About the Committee
The Sydney Opera House Ladies’ Committee has a long proud history of serving and fundraising for the House. Throughout its 57 year history, the Committee has welcomed the generous and loyal support of its members, friends and partners. including gentlemen. Funds currently raised will directly support the Sydney Opera House Arts Assist and Access programs. These programs provide opportunities for disadvantaged and disabled youngsters from NSW priority-funded schools to experience educational, curriculum-linked performances as part of the acclaimed Sydney Opera House’s House Ed programs.
The Ladies’ Committee of the Sydney Opera House Appeal Fund, known informally as the Sydney Opera House Ladies’ Committee, is an unincorporated association registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission. The Committee was founded in 1957 in support of The Opera House Appeal Fund, one of the earliest sources of funding for construction. The Fund pre-dated the Sydney Opera House Lottery and ran in parallel with the Lottery until 1968.
The thread connecting the women of the Ladies Committee is a passion for the performing arts and a belief in the power of the arts to enhance the life of the community. Historically, most of its members have served for a long time, believing that volunteering and philanthropy reward those who give as well as those who receive.
The Committee’s first major event, held in April 1959, was a ball at
Sydney Town Hall, in the presence of His Excellency the Governor of NSW Sir Eric Woodward and Lady Woodward.