkner
Val Fell
Kathy Moon
Judy Musgrove
Sarah Navin
Julie Pearce
Senior Front of House Manager
Jennifer Seagrave (Acting to 3 April)
Gia Frino (from 4 April)
Karen Beavis
Judy Bertinato
Susie Hamers
Patricia Jenkins
John Pheeney
Sheila Povey
Production Manager
Daniel Potter
Casual Front of House Staff
Jessica Andrews, Samantha Arnold, Jack Baxter,
Belinda Brooks, Amy Cockerill-Wright, Merrin
Cook, Kirstyn Dryer, Leisa Floyd, Timothy Gillis-
Jones, Dane Gower, Honora Jenkins, Faith Madden,
Athalie Martin, Brodie McAulay, Janelle Morgan-
Monk, Lara Pasternak, Amy Pitt, Janette Sattin,
Jennifer Seagrave, Judith Stanford, Sharon Twigg,
Andy Washington
Production Coordinator
Allan Doyle (to 25 November)
Technical Supervisor
James Clarke
Jeanette Bond
Lawrence Bond
Diana Brown
Diane Kay Brown
Samantha Brown
Mary Chapman
Jessica Chatham
Sue Chinnock
Daniel Jones
Monica Klohs
Bonnie Leach
Aaron Leach
Gabriella Mac Killop
Geoffery Markham
Brodie McAulay
Pat Mobbs
Kristy Robinson
Corey Robinson
Pat Sadler
Enid Sherwin
Jan Southey
John Southey
Erika Spicer
Casual Technical Staff
Heidi Atkins, Bob Bennett, Gina Bianco, Taryn
Brown, Matt Byrne, Brett Connelly, Amy Copeland,
Peter Copeland, Allie Costello, Austin Cox, Michael
Davies, Toby Davis, Georgina Grishold, Adam Hillis,
Wil Jacobs, Guin Klevjer, Gordon Knyvett, Toby
Knyvett, Thomas Lanford, Emma Lockhart-Wilson,
Lachlan O’Dea, Tobi Pinazza, Nathan Radford, Don
Roth, Rebecca Roth, Pat Smithers, Dean Stephens,
Alice Strauch, Alicia Renee, Ellyse Turner, Kelly
Ukena
Margaret Christie
Pina Molino
Artistic Associate
Anne-Louise Rentell
Artistic and Community Projects Coordinator
Lee Rickwood (from 7 March to 16 June)
Clare Spillman (from 5 September)
Finance and Business Services Manager
Judi Douglas
Finance Assistant
Heike Obermayr (from 14 March)
Marketing Manager
Tina Walsberger (to 1 July)
Edie Watt (Acting from 18 July. Appointed
31 October)
Marketing Coordinator
Alicia Simes (Acting to 23 January)
Edie Watt (from 24 January to 17 July)
Educations and Promotions Co-ordinator
Jennifer O’Sullivan
Box Office Manager
Linda Hanbury
Box Office Assistant
Evelyn Andrews
Casual Box Office Staff
Jacqueline Clarke, Merrin Cook, Nicola Gill, Maree
Jordan, Alicia Simes
20
21

Helen Thomson and Jacqueline McKenzie in In the Next Room, or the vibrator play. Image: Brett Boardman
Financial Illawarra Performing Arts Report
Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
DIRECTORS' REPORT
Your Directors present their report on the Company for the financial year ended 31 December
2011.
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
Directors
ABN 87 590 935 138
The STATEMENT names of OF each CHANGES person IN who EQUITY has been a Director during the year and to the date of this report
are: FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
Steve Sanders Paul Greer Peter Chrystal *
Priscilla Aslanidis John Martin Greg Doyle **
2011
2010
Linda Fuller Peter Wayne Morris John Peedom ***
$
$
Peter Copeland ****
*Resigned Balance as 28/02/11 at 1 January **Appointed 19/04/11 ***Appointed 22/02/11 473,243 **** Appointed 456,640 19/04/11
Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year to the date of this report unless
Result for the year (323,107) 16,603
otherwise stated.
Principal Closing Activities Balance as at 31 December 150,136 473,243
The continued principal activities of the Company are the operation of the Illawarra Performing
Arts Centre as an entrepreneur and presenter of performing arts activities. The Company
produces its own theatre works, as Merrigong Theatre Company, and has begun touring these
productions to other venues. The Company also engages in the hire of venues to others for the
presentation of performing arts and related activities.
Objectives
Short Term Objectives
To be recognised locally and nationally as a theatre company that develops, produces and
presents high calibre work.
To focus the Company’s infrastructure and artistic resources on developing our community,
specifically young people, people with a disability, and the indigenous community.
To maintain our audience size, diversify its mix, nurture a deeper engagement and develop
perception of the Merrigong brand.
Long Term Objectives
To further develop the Centre’s equipment, facilities and services in order to safely and
professionally deliver the best possible experience for patrons and users, while reducing our
impact on the environment.
To sustain and strengthen the Merrigong Team, the Company’s financial and physical
resources, relationships, and governance.
Strategies to Achieve Objectives
To present a diverse program of high calibre work which challenges, develops, and entertains
our audience.
To produce and tour high calibre contemporary theatre.
To develop professional artists and/or their work.
To provide young people with access to the performing arts through attendance,
participation and educational opportunities.
To support the development of mixed abilities theatre practice in the Illawarra Region.
To further develop and deliver a program providing young indigenous people in the Illawarra
opportunities to explore their cultural identity through the performing arts.
1.
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
22
8.
23

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
Financial ABN 87 590 935 138 Report
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Continued…
To ensure local community access to IPAC as a venue for hire.
To develop our knowledge and understanding of our audience.
To develop our relationship with our audience, engaging more deeply with them.
To be more innovative in our marketing, including the use of new technologies.
To provide the highest level of services to hirers and users, and promote the centre as a venue
for hire.
To encourage and support staff to reach their full potential as part of the Merrigong team.
To maintain and develop strong communication and relationships with key external
organisations.
To maintain and develop the Company’s financial management and resources.
Measurement of Performance
Centre Utilisation:
Number of Performances
Total Centre visitation
Subscription packages sold
Merrigong Audience:
Total audience
Business Performance:
Financial turnover
Current Ratio
Information on Directors
Priscilla Aslanidis
Manager, Commercial Production, WIN Television - Retired. Non-executive director of the Illawarra
Performing Arts Centre since 1995 and member of Performance Review Committee.
Peter Copeland (Appointed 19/04/11)
Secondary School Performing Arts teacher, current Musical Director and Orchestral Conductor for
Southern Stars, Department of Education and Training. Co-director of So Opera! Appointed in 2011
as non-executive director of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre and member of Performance
Review Committee.
Greg Doyle (Appointed 19/04/11)
Executive manager at Wollongong City Council. GAICD. Appointed in 2011 as non-executive
director of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre and member of the Risk and Audit Committee.
Linda Fuller
Head Teacher of Performing Arts at Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts - Retired. Nonexecutive
director of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre since 1995, member of Risk and Audit
Committee and chairperson of Performance Review Committee.
Paul Greer
Retired School Education Director. Past President of the Arcadians Theatre Group. Non-executive
director of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre since 1990 and member of Risk and Audit and
Performance Review Committees.
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Continued…
John Martin
News Editor, WIN Television 1967-1983. Retired media consultant. Director of Theatre South 1986-
1990. Non-executive director of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre since 1990 and member of Risk
and Audit Committee.
Peter Wayne Morris
Secretary Churches of Christ in NSW Property Trust. Graduate Australian Institute of Company
Directors. Associate Chartered Institute of Secretaries. Associate Chartered Institute of Managers.
Member Institute of Practising Accountants. Member Australian Institute of Management.
Associate Institute of Financial Services. Advanced Management Program (Harvard). Nonexecutive
director of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre since 2005 and chairman of Risk and
Audit Committee.
John Peedom (Appointed 22/02/11)
Retired Solicitor. Appointed in 2011 as non-executive director of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
and member of the Risk and Audit Committee.
Steve Sanders
Retired. Past President of the Arcadians Theatre Group. Fellow of the Australian Institute of Training &
Development (AITD) and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Non-executive
director and Deputy Chairperson of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre since 1988. Chairperson
since June 2008 and member of Risk and Audit and Performance Review Committees.
Peter Chrystal (Resigned 28/02/11)
MSA, MAICD, City Centre Place Manager, Wollongong City Council. Appointed as Non-executive
director of the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in 2011 and member of Risk and Audit Committee.
Meetings of directors
During the financial year, 6 meetings of Directors were held. 6 Risk and Audit Committee meetings
and 7 Remuneration Committee meetings were also held. Attendances by each director were as
follows:
Full Meeting of Directors Risk and Audit Committee Performance & Review
Committee
Number
eligible to
Number
Attended
Number
eligible to
Number
Attended
Number
eligible to
Number
attended
attend
attend
attend
P D Aslanidis 6 5 - - 7 7
P Chrystal 1 - 1 - - -
P Copeland 4 4 - - - -
G Doyle 5 5 5 3
L E Fuller 6 5 6 5 7 7
P H Greer 6 6 3 3 - -
J B Martin 6 5 6 5 - -
P W Morris 6 6 6 6 - -
J Peedom 6 6 3 2 - -
S Sanders 6 5 6 5 7 7
2.
3.
24
25

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
Financial Report
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Continued…
Members’ Liability
The Company is incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 and is a Company limited by
guarantee. If the Company is wound up, the constitution states that each member is required to
contribute a maximum of $10 each towards meeting any outstanding obligations of the
Company. At 31 December 2011 the collective liability of members was $90 (2010: $70).
Auditor’s independence declaration
The auditor’s independence declaration for the year ended 31 December 2011 has been received
and can be found on page 27 of the Financial Report.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.
…………………………
Steve Sanders
Chairman
Dated this 21 st day of February 2012.
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
UNDER SECTION 307C OF THE CORPORATIONS ACT 2001
TO THE DIRECTORS OF ILLAWARRA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE LTD
I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, during the year ended 31 December 2011
there have been: -
(i)
(ii)
no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the
Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and
no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
.................................................. ...........................................
Daley & Co
Michael Mundt
Chartered Accountants
Partner
98 Kembla Street
Wollongong NSW 2500
Dated this 21 st day of February 2012.
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS
OF ILLAWARRA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE LTD
Continued…
Emphasis of Matter
Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1o in the financial report which
indicates that the entity incurred a net loss of $323,107 during the year ended 31 December 2011
and, as of that date, the entity’s net current asset position has decreased significantly over the
past year. These conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 1o, indicate the
existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the entity’s ability to
continue as a going concern and therefore the entity may be unable to realise its assets and
discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.
4.
.................................................. ...........................................
Daley & Co
Michael Mundt
Chartered Accountants
Partner
Liability 98 Kembla limited by Street a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Wollongong NSW 2500
5.
Dated this 21 st day of February 2012.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
26
27

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
Financial ABN 87 590 935 138 Report
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2011
NOTE
2011
$
2010
$
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
NOTE
2011
$
2010
$
Revenue 2 3,144,303 3,406,546
Employee Benefits Expense (1,531,824) (1,388,500)
Cost of Sales (50,760) (63,305)
Depreciation (23,036) (25,516)
Performance Expenses (922,798) (876,653)
Royalty Expenses (104,083) (142,761)
Marketing Expenses (314,593) (322,001)
Theatre Expenses (398,460) (434,595)
Other Expenses (121,856) (136,612)
Result Before Income Tax (323,107) 16,603
Income Tax Expense - -
Result for the Year (323,107) 16,603
Other Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income Items - -
Other Comprehensive Income for the Year - -
Total Comprehensive Income for the Year (323,107) 16,603
STATEMENT
ASSETS
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR CURRENT THE YEAR ASSETS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
Cash and Cash Equivalents 4 846,688 831,189
Trade and Other Receivables 5 194,868 140,403
2011
2010
Inventories 6 $ 4,098 $ 6,008
Other Assets 7 255,495 209,452
TOTAL Balance CURRENT as at 1 January ASSETS 1,301,149 473,243 1,187,052 456,640
Result NON-CURRENT for the year ASSETS
Property, Plant and Equipment 8
(323,107)
77,493
16,603
74,582
Closing TOTAL NON-CURRENT Balance as at ASSETS 31 December 150,136 77,493 473,243 74,582
TOTAL ASSETS 1,378,642 1,261,634
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and Other Payables 9 252,189 202,515
Other Liabilities 10 854,021 448,582
Short-term Provisions 11 108,352 125,276
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,214,562 776,373
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term Provisions 11 13,944 12,018
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 13,944 12,018
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,228,506 788,391
NET ASSETS 150,136 473,243
EQUITY
Retained Earnings 150,136 473,243
TOTAL EQUITY 150,136 473,243
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
6.
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
7.
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
28
8.
29

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
Financial ABN 87 590 935 138 Report
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
2011
$
2010
$
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
NOTE
2011
$
2010
$
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR Balance THE YEAR as at ENDED 1 January 31 DECEMBER 2011
473,243 456,640
Result for the year (323,107)
2011
16,603
2010
$
$
Closing Balance as at 31 December 150,136 473,243
STATEMENT
CASH FLOWS
OF
FROM
CHANGES
OPERATING
IN EQUITY
ACTIVITIES
FOR Receipts THE YEAR from ENDED Customers 31 DECEMBER 2011
3,367,612 3,320,695
Payment to Suppliers and Employees (3,358,736) (3,646,667)
Interest Received 32,570 50,869
2011
2010
Net cash provided by/(used) in operating activities 41,446 $
(275,103) $
Balance as at 1 January 473,243 456,640
CASH Balance FLOWS as at FROM 1 January INVESTING ACTIVITIES
473,243 456,640
Payment for Property, Plant and Equipment (25,947) (8,300)
Result for the year (323,107) 16,603
Net Result cash for used the year in investing activities (323,107) (25,947) 16,603 (8,300)
Closing Balance as at 31 December 150,136 473,243
Net Closing increase/(decrease) Balance at 31 in December cash held 150,136 15,499 (283,403) 473,243
Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the
financial year
831,189 1,114,592
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial
year
4 846,688 831,189
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
8.
9.
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
30
8.
8.
31

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN Financial 87 590 935 138 Report
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements are for Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd as an individual entity,
incorporated and domiciled in Australia. The Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd is a
Company limited by guarantee.
Basis of Preparation
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd elected to early adopt the pronouncements AASB 1053:
Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards and AASB 2011-2: Amendments to
Australian Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements to the
annual reporting period beginning 1 January 2010.
The financial statements are general purpose financial statements that have been
prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards’ reduced disclosure
requirements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act 2001.
Australian Accounting Standards set out accounting policies that the AASB has concluded
would result in financial statements containing relevant and reliable information about
transactions, events and conditions. Material accounting policies adopted in the
preparation of these financial statements are presented below and have been consistently
applied unless otherwise stated.
The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on
historical costs, modified, where applicable, by the measurement at fair value of selected
non-current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities.
Accounting Policies
a) Revenue
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to customers.
Grant revenue is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income when the
Company obtains control of the grant and it is probable that the economic benefits
gained from the grant will flow to the Company and the amount of the grant can be
measured reliably.
If conditions are attached to the grant which must be satisfied before it is eligible to
receive the contribution, the recognition of the grant as revenue will be deferred until
those conditions are satisfied.
When grant revenue is received whereby the Company incurs an obligation to deliver
economic value directly back to the contributor, this is considered a reciprocal
transaction and the grant revenue is recognised in the balance sheet as a liability until
the service has been delivered to the contributor, otherwise the grant is recognised as
income on receipt.
Donations and bequests are recognised as revenue when received.
Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest rate method, which, for floating
rate financial assets is the rate inherent in the instrument.
10.
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Continued…
a) Revenue
Continued…
Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to
the customers.
All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST).
b) Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
c) Plant and Equipment
Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair value less, where
applicable, any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Plant and equipment are measured on the cost basis less depreciation and impairment
losses.
The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by Directors to ensure
it is not in excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount
is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the
assets’ employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been
discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amounts.
Plant and equipment that have been contributed at no cost, or for nominal cost are
valued and recognised at the fair value of the asset at the date it is acquired.
Depreciation
The depreciable amount of all fixed assets including building and capitalised lease assets,
but excluding freehold land, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the asset’s useful
life to the Company commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Leasehold
improvements are depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the
lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.
The depreciation rates used for each for each class of depreciable assets are:-
Class of Fixed Asset
Depreciation Rate
Plant and Equipment 10 - 40%
Office Equipment 10 - 40%
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at
the end of each reporting period.
Asset classes carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if
the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying
amount. These gains and losses are included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
11.
32
33

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
Financial ABN 87 590 935 138 Report
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Continued…
d) Impairment of Assets
At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews the carrying values of its
tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those
assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the
asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is
compared to the asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its
recoverable amount is expensed to the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Where the future economic benefits of the asset are not primarily dependent upon on
the assets ability to generate net cash inflows and when the entity would, if deprived of
the asset, replace its remaining future economic benefits, value in use is determined as
the depreciated replacement cost of an asset.
Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an assets class, the entity
estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the class of
assets belong.
e) Employee Benefits
Provision is made for the entity’s liability for employee benefits arising from services
rendered by employees to the end of the reporting date. Employee benefits expected
to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid
when the liability is settled. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been
measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for
those benefits. In determining the liability, consideration is given to employee wage
increases and the probability that the employee may not satisfy vesting requirements.
Those cash outflows are discounted using market yields on national government bonds
with terms to maturity that match the expected timing of cash flows.
Contributions are made by the entity to an employee nominated superannuation fund
and are charged as expenses when incurred
f) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at-call with banks,
other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less,
and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within short-term borrowings in current
liabilities on the Balance Sheet.
g) Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where
the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. In these
circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as
part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the Balance Sheet are
shown inclusive of GST.
Cash flows are presented in the Cash Flow Statement on a gross basis, except for the
GST components of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating
cash flows.
12.
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Continued…
h) Income Tax
No provision for income tax has been raised as the entity is exempt from income tax
under Division 50 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
i) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the entity has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result
of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of future economic benefits will
result and that outflow can be reliably measured. Provisions recognised represent the
best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation at the end of the period.
j) Trade and Other Payables
Trade and other payables represent the liability outstanding at reporting date for goods
and services received by the Company during the reporting period, which remain
unpaid. The balance is recognised as a current liability with the amounts normally paid
within 30 days of recognition of the liability.
k) Comparatives
Where required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to
conform to changes in presentation for the current financial year.
l) Economic Dependence
The Company is dependent on Grant funds from the Wollongong City Council for a
portion of its revenue used to operate the business. At the date of this report
Wollongong City Council have committed to providing grant funding under a current
agreement through to December 2014. Additionally, Wollongong City Council have
provided and continue to provide subsidised accommodation, whilst a new agreement
is in the process of being finalised. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that
Council will not continue to support the Company.
m) Launch Related Costs
Costs related to the launch of the upcoming season are capitalised and expensed in the
year of the season that they relate to.
n) Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments
The Directors evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial report
based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume
a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and
economic data, obtained both externally and within the Company.
Key Estimates – Impairment
The Company assesses impairment at each reporting period by evaluation of conditions
specific to the Company that may be indicative of impairment triggers. Recoverable
amounts of relevant assets are measure using value-in-use calculations which
incorporate various key assumptions.
13.
34
35

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
Financial ABN 87 590 935 138 Report
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Continued…
o) Going Concern
2. REVENUE
This Financial Report has been prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates
the continuity of normal business activities and the realisation of assets and settlement of
liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The Company has experienced a significant
trading loss in the current financial year of $323,107 or 68% of the opening equity.
Additionally, as per the 31 December 2011 balance sheet, the net current asset position
has decreased significantly over the past year, although remains a surplus of assets at
balance date.
The Company has taken steps to ensure that it can continue to trade as a going
concern by substantially reducing operating costs and identifying opportunities to
increase revenues.
The benefits of these actions are yet to be fully realised and notwithstanding the
successful implementation of the measures identified, it is anticipated that a break-even
result will eventuate in the 2012 financial year.
Should any of the following transpire, then they will have a significant impact on the
ability of the Company to continue as a going concern and therefore whether it will
realise its assets and liabilities in the normal course of business and at the amounts stated
in the financial report:
the Company’s present trading not significantly improve;
the cost-saving measures not eventuate to the extent estimated; or
the Company’s current funding bodies withdraw their financial support (refer
note 1(l)).
Where the Company is no longer considered to be a going concern, the financial report
would have to be prepared on a liquidation basis, where the realisation value of assets
assumes importance, additional liabilities may accrue and the current versus non-current
classification of liabilities becomes less critical than the seniority features of debt and
other preferences in liquidation.
Operating Revenue
Theatre Services 1,803,530 2,048,804
Rental Income 356,532 377,824
Local Government Grants (Wollongong City Council) 577,316 558,716
State Government Grants (Arts NSW) 87,000 56,766
Federal Government Grants (Playwriting Australia, Aus
2,500 250
Council for the Arts)
Sale of Goods 142,420 167,321
Other 142,435 145,996
3,111,733 3,355,677
Interest Revenue
Interest 32,570 50,869
14.
2011
$
2010
$
Total Revenue 3,144,303 3,406,546
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
3 RESULT FOR THE YEAR
The following prescribed expenses form part of the result for
the year:-
Cost of Sales of Goods 50,760 74,684
4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
15.
2011
$
2010
$
Cash on Hand 2,950 3,050
Cash at Bank 843,738 828,139
846,688 831,189
5. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Accounts Receivable 120,939 140,051
Less: Provision for Doubtful Debts - -
120,939 140,051
Other Receivables 73,929 352
194,868 140,403
6. INVENTORIES
Inventories - At Cost 1(b) 4,098 6,008
7. OTHER ASSETS
Prepayments 186,264 157,172
Launch Expense Capitalised 69,231 52,280
255,495 209,452
8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Plant and Equipment
Plant and Equipment
At Cost 221,297 426,300
Less Accumulated Depreciation (143,804) (351,718)
Total Plant and Equipment 77,493 74,582
36
37

Financial Report
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Continued…
(a) Movements in Carrying Amounts
Movement in the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment
between the beginning and end of the current financial year:-
2011
Opening
WDV
$
Additions
$
Disposals
$
Depreciation
Expense
$
Closing
WDV
$
Plant & Equipment 74,582 25,947 - (23,036) 77,493
9. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
2011
$
2010
$
Trade Payables 133,933 95,706
Other Current Payables 118,256 106,809
252,189 202,515
10. OTHER LIABILITIES
Gift Vouchers 32,745 25,772
Advance Bookings 639,144 370,134
Hirer’s Deposits 30,927 16,227
Income in Advance 131,485 28,482
Programmes & Merchandise - 2,967
Grant Liability 10,000 5,000
Other Liabilities 9,720 -
854,021 448,582
11. PROVISIONS
Employee Benefits 122,296 137,294
Analysis of Total Provisions
Current 108,352 125,276
Non-Current 13,944 12,018
122,296 137,294
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
12. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION
The totals of remuneration paid to key management
personnel (KMP) of the Company during the year are as
follows:
2011
$
2010
$
Short Term Benefits 224,600 214,926
Post Employment Benefits 18,928 17,895
243,528 232,821
13. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company’s financial instruments consist mainly of deposits with banks, accounts receivable
and payable, commercial bills and leases.
The totals for each category of financial instruments, measured in accordance with AASB 139
as detailed in the accounting policies to these financial statements, are as follows:
2011
$
2010
$
NOTES
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 4 846,688 831,189
Trade and other receivables 5 194,868 140,403
1,041,556 971,592
Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
- Trade and other payables 9 252,189 202,515
- Other Liabilities 10 854,021 448,582
1,106,210 651,097
14. EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE DATE
There has not arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this
report any item, transaction or event of a material or unusual nature, in the opinion of the
Directors of the Company to affect significantly the operations of the Company, the results of
those operations, or the state of affairs of the Company, in future financial years.
Provision for Long-term Employee Benefits
A provision has been recognised for employee entitlements relating to annual leave and
long service leave. In calculating the present value of future cash flows in respect of long
service leave, the probability of long service leave being taken is based on historical data.
The measurement and recognition criteria relating to employee benefits have been included
in Note 1 of the financial statements.
16.
17.
38
39

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN Financial 87 590 935 138 Report
DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION
The Directors of the Company declare that:
1. The financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 23 to 39, are in accordance with the
Corporations Act 2001:
(a)
(b)
comply with Australian Accounting Standards; and
give a true and fair view of the financial position as at 31 December 2011 and of the
performance for the year ended on that date of the Company;
2. In the Directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be
able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
This declaration is made in accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors.
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
ABN 87 590 935 138
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS
OF ILLAWARRA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE LTD
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd (the
Company), which comprises the Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2011 the Statement of
Comprehensive Income, Statement of Changes in Equity and Cash Flow Statement for the year
then ended, notes comprising a summary of the significant accounting policies and other
explanatory information, and the Directors’ Declaration.
Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the
financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting
Standards - Reduced Disclosure Requirements (including the Australian Accounting
Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the Directors
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
…………………………..
Steve Sanders
Chairman
Dated this 21 st day of February 2012.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We
conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those Standards require
that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from
material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement,
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due
to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant
to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design
audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing
an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. An audit also includes
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of
accounting estimates made by the Directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
financial report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a
basis for our audit opinion.
Independence
In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the
Corporations Act 2001.
Auditor’s Opinion
In our opinion the financial report of Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd is in accordance with the
Corporations Act 2001, including:
(a)
(b)
giving a true and fair view of the Company’s financial position as at 31 December
2011 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and
complying with Australian Accounting Standards - Reduced Disclosure Requirements
(including Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations
2001.
18.
19.
40
41

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Ltd
Financial ABN 87 590 935 138 Report
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS
OF ILLAWARRA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE LTD
Continued…
Emphasis of Matter
Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1o in the financial report which
indicates that the entity incurred a net loss of $323,107 during the year ended 31 December 2011
and, as of that date, the entity’s net current asset position has decreased significantly over the
past year. These conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 1o, indicate the
existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the entity’s ability to
continue as a going concern and therefore the entity may be unable to realise its assets and
discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.
.................................................. ...........................................
Daley & Co
Michael Mundt
Chartered Accountants
Partner
98 Kembla Street
Wollongong NSW 2500
Dated this 21 st day of February 2012.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
20.
42
Tara Gower, Patrick Thaiday and Leonard Mickelo in Belong. Image: Jeff Busby

32 Burelli Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
www.merrigong.com.au
Box office phone: 02 4224 5999
Admin phone: 02 4224 5959
ABN: 87 590 935 138
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre is managed by Illawarra Performing Arts
Centre Limited, trading as Merrigong Theatre Company and supported by
Wollongong City Council
Thanks to our 2011 supporters:
Wollongong City
Council is the major
funding partner of
Merrigong Theatre Co
The name Merrigong, found in early accounts of European exploration of
the Illawarra, is thought to be a derivation of the Indigenous word for the
region’s distinctive escarpment.
WCC1298108