The following is a letter sent to the Club by Neil Soullier OAM, Chief Executive Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.Members are encouraged to read it so we can perhaps discuss down the track.
INSIDE STORY
Inside Story is a program developed by the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation 25 years ago in conjunction with Victoria Police.
It’s an event where the public can be part of an audience to hear detailed stories on significant crimes committed in Victoria from current, serving Victoria Police detectives.
Unlike what we read and see in the media, an Inside Story presentation is a clinical account that begins with the crime being committed then the step-by-step process employed by detectives to solve this crime and bring the offender(s) to justice.
Many of the cases are supported by multimedia exhibits from crime scenes, news reports, actual suspect interviews and much more.
At the end of each presentation audience members have a period of time when they can ask questions of our presenters.
Each performance will include two speakers, each covering a different crime or, in some cases, collection of stories and methodologies.
Our normal format is to have some light refreshments for guests when they arrive then the first crime presentation. We then break for intermission for some more refreshments and then the second and final presentation.
This program is a very successful fundraiser for the Blue Ribbon Foundation by way of selling tickets then additional revenue from a raffle and sales of our merchandise.
This was the first activity of its kind in Victoria and possibly Australia. Early popular speakers included Ron Iddles who went on to present a highly successful television program that earned a Logie and Charlie Bezzina who is retired now from Victoria Police but is a sought-after commentator, live crime presenter and features in podcasts.
There is no doubt that our introduction of the Inside Story program answered the public’s appetite for factual crime stories and gave rise to the popularity of podcasts.
Despite the podcasts, we have not seen a drop-off in audience numbers over the years and we estimate that around 15% of every audience is there for the first time.
Ticket price is $45, which includes refreshments.
Booking is strictly online via Trybooking
It is for an adult audience but we will admit patrons 16 -18 if accompanied by a guardian.
We do require names and contact details for all persons attending.
Our next Inside Story Program is on August 1st at Scotch College, 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.
We have allocated 406 seats for this program with around 120 still to be sold.
Finishing time will be around 9.30pm. Parking is available onsite.
If you would like to attend this next Inside Story program, I can make two - four complimentary tickets available to delegates from Rotary to attend our next event at Scotch College on August 1st.
This might assist in evaluating if you would like to try one or two joint-venture programs exclusively for Rotary members and their guests.
Yours Sincerely
Neil Soullier OAM
Chief Executive