Vale Doug Sarah OAM

01 November 2024

Ballarat National Theatre and its members are saddened by the passing of Doug Sarah OAM, Life Member and past Board Member.

In addition to his work as a prominent member of Ballarat's business community and engagement in the Ballarat Art Gallery, Rotary, Probus, Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Lyric Theatre, Doug made extensive contributions to the BNT and its future during 36 years on the BNT board (1970 - 2009). He had multiple terms as President, including 1973-75 and 1977-80, fulfilling the role for a total of 14 years. He directed six theatre productions for BNT: What the Butler Saw (2001), Come Blow Your Horn (1984), The Secretary Bird (1982), What the Butler Saw (1982), Billy Liar (1978), and Goodnight Mrs Puffin (1979).

Doug's tireless work was acknowledged in 2007 when he was awarded with the prestigious Order of Australia Medal.

In recognition of his contributions to the economic environment, arts and community in Ballarat, Doug was presented with a doctorate of the University Honoris Causa by Federation University Australia in 2008.

Previous board member Brian McLelland said of Doug “if there was any money around to be had [for BNT], Doug would try to get it.” Brian cites Doug as the reason he joined BNT, as Doug used to run business breakfasts that Brian would attend. Because of those, Brian went along to a BNT AGM at which Doug “pounced on him” to become treasurer. Doug was excellent at raising funds and getting grants for the company, as well as creating an environment that brought people into the BNT community.

Doug Sarah OAM at the 70th Anniversary Dinner for BNT in 2008.

L to R - Wendy Hall and Doug Sarah OAM at the 70th Anniversary Dinner for BNT in 2008.

L to R - Wendy Hall, Doug Sarah OAM, Yvonne Downing, and Julian Oldfield at the 70th Anniversary Dinner for BNT in 2008.

From Sonja Kinnersly's book Ballarat National Theatre 50 Golden Years:

Doug has been a member of Ballarat National Theatre since 1966, and was awarded an Honorary Life Membership for his services to the Theatre. He has served two terms as President, 1973-75 and 1977-80. He has directed five major productions for BNT.

During his initial term of office, Doug was responsible for overseeing the "facelift" to the Little Theatre on Camp St. This included cleaning of the stage area, redesigning of the backstage area - two large dressing rooms and a sitting area for meetings and the drama school activities; carpeting, lighting, clearing and formalising the prop bay, cupboards for make-up and hand props; designing of the wardrobe area and a cataloguing of the wardrobe stock for the facilitation of costume hire service.

He was also responsible for overhauling the finances and making provision for the modernization of the lighting system; for rejuvenating the foyer and front entrance and renovation of the toilet and kitchen areas.

His aim was to see the integration of the theatre companies. There was stiff opposition at the time, but he believes that this is now a reality. He aimed also to create a calendar for all artistic seasons during the year, to prevent clashes in dates and to notify the public of forthcoming attractions.

His major aim was to encourage membership. He believed that this could be achieved by such means as chicken and champagne dinners in conjunction with productions; Green Room functions; foyer exhibitions. These proved popular and brought additional membership.