Stella Dougherty was a lifelong patron of the arts who inspired children to express their creativity.
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It was therefore only fitting that Beelbangera Public's new hall was named after her during the school's annual art show on Thursday.
Before she died in December last year Mrs Dougherty was heavily involved in Beelbangera Public's school performances.
She would teach the children how to sing, dance, perform, and express themselves on stage - a passion she'd carried her whole life.
Assistant principal Lorene McRae said Mrs Dougherty was beloved by the students and teachers alike.
"She was always happy to help us out," Mrs McRae said.
"She meant a huge deal for the school and we're going to miss her sorely."
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Her family paid a visit to Beelbangera Public to see the hall's christening and to pay homage Mrs Dougherty.
They gathered together to see the children's art and relive fond memories of time spent with Mrs Dougherty.
One of them was her brother John Bolger, who shared his sister's lifelong passion for acting.
Mr Bolger is an actor himself, and he says the love of the stage was what kept the two of them close.
"We had a common interest in acting, so we'd always be talking about it," Mr Bolger said.
"You can lose contact with your family, but we never did."
During her busy lifetime Mrs Dougherty was a founding member of the Griffith Regional Association of the Performing Arts, where she threw herself headlong into her craft.
She did everything, working as an actor, producer to Front of House manager, stage manager, costume designer, costume maker, stage hand, properties manager and procurer - anything in order for the production to succeed.
She leaves behind a large legacy, and the hall which now bears her name will be used for many of the school's various art shows and whole-school performances.
A picture collage of her will hang on the wall, featuring all the different school plays she had a hand in.
While she may be gone, the sound of music, laughter, and performance will continue to resound within the Stella Dougherty hall.
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Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
