Three outstanding Australia Council-funded projects have been recognised with 2009 NSW Local Government Cultural Awards.

Bankstown City Council won a Programs Projects and Partnerships Award for Stories of Love & Hate a joint project between Urban Theatre Projects and Bankstown Youth Development Services. The project  was funded through an Australia Council strategic initiative and Urban Theatre Projects receives key organisations funding from the Australia Councilís Theatre Board.

Hurstville City Council also received a Programs Projects and Partnerships Award for (lost toy story);  a community art project by Shopfront Contemporary Arts Centre in Sydneyís south west. A multi-media interactive arts festival held on the streets of Hurstville in August 2008, (lost toy story) was  part installation, part sculpture, part art exhibition and part public celebration. The project  explored the real stories of lost toys, hopes, friends and fears across generations and cultures. Shopfront Contemporary Arts Centre receives six-year key producer funding from the Australia Council’s Community Partnerships section.

Urana Shire Council won the People’s Choice Award for the Oz Opera production of Madame Butterfly in Morundah, in the purpose-built Paradise Palladium Theatre. Over the two nights, more than 700 people in this regional community were introduced to the power of Puccini’s eternally popular music. Opera Australia, the company that manages OzOpera regional touring programs, receive base funding from the Australia Council’s Major Performing Arts Board.

Frank Panucci, the Australia Council’s Director of Community Partnerships, said: “These exciting projects show what can be achieved when government, communities and arts organisations all work together. They provide an impressive snapshot of the way arts organisations are invigorating communities all over Australia.”