SIT Research Manager, Dr Sally Bodkin-Allen, was honoured for her years of community leadership in music-related events at the inaugural Southland Creative Arts Awards 2024, which were held at Ascot Park Hotel on August 17th.
Nominated in two categories, the Ascot Park Hotel Community Catalyst Individual, and the Good Tech Team Leadership in the Arts Awards, Dr Bodkin-Allen jointly won the Good Tech Team Leadership award - for an individual who has voluntarily steered groups or individuals to success, and has inspired and empowered those around them through leadership, management or administration.
Murihiku Arts described Dr Bodkin-Allen as a passionate leader the Southland music sector who leads by example, both in governance roles and hands-on organisation. Her prolific 18 months of activity included two performances of The Sing Thing, uniting in song, 1000 children and hundreds of rest homes residents; ‘Pictures in her head’, supporting female song writers; singing with special needs children and outreach singing in rest homes and at The Night of the Arts.
Dr Bodkin-Allen said aside from winning an award she very much enjoyed the whole evening, especially listening to all of the citations and learning more about the people and organisations who participate in the Murihiku arts scene. She added a highlight of her evening was getting the audience to sing ‘You are my sunshine’!
SIT management and staff congratulate Dr Bodkin-Allen on her win and celebrate all of her successes.