Since 1958, the Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust (VABT) has been providing emergency financial assistance to those in the entertainment industry who, through poor health or ill fortune, find themselves with nowhere else to turn.
In response to the pandemic and the devastating impact that subsequent shutdowns and restrictions continue to have on performing arts workers, the VABT expanded its services and launched a dedicated COVID-19 Assistance program, offering fast, easy-to-access financial support by way of food vouchers. Since its introduction, the VABT’s COVID-19 Assistance has benefitted hundreds of local Victorian artists, creatives and crew, and it continues to do so.
This ACTober, your generous support of the VABT will ensure Victoria’s performing arts professionals, whether they work onstage or off, in front of the camera or behind, can continue to rely on the VABT for support through tough times.
For more information on the Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust, please visit vabt.com.au
All donations to the VABT of $2 or more are tax deductible within Australia.
MAKE A DONATION
HOW MUCH WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE?
"Thank you for the wonderful work you do in supporting our creative community through these very difficult times."
Charlotte r.
Charlotte r.
"Wishing you all the very best during this difficult time"
Jeannette n.
Jeannette n.
"Hang in there can't wait to get back to the theatre"
PETER t.
PETER t.
"Good on you for the wonderful work you do, especially during this crisis!"
Jeannie h.
Jeannie h.
"Thank you for all that you do - we need creative people at a time like this more than ever!!"
Tim d.
Tim d.
"My heart goes out to all of the people in the world who wish to devote their lives to the development and practice of the arts. We as a society need more robust measures than we currently have to support you across difficult times like these. Until then I am always happy to put some money in the hat."
Jeremy s.
Jeremy s.
"Hang in there and I can't wait to be back in theatres watching you all bring the magic!"
Grant n.
Grant n.
"You keep us going!"
Zoe g.
Zoe g.
"In memorium of Bruce Finlayson"
Joelle t.
Joelle t.
"Chookas to youse all"
Deborah n.
Deborah n.
"Heard about this on ABC radio about 3 weeks ago."
Wendy b.
Wendy b.
"I was at darlo thirsty Thursday last night. Soooo fabulous. Thank you to all performers for allowing us to share in your gift xx"
Jenny h.
Jenny h.
"Thanks you actors for entertaining us"
Peter s.
Peter s.
"Donation to test"
En Rui o.
En Rui o.
"Thank you for all that you do - we need creative people at a time like this more than ever!!"
Tim d.
Tim d.
"Can’t wait to have you thriving again"
Doug and Jude s.
Doug and Jude s.
"Looking foreward ro going to live theatre again!!"
Anne d.
Anne d.
"The Arts Community have supported many through their darkest times; my only sadness is the Federal Government is not more supportive and hope this small donation helps in some way. Certainly will be supporting the Arts in any way when we open up. Thank you for all you do and we are here for you all."
Gail d.
Gail d.
"Donation on behalf of Sparke Helmore. Thank you En Rui Foo for bringing ABF Qld to our attention. We hope the donation comes in handy."
Tania Mavritsky e.
Tania Mavritsky e.
"Wishing you all the very best for the future!"
Jeannette n.
Jeannette n.
"stay strong - we need you!"
elizabeth m.
elizabeth m.
"Because I love the Arts and we can't live without it despite what our governments think"
Leanne n.
Leanne n.
"Feel for you all - and hope this fund is helping overall."
Barbara n.
Barbara n.
"Enjoy re-opening! I'm really looking forward to live theatre again soon."
Lisa y.
Lisa y.
"Hope to see you real soon!"
Peter n.
Peter n.
"To all you talented people, All the very best for the future. Look forward to the day when we can all enjoy your talents again."
Alexandra r.
Alexandra r.
"Keep smiling!"
Teresa e.
Teresa e.
"Lifespan of a fact appeal"
Simon h.
Simon h.
"For mr. Bruce Spence. Been a fan since Galaxy. Love from Finland."
Johanna i.
Johanna i.
"In fond memory of you mate, Bruce Finlayson. You will be missed so much. xx"
Peter l.
Peter l.
"I am so lucky to have continued in work"
Tanya h.
Tanya h.
"Just imagine seeing an American film without an Australian actor in it! It's impossible!"
Steven s.
Steven s.
"Wonderful work you're all doing, thank you so much. I'll given more when I can! xx"
louise n.
louise n.
"Thanks for all that you're doing. Please do not use my name publicly re: donations."
.
.
"Thanks for all your hard work during these tough times. We love you all"
Greg m.
Greg m.
"Pleased to support your important and fantastic work."
Michael e.
Michael e.
"My gift is my way of saying thank you to all the wonderful actors who’ve entertained me over the years and especially through the pandemic."
Kim s.
Kim s.
"This is a test"
Nick e.
Nick e.
"Missing Live very much!"
Heather n.
Heather n.
"A donation to ACTOBER. Congrats on all the good work you are all doing in these difficult times."
Bill g.
Bill g.
"Congrats on your good work for our wonderful actors"
SUSAN M.
SUSAN M.
"Thank you !!"
Wonita y.
Wonita y.
"It’s been so hard for our entertainment and arts sector - in NSW it has been difficult enough so I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it has been for our Victorian friends. Stay strong my fellow Victorians."
Helen e.
Helen e.
"Thank you for making this support possible"
Elizabeth o.
Elizabeth o.
"Best wishes for the ongoing difficult time. We hope it will be possible to open up soon."
Anne s.
Anne s.
"Stay strong!"
Marni n.
Marni n.
"Thank you for all that you do - we need creative people at a time like this more than ever!!"
Tim d.
Tim d.
"Can’t wait to get back to the theatre and live concerts. I can’t spend money on tickets so happy to support in other ways."
Debbie d.
Debbie d.
"We wish you all the best and look forward to the return of so many wonderful actors back to the stage in 2022!
Regards, Damien Rath"
Damien h.
Damien h.
"Keep up the good work"
Sue & Bé a.
Sue & Bé a.
"The creative arts is essential to our lives and well being, so hang in there a bit longer! Melburnians will be out in force to support you as soon as we can. Can't wait to see you all in venues and on stages and screens soon!"
Pauline y.
Pauline y.
"You light up all our lives. Keep shining. The clouds are lifting. ❤️"
Peter and Carolyn y.
Peter and Carolyn y.
"Hang in there Everyone! We can't wait to get out and be entertained again. My beautiful Aunt & Uncle were longtime theatre stalwarts, however they both succumbed to Covid in Aged Care, so when we can go to the theatre again, in part it will be to honour them."
Jan t.
Jan t.
"Just imagine seeing an American film without an Australian actor in it! It's impossible!"
Steven s.
Steven s.
"We love everything you all do especially during these very tough times."
Greg m.
Greg m.
"Keep up the great work in these most difficult of times."
Campion t.
Campion t.
"Stay well,stay safe. It'll all be over soon"
Lilian r.
Lilian r.
"All the best raising funds"
Louise t.
Louise t.
"Thinking of you all during this challenging time. So miss our live theatre.
Can't wait to enter a theatre again to enjoy and celebrate the skill and talent of our Aussie performers. Hang in there."
Ron x.
Ron x.
"Hang in there folks. You are the food that feeds our souls and we need you"
Catherine r.
Catherine r.
"Sorry I missed the bus for Avtober, but maybe Knowvember will do just as well. Good luck to you all in the approaching new theatre life. Pat"
patricia e.
patricia e.
"The curtain WILL rise again. Thinking of you all. Thank you ACTOBER!!"
Francesca s.
Francesca s.
"Thank. you for hanging in there - love your work(s)!"
Christine & Robert n.
Christine & Robert n.
"Keep calm and carry on!"
Teresa e.
Teresa e.
"Thanks from Sean and Neha"
Sean s.
Sean s.
"Thanks for hanging in. Look forward to seeing you, and being able to chuck a pineapple into the bucket."
Margaret r.
Margaret r.
"I'm sorry that more performances have had to be cancelled. I was going to go to Moulin Rouge the other night."
DENISE t.
DENISE t.
"Keep being amazing!"
Amy h.
Amy h.
"I am concerned about the welfare of many actors in our country who are having a very hard time this year because of the current pandemic and other factors. As a lifelong theatre-lover, I want to play a small part in supporting these creative and admired people at this time."
John k.
John k.
"test"
William y.
William y.
"We hope this can in a small way repay all the actors who have brought pleasure, learning, and entertainment to us over many many years."
Christopher y.
Christopher y.
"test donation"
Stephen e.
Stephen e.
"Just imagine seeing an American film without an Australian actor in it! It's impossible!"
Steven s.
Steven s.
"Love to hear what you are doing for artists"
Andrea h.
Andrea h.
"Blessings to you beautiful beloved artists xx"
deb s.
deb s.
"we miss you.......see you soon xxx"
Denise R.
Denise R.
"Thanks to you all for hanging in there1"
pam y.
pam y.
"I'm sorry the federal government doesn't value the arts."
DENISE T.
DENISE T.
"From Actors, To Actors"
Rishab n.
Rishab n.
"The new receipt details should be in operation"
Kenneth a.
Kenneth a.
"ACTober"
Camilla e.
Camilla e.
"Supporting our industry members through this difficult time"
Richard t.
Richard t.
"Really missing you all and thinking of you"
Sue s.
Sue s.
"Repaying just a little bit of the joy given to me as a play goer over many years"
Ian d.
Ian d.
"Wishing you well. I hope this small gesture helps"
d.
d.
"Sending love and support to those not in work and desperate to get back!"
Rhys n.
Rhys n.
"My family and I value the Performing Arts enormously -one of my sons is a professional musician, my daughter is studying Musical Theatre at tertiary level. Stay strong, and we look forward to seeing a vibrant arts scene emerge again as soon as possible."
Lisa y.
Lisa y.
"Thank you for bringing so much joy into peoples lives through live theatre which is desperately need these days especially."
James g.
James g.
"Donating in recognition of a good deed done by Glenn Hazeldine."
Miranda l.
Miranda l.
"Thanks for all your hard work during these tough times. We love you all"
Greg m.
Greg m.
"Thanks for all that you do to enrich our lives. Sorry that you've had such a hard time during this pandemic. Stay strong."
Marisa n.
Marisa n.
"Thank you for helping out performing artists at this crucial time."
Mark g.
Mark g.
"In memory of Bruce Finlayson, great friend and father"
peter t.
peter t.
"Stay well and keep safe."
Flora g.
Flora g.
"Thank you for your great work trying to, and achieving, happiness in others."
Andreas h.
Andreas h.
"Thinking of you all and hoping you will all be back performing as you should be really soon!"
Susan n.
Susan n.
"Sensati"
Abbe s.
Abbe s.
"Thank you to the entire industry for the entertainment during Covid and your tenacity through the had times. We look forward to live theatre soon"
Eleanor o.
Eleanor o.
