At the same time Australians were coming to terms with the news that actor Charles 'Bud' Tingwell had died, the Drum theatre in Dandenong was packed for a celebration of the life of theatre manager Paul Streefkerk.

What most people would not have known is that Tingwell and Streefkerk were closely linked with the Drum and had watched its development with pride, though from different perspectives.

Streefkerk was the man on the ground, the driver, the inspiration and the mentor who took the Drum from an empty shell to a winner in three years.

Tingwell was the ageing star whose pride in the complex was evident when he made several visits to Dandenong.

He called it a "magnificent complex" and a "tribute to all those who had worked on it" when he was master of ceremonies on the opening night.

The opening was performed by then premier Steve Bracks, but it was Tingwell's contribution that many will remember.

Tingwell would have been as proud as Streefkerk himself at last Sunday night's celebration concert.

Stars including Donald Cant, Simon Gallagher, Denise Drysdale and David Hobson paid tribute to Streefkerk, who died suddenly, aged 48, in March.