WINIFRED EVERETT

Known to countless choir boys as 'Miss Ev', Win Everett was the first woman to be part of the Australian Boys Choral Institute. She served as secretary and administrator, matron, carer, friend and 'second Mum' for more than 25 years.

Win came to the Choir when it was, resolutely, a male-only institution, from choristers through to musical and support staff. On an early tour, the boys stayed at a boys’ school and Win was forced to take a room in a nearby motel, having been turned away by the school!

‘Miss Ev’ became synonymous with the Choir for many boys and she travelled on numerous music schools and tours. Looking after everything from washing to nursing to wardrobe, she said, “My most constant task is keeping their stage robes in good order. I no sooner fit one of them with a robe than it has to be let down again, or out. The boys grow so quickly”. A sentiment any of the Choir’s wardrobe staff would appreciate!

In addition to upkeep of stagewear and costumes for operettas, Win did the make-up for concerts, using street make-up for straight singing and full stage make-up for the operettas. “At first the boys disliked wearing make-up, but now they take it for granted and even do some of it themselves,” she said.

Win became an Honorary Life Governor of the Choir on her retirement in 1979. She continued as a Registered Member until 1994, when failing health curtailed her involvement, Winifred Everett passed in 2000.