Edna Walker OAM passed away on Tuesday night, 14th February, 2017, in Claremont, Tasmania.
This amazing lady was a powerful presence in the Classical Music scene in the Shoalhaven and an equally powerful advocate for it. She was a great encourager of young and old. Even though she has lived the last nine years in Tasmania, her presence is still constantly felt by those here in the Shoalhaven.
Edna’s knowledge of Classical Music was profound. The concerts she organised, her brilliance as an accompanist for many singers and instrumentalists, her friendship and her engaging personality and hospitality remain as very pleasant memories.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the Shoalhaven, through Music, Edna was recognised by the award of the Order of Australia Medal in 2000.
Edna was a Life Member of Music Shoalhaven and had a huge influence as its Music Director and a committee member for a number of years. Edna was also a founding member of the Bay and Basin Music Club and on its committee for many years, too.
Under Edna’s presidency the Shoalhaven Eisteddfod continued to grow in size and in quality with entries exceeding 1000 in the Vocal, Dance, Speech and Drama and Instrumental sections with well over 1500 people of all ages competing for trophies and prize money exceeding eight thousand dollars.
Life Member and accompanist of the Shoalhaven Lydian Singers, Edna played a huge role in the development of the choir. She was also an accompanist for Opera South and a piano teacher.
Tributes have come from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and from musicians all over the state.
Edna’s compassion for those less fortunate than herself was well known and appreciated by all who knew her. She was one of the “givers of this world”. She was highly involved in Amnesty International in the Shoalhaven and has manned many a charity shop.
In Remembrance of a Wonderful Woman.