1951-1960

South Street and Olympic performance gold.

Robert Menzies outlaws the communist party, Joan Sutherland debuts in a small role in the Magic Flute at Covent Garden and the Lithgow Flash, Marjorie Jackson, wins gold in Helsinki. Ballarat hosts the Olympic rowing events and South Street is televised across the region

1951

A special contest is suggested for the many migrants who have made Australia home since the war.

At the request of local churches the South Street Committee decides not to let the Coliseum site be used for the purpose of the gambling game, Housie Housie.

1953

The Ballarat City Band takes out every major award in the “A” Grade Band Contest under the baton of Charlie Smith who was carried shoulder high to the band platform to receive the trophies from South Street President, Mr. L. V. Kennedy.

Robert Lemke wins the Courier Ballad, the Star for Opera Quest, the Vocal Championship and receives an honourable mention in the Sun Aria.

Ballarat’s first Begonia Festival is held and the Mayor announces plans for a new hall on the Haymarket site.

1954

The Ballarat Civic Male Choir under the baton of Mr. W. H. Keith Young wins the Male Choir Section.

Changing audience tastes are reflected in suggestions to introduce an Original Radio Talk, and Novel and Short Story Writing Contests and remove from the prize list recitals of verse by an Austalian author. Other new items of interest include Impromptu Dialogue and Speech and One Act Plays.

With 1105 entries for dance, Judges curtail their criticism in the solo items to save time.

1955

The option of including Ballroom Dancing, Modern and Old Time is put forward for consideration but no facility exists to stage Ball Room Dancing.

1956

The Olympic year ushers in a new era with the annual Eisteddfod opening in the new Civic Hall. After being proposed as far back as 1936 following the loss of the Coliseum, the new hall is generally well received, although some find it “lacks atmosphere”.

Having successfully surviving many efforts to destroy it, the Alfred Hall which was deemed cold, leaky and a health hazard is finally demolished.

The Sun Aria age limit is raised to 29 years for both males and females and Ballarat shines as Olympic Games events are held on Lake Wendouree.

1957

Australian born soprano, Elsie Morison gives a sell out concert in the Civic Hall, with the proceeds to be shared with South Street and the Ballarat Orphanage and a prize in established in her name.

The last link with the original founders of South Street is severed with the death of Mr. Theo Saunders at the age of 97.

1958

Committee members confer with the Ballarat Historic Society to have a plaque placed on the original South Street Hall site in Skipton Street.

Post Olympics, the Ballarat Yacht Club House officially opens.

1959

With television bringing the Olympics to the nation, South Street expands its reach into homes across the state, as BTV 6 televises the second half of the Prize Winners Concert.

The Civic Hall is packed for the occasion, with a record number of seats booked.