Last year WollCon and Cram Foundation announced a new collaboration during World Music Therapy Week. Outcomes of this collaboration were showcased 11th April 2024 at WollCon.

Local disability organisation The Cram Foundation and the Wollongong Conservatorium announced a new partnership last year, collaborating on a ground-breaking, year-long music therapy program and outcomes of the project were announced at a special event.

Two highly qualified music therapists from WollCon, Bertie McMahon and Harry Tregilgas have been visiting Cram homes across the region, working with residents to explore and unleash their musical creativity.

Bertie and Harry have been using techniques in music therapy practice to facilitate the creativity of the participants and have tailored their work to each participant’s strengths.  The outcomes of the project, which is largely funded by Create NSW, will be determined by the creative energies and musical interests of the participants.

Research into the benefits of music therapy for people with disability continues to grow.  WollCon, as the region’s largest provider of music therapy services and Cram anticipate that this project, and the learnings from it will inform future practice as well as highlight how music therapy can lead to positive health, wellbeing and creative outcomes for all.

As a disability service provider, The Cram Foundation understands that the importance of creative expression and music therapy for people with a disability cannot be understated. “We are passionate about finding new ways to engage people with disability in music and creativity, and the dedication of both The Cram Foundation and Wollongong Conservatorium to deliver this project is a testament to its merits”, said Cram’s CEO Karen Burdett.