June 24, 2025
A generous donation by two Kingaroy community stalwarts will ensure the South Burnett’s keen musical performers will be able to keep cool in summer and warmer in winter.
Barry and Leanne Krosch handed over a cheque for $25,000 to the South Burnett Musical Comedy Society (SBMCS) president Craig Reiger on Sunday during a break in rehearsals for the group’s upcoming production of Shrek.
The not-for-profit group will use the donation to insulate its “Major” shed at the South Burnett Enterprise Centre complex in Kingaroy.
Craig said three walls and the roof would be insulated, which will improve the efficiency of the air-conditioning.
The fourth wall will be kept as is, to allow for any potential future expansion.
Craig said the insulation project would cost about $30,000 and would not have been possible without the help of Barry and Leanne.
The SBMCS began in 1989, using practice spaces wherever they could find them.
In about 2005, a Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant enabled the group to build its “Minor” shed at the Enterprise Centre, which was used for set construction as well as practice.
As the group’s productions grew in scale, so did the need for more space … another Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant enabled the construction of the larger “Major” shed next door to the first building.
Over the years, this has been improved with a new dance floor, air conditioning and lighting.
“This is out next big step,” SBMCS secretary Zoe Basham said.
“It means we can rehearse in the middle of winter and summer.”
Barry said he and Leanne were just trying “to give back to the community”.
“We had some good opportunities given to us so we are just trying to give back,” he said.
He said the couple had attended the SBMCS performance of “Calamity Jane” which had been “just incredible” and as good as they had seen anywhere in the world.
“There’s a lot of talent and we would just like to encourage it,” he said.
Leanne said they were also hoping to encourage lots of young people to “get up and have a go”.
The SBMCS has put on two youth projects so far, with both being very successful: “Annie” and “Frozen”.
Shrek – which is a full company production – will hit the stage in Kingaroy on October 18-19 and October 25-26, with both evening and matinee performances planned.
