By KATH GANNAWAY
THE Yarra Valley arts community is rallying behind Warburton couple Alistair and Miyako Whyte in the face of serious health challenges.
A fund-raising concert and auction to be held on Saturday, 21 May, in Millgrove aims to ease the financial load on the family as they go through treatment for cancer.
A renowned Master Potter, Alistair moved with his family to Warburton on Ash Wednesday, 1983, making the town their home, and their community.
Late last year the family was shocked to discover that Miyako was diagnosed with cancer.
The whole family, which includes daughters Emi, Tomoko, Yoko and Mariko, had been kept busy supporting hospital visits for Miyako’s treatment, when more bad news came their way.
While dealing with the disruptions to work and the difficulty in observing side effects of such harsh chemotherapy and radiotherapy on his wife, Alistair was also diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called myelobibroris for which the only cure is a bone marrow transplant.
It’s no surprise that their home community of Warburton and the wider arts community across the valley have banded together to help the family.
Musicians and artists, along with groups including the Warburton Advancement League and River Valley Church are among the project team.
Project spokesperson, musician, Sarah-Rose McIvor, said the response to running the fund-raising event had been phenomenal.
“The family are much loved and a big part of the Yarra Valley and its artistic and community development,” she said.
In 2015 the Mail talked with Alistair about his long-standing connection and philanthropic work in Vanuatu where he has worked for a number of years to help revive the lost pottery craft in Malakula village.
He said the project had evolved from basic hand-building to a point where villagers are now in a position to continuing training and produce simple, saleable pottery.
Meeting at his studio last week with Sarah-Rose and her musician father, Mick McIvor, Alistair said he was humbled by the efforts of others to support the family at a very difficult time.
“We’re touched and humbled by everything that is being done, and the response of people,” he said.
The Whyte Family Fundraiser is growing every day and promises to be an enjoyable and inspiring night.
Classically trained pianist Chris Nankervis and Tomoko Whyte, also a classically trained pianist and singer, the multi-award winning female fronted indie-folk bank, DASH, firetwirler Mariko Whyte and pop and theatre inspired performances by Mark Brown and Nicole Patsika are some of what promise to be an amazing music line-up.
Donations are building every day from highly acclaimed local artists from painters to photographers, potters and silversmiths, and Alistair’s own pottery will also be on the auction program.
There will be a silent auction of local products and food and beverages for sale.
Sarah-Rose said all the funds raised would go to Alistair and Miyako to help them with ongoing healthcare and whatever needs may arise for them to care for their family.
“What we need now is for people support the event by coming along, enjoying the entertainment and splashing some cash around for what is building up to be an amazing collection of artwork and artefacts.”
Bookings and donations can be made on-line on pozible.com/whytefamilyfundraiser.
Any inquiries can be made to 0402 413 169.
