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Arts and Music Education Report Music to our Ears

Earlier in 2024, WollCon submitted a response to the Inquiry investigating Arts and Music Education and Training in NSW, which included information on the significant role regional conservatoriums play in music education in schools with programs delivered by our music teachers.

Last Thursday (12 December 2024) the Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education and Training released its report after receiving invaluable evidence from a range of stakeholders, highlighting the need for all school students to experience music education.

WollCon and colleagues at all NSW regional conservatoriums are thrilled to see the Report’s findings and recommendations, especially:

FINDINGS:
– That it is essential for all students in New South Wales primary schools to receive quality, sequential and ongoing music learning.
– Regional conservatoriums provide excellent music education and services and foster creativity and connectedness in regional communities in New South Wales.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
– That the NSW Government increase funding to regional conservatoriums and review key performance measures and service gaps, especially around engagement with schools, under the Regional Conservatorium Grants Program, to ensure sustainable future growth.
– That the NSW Government formalise and strengthen the partnership between the NSW Department of Education and regional conservatoriums and establish innovative models to support and enhance the role of regional conservatoriums, including in conjunction with Create NSW and the NSW Department of Education.

VIP group drumming

Members of the committee, which included Ms Julia Finn MP (Chair), Dr Joe McGirr MP (Deputy Chair), Mr Anthony D’Adam (MLC), and Ms Jacqui Munro (MLC), visited WollCon in November, and learnt about many of our music programs (especially our In School program), toured our spaces, met with teachers and some of our young students during their lessons, and even played percussion and drums as we showcased our ‘Get Them Young’ project.

“We are delighted that the Inquiry has taken the time to do such a detailed Review and we are looking forward to working with them on this important issue in the future.”

Annette Brown

CEO, WollCon

Annette Interview on ABC Radio (Scroll to 18 mins. 11 seconds).

Read the Full NSW Parliamentary Report.

student drummer
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Wollongong Conservatorium is located on Dharawal country. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, celebrate their continuing culture and the contribution First Nations people make to the life of this region and our country.

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Wollongong Conservatorium of Music is funded by the NSW Government through the Regional Conservatorium Grants Program

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Dr Sue Savage

Director

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 Mowbray

Director

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 Pearson

Director

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 Morris

Director

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

Deputy Chair

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 Sloan

Chair

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.