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?
"Best wishes for the ongoing difficult time. We hope it will be possible to open up soon."
Anne s.
Anne s.
"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.
"Just imagine seeing an American film without an Australian actor in it! It's impossible!"
Steven s.
Steven s.
"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.
"Thank you for bringing so much joy into peoples lives through live theatre which is desperately need these days especially."
James g.
James g.
"Thanks for hanging in. Look forward to seeing you, and being able to chuck a pineapple into the bucket."
Margaret r.
Margaret r.
"Really missing you all and thinking of you"
Sue s.
Sue s.
"Keep smiling!"
Teresa e.
Teresa e.
"Good on you for the wonderful work you do, especially during this crisis!"
Jeannie h.
Jeannie 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.
"Thank you for all that you do - we need creative people at a time like this more than ever!!"
Tim d.
Tim d.
"In memory of Bruce Finlayson, great friend and father"
peter t.
peter t.
"Thank you for all that you do - we need creative people at a time like this more than ever!!"
Tim d.
Tim d.
"Stay strong!"
Marni n.
Marni n.
"Sending love and support to those not in work and desperate to get back!"
Rhys n.
Rhys n.
"Thanks from Sean and Neha"
Sean s.
Sean s.
"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.
"I am so lucky to have continued in work"
Tanya h.
Tanya h.
"This is a test"
Nick e.
Nick e.
"Just imagine seeing an American film without an Australian actor in it! It's impossible!"
Steven s.
Steven s.
"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.
"A donation to ACTOBER. Congrats on all the good work you are all doing in these difficult times."
Bill g.
Bill g.
"Thanks for all your hard work during these tough times. We love you all"
Greg m.
Greg m.
"Thank you !!"
Wonita y.
Wonita y.
"we miss you.......see you soon xxx"
Denise R.
Denise R.
"Supporting our industry members through this difficult time"
Richard t.
Richard t.
"Hang in there and I can't wait to be back in theatres watching you all bring the magic!"
Grant n.
Grant n.
"test donation"
Stephen e.
Stephen e.
"Hang in there folks. You are the food that feeds our souls and we need you"
Catherine r.
Catherine r.
"Thank you for the wonderful work you do in supporting our creative community through these very difficult times."
Charlotte r.
Charlotte r.
"You light up all our lives. Keep shining. The clouds are lifting. ❤️"
Peter and Carolyn y.
Peter and Carolyn y.
"stay strong - we need you!"
elizabeth m.
elizabeth m.
"Chookas to youse all"
Deborah n.
Deborah n.
"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.
"test"
William y.
William 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.
"You keep us going!"
Zoe g.
Zoe g.
"Thank you for helping out performing artists at this crucial time."
Mark g.
Mark g.
"Stay well,stay safe. It'll all be over soon"
Lilian r.
Lilian r.
"Just imagine seeing an American film without an Australian actor in it! It's impossible!"
Steven s.
Steven s.
"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.
"Donating in recognition of a good deed done by Glenn Hazeldine."
Miranda l.
Miranda l.
"Wishing you all the very best during this difficult time"
Jeannette n.
Jeannette n.
"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.
"Missing Live very much!"
Heather n.
Heather n.
"Wishing you well. I hope this small gesture helps"
d.
d.
"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.
"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.
"Keep being amazing!"
Amy h.
Amy h.
"Thank. you for hanging in there - love your work(s)!"
Christine & Robert n.
Christine & Robert n.
"Keep up the great work in these most difficult of times."
Campion t.
Campion t.
"In memorium of Bruce Finlayson"
Joelle t.
Joelle t.
"Heard about this on ABC radio about 3 weeks ago."
Wendy b.
Wendy b.
"From Actors, To Actors"
Rishab n.
Rishab n.
"Hang in there can't wait to get back to the theatre"
PETER t.
PETER t.
"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.
"Keep calm and carry on!"
Teresa e.
Teresa e.
"The curtain WILL rise again. Thinking of you all. Thank you ACTOBER!!"
Francesca s.
Francesca s.
"Thank you for making this support possible"
Elizabeth o.
Elizabeth o.
"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.
"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.
"Lifespan of a fact appeal"
Simon h.
Simon h.
"Congrats on your good work for our wonderful actors"
SUSAN M.
SUSAN M.
"Enjoy re-opening! I'm really looking forward to live theatre again soon."
Lisa y.
Lisa y.
"Thanks for all that you're doing. Please do not use my name publicly re: donations."
.
.
"Thank you for your great work trying to, and achieving, happiness in others."
Andreas h.
Andreas h.
"We love everything you all do especially during these very tough times."
Greg m.
Greg m.
"Looking foreward ro going to live theatre again!!"
Anne d.
Anne d.
"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.
"Wonderful work you're all doing, thank you so much. I'll given more when I can! xx"
louise n.
louise n.
"The new receipt details should be in operation"
Kenneth a.
Kenneth a.
"Thanks for all your hard work during these tough times. We love you all"
Greg m.
Greg m.
"Love to hear what you are doing for artists"
Andrea h.
Andrea h.
"Thank you for all that you do - we need creative people at a time like this more than ever!!"
Tim d.
Tim d.
"Donation to test"
En Rui o.
En Rui o.
"Stay well and keep safe."
Flora g.
Flora g.
"Sensati"
Abbe s.
Abbe s.
"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.
"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.
"Because I love the Arts and we can't live without it despite what our governments think"
Leanne n.
Leanne n.
"Thanks to you all for hanging in there1"
pam y.
pam y.
"Blessings to you beautiful beloved artists xx"
deb s.
deb s.
"Feel for you all - and hope this fund is helping overall."
Barbara n.
Barbara n.
"Hope to see you real soon!"
Peter n.
Peter n.
"Wishing you all the very best for the future!"
Jeannette n.
Jeannette n.
"In fond memory of you mate, Bruce Finlayson. You will be missed so much. xx"
Peter l.
Peter l.
"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.
"For mr. Bruce Spence. Been a fan since Galaxy. Love from Finland."
Johanna i.
Johanna i.
"Repaying just a little bit of the joy given to me as a play goer over many years"
Ian d.
Ian d.
"Keep up the good work"
Sue & Bé a.
Sue & Bé a.
"Thinking of you all and hoping you will all be back performing as you should be really soon!"
Susan n.
Susan n.
"I'm sorry the federal government doesn't value the arts."
DENISE T.
DENISE T.
"Can’t wait to have you thriving again"
Doug and Jude s.
Doug and Jude s.
"All the best raising funds"
Louise t.
Louise t.
"ACTober"
Camilla e.
Camilla e.
