Music Therapy expected to grow in the Illawarra

The research evidence is clear –

Music therapy can help people with their mental health and wellbeing, communication and social skills, body movement and coordination, memory and cognitive function and even helping to improve the body’s ability to deal with pain.

“It is a strength-based therapeutic tool that is safe, comforting, uplifting and motivating for people”

Ann Lehmann-Kuit

WollCon Music Therapist

As an NDIS provider of Music Therapy since 2020 WollCon is currently supporting over 40 clients in the Illawarra. In the sessions, music is used to actively support people of all ages to manage their physical and mental health and enhance their quality of life.

“Music Therapists at WollCon use their training and musical ability to facilitate interactive musical experiences to help our clients achieve their goals such as improved communication, cognition, physical function, mood, and social engagement. In music therapy sessions we provide opportunities to explore strengths, experience joy and mastery and build expressive confidence to use music as a resource in everyday life,” says Ann Lehmann-Kuit who has twenty years’ experience working as a music therapist at WollCon.

“We work with many neurodivergent children, adolescents and adults, engaging in active music making experiences that focus on strengths rather than deficits. By utilising the rhythmic, melodic and expressive components of music we highlight developmental potentials that can build a positive sense of identity.”

Ann Lehmann-Kuit

The initiative aligns with WollCon’s mission, ‘positive change through music,’ and is a service which is expected to attract more clients in the new year.

“We know from our contacts in health-care that there are many people living in the Illawarra who could benefit enormously from music therapy. We’re one of the few conservatoriums in NSW to offer Music Therapy as part of an NDIS plan and every client receives a music program which supports their particular needs. Our team of five registered music therapists are incredibly skilled and committed to this truly transformative way of using music to enrich lives. We are all excited to see this program develop.” Said CEO David Francis.

One of WollCon’s music therapists Harry Tregilgas believes everyone should have access to music.

“In my opinion it is really important to be a diverse and inclusive organisation. We have music therapy sessions for children as either individual or group lessons, where we can teach clients with a disability in a supported way that plays to their strengths, so they are able to learn at their own pace.”

Harry Tregilgas

The Rockers alongside Music Industry collaborators

“Early intervention for young children is growing as an important area of support for families,” says WollCon’s ChiME (early childhood music) Coordinator, Janet Andrews who is also a music therapist, supporting WollCon ChiME teachers to include many children with additional needs in their classes. Janet is also aiming to expand ChiME, offering smaller group sessions to those families who may be unable to access mainstream classes.

WollCon music therapy clients also include the elderly where the focus is on enhancing their quality of life. The weekly music lesson or therapy session provides them with some routine in their day and enhances their mental and physical wellbeing, as well as motor skills and memory.

“I have an elderly client that comes to WollCon from her aged care group home. She thrives off the routine of getting out and coming to music therapy, especially with increased isolation due to Covid-19. She loves listening and playing or singing along to her favourite songs and making choices over instruments to play. This increases her quality of life and reduces her irritability post session. She really has come a long way since she started,” said Harry.

The staff at WollCon provide opportunities for music therapy clients to engage with the wider community through performance. A success story of WollCon’s music therapy program is the experimental rock band The Rockers, who have been performing gigs in the community for fifteen years, including at the University of Wollongong’s UniBar.

“At our end-of-year open days, clients are given the opportunity to perform their favourite songs, including original songs they have written, showcasing their musical abilities. It is not only a confidence building exercise for the clients, but it brings much joy to parents, friends and all present.” Said Ann Lehmann-Kuit.

If you are interested in Music Therapy at WollCon, enrolments are accepted throughout the year.

Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.