Program launched for World Music Therapy Week – Nominated for Award

Last year WollCon and Cram Foundation announced a new collaboration during World Music Therapy Week. We were thrilled to be Finalists in the Australian Disability Service Awards.

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.

As FINALISTS for the Best Community Program Award for the 2024 Australian Disability Service Awards, we attended an event held at Doltone House in Sydney on the 13th November. While we didn’t win we were proud our collaboration with Cram Foundation was recognised nationally.

Cram event

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The collaboration involved two highly qualified music therapists from WollCon, Bertie McMahon and Harry Tregilgas visiting Cram homes across the region, working with residents to explore and unleash their musical creativity.

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

Harry and Bertie

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.

“WollCon is about positive change through music – for all members of the community.  We are delighted to partner in this project which not only takes music therapists to the heart of a community,  but will provide creative opportunities for participants who may not otherwise access this kind of opportunity and the positive benefits it delivers”

David Francis

CEO, WollCon

Cram event stage 1