CrewCare Hires First Staffer After ‘Generous Donation’ from Cedar Mill Group (EXCLUSIVE)

A generous five-figure donation to CrewCare by entertainment and tourism precinct developer Cedar Mill Group has been put to immediate use.

It allowed the association to hire its first staffer, administration officer Bernadette Faddoul.

Cedar Mill Group CEO Kyle McKendry said the gesture was to make an impact at ground level.

“CrewCare is about supporting industry personnel and their loved ones who work in the very demanding environment of the live music and entertainment industry,” he said.

“It has been particularly hard for everyone over the last two years.

“We hope to continue to grow our relationship and support with CrewCare in the coming years and further support those people.

“Cedar Mill Group is delighted to be partnering up with dedicated CrewCare team.”

CrewCare’s Adelaide-based chair Peter Darwin emphasised: “It’s no secret that the live entertainment industry has been one of the hardest hit by the global pandemic.

“We are looking forward to continuing to support our valuable members on ground.

“This donation solidifies our processes allowing us to implement plans for the immediate future.

“Thanks to all at Cedar Mill Group for recognising there is more work to be done”.

Set up in October 2019 and numbering 700 members, CrewCare has depended on volunteers to organise its fundraisers.

These have included Roadie4Roadies, golf days and celeb lunches.

The events have raised $250,000 for Support Act’s Crew Fund, according to CrewCare.

Its latest initiative is a job training scheme funded by the Victorian state government called A Pathway To Jobs In Live Music, which includes paid work placement at production companies.

The incoming Faddoul has a background in publicity and artist relations after working at Albert Music, APRA AMCOS, John Watson Management and Ferris Davies PRM.

She said of her new Sydney-based position: “In addition to CrewCare’s current advocacy they’ve outlined such solid plans to support their future members as well.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

Founded in 2020 by Winarch Capital, Cedar Mill Group has invested close to $600 million in developing three major projects in NSW and Victoria, with the first to open next year.

It also bought logistical and event management company Humm and Secure Events and Assets and last month launched a new audio-visual division for clients.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.