Socio-Cultural Development Through Music Programs

An exploration inspired by the current Bolivian experience had by Graham Sattler Director of Orange Regional Conservatorium. I attended this presentation which Graham held at Charles Sturt University Orange.

As described by Graham Sattler:

Imperatives such as social harmony and inclusion, community integration and self and group-esteem are increasingly being seen as achievable through music education and practice. One international example of ensemble music programs designed to encourage these outcomes, is the musical 'revolution' in Bolivia, South America.

This program aimed to create an environment of hope and purpose for at-risk youth by reconnecting with a 300 year old tradition of cross-cultural music education made possible by the discovery of several significant manuscripts found during restoration work on a series of mission churches during the 1980s. In 2006, Mr Graham Sattler- Director, Orange Regional Conservatorium- undertook a study tour where he observed and compared ensemble programs in Bolivia and North America in vastly different socio-economic and culturally varied communities.

Back in Australia, New South Wales Regional Conservatoriums provide comprehensive, non tertiary music education programs for students from early childhood to retirement. Ensemble programs underscore the thrust of these organisations, providing non-musical benefits to the community through involvement in vital, focused, group-music activities.

This lecture will explore the Bolivian experience, compare it with North American models and teas out the potential and the challenges of translating the principles behind these programs to the Australian condition.

I felt inspired by the journey in which Graham has had with the various people involved. We had the opportunity to watch his engagement with several youth groups and hear the talent from some children who were self taught. I look forward to seeing how Graham will progress this idea and strengthen links between the University and the region it serves.

Molong Players - Lost

I had just been at a fundraising event for the Premi-babes association group with my family, when I was approached by a lady called Catherine who informed me that she was playing my character in a play. Of course I was interested, felt a flattered to know that I had become a star in an indirect way. You see Catherine was a cast member in the Molong Players group and she played my character as a Councillor with Orange City Council.
But there was more, the story line linked into a facility that was being built in Molong. Both Mayor John Davis, Cr Dick Niven and myself were working with Cr Farr. Of course the names were changed slightly but it was pretty evident that it was about us as Councillors. The play progressed on with much humour and entertainment.
Mayor John Davis was called to the stage during intermission and was asked to sing a song from the sound of music and laughably well he did. Even though we seemed to be the underhanded stars of the show, you couldn't help but laugh with the commentary and the fantastic performance that the Molong Players put on. Not to mention the amazing talent and truly amazing sing along the audience was engaged in.
I couldn't help but think how lucky the Molong people were to have the talent of these people and the true engagement of their community to bring this event to fruition for several weekends on both Friday and Saturday nights.
Mayor John Davis, myself and our partners felt privileged to be a part of the entertainment as bizarre as it may seem. We were privy to and I must say once again to some extraordinary talent. The people where welcoming and the event was outstanding. I almost wish we could have them perform here in Orange also.
All monies raised from the event go towards supporting the community of Molong and that in itself is highly commendable. We had superb food which was if my memory serves me right was put on by a local playgroup plus the new Gelato company set up in Molong. You cant help but feel the true connection of this community and I cant help going back to the amazing talent!
Just as a reference we did laugh most of the trip back home to Orange while reflecting on the show we had just seen.
Cr Rozzeter also known as Cr Rossiter

Hopefully I may be able to get my hands on some photos from the Molong player soon to show you the resemblance to the actors at this event,
A wow of a night as far as entertainment was concerned!

Cancer Care Western NSW Event

Cancer Care Western NSW is a not for profit organisation that has been set up to raise money for Care West Lodge NSW. You might well be asking what this lodge is for, well it will have a direct link and be supportive to patients requiring Radio-Therapy treatment at our new base hospital for Orange.

The Government has agreed to provide two linear accelerators to Orange therefore allowing country people the chance to be treated in rural NSW. This will of course be beneficial in reducing the amount of time spent travelling to and from Sydney or Canberra. Care West Lodge will be located near the hospital and accommodate those patients who need long stay.

Cancer Care Western NSW has been running for the past two years. Prior to that an Alliance was set up with interested community members. Some of these people are identified in the picture attached to this post. We even went as far as visiting the Radio Therapy unit at Wagga Wagga thanks to MP Russel Turner. I was one of those people that had a real need to engage with the progression of this service for Orange and felt very passionate to evolve a fair and equitable choice for rural and regional people when it came to patient care. It will still be several years before our unit is complete, in the meantime we will continue to fund raise for the accommodation and look forward to the day when it can be utilised.

There was a recent event held at Duntryleague Golf Club which informed people further about the work Cancer Care Western NSW does. If you are reading this post and feel that you could help with a donation or possibly be inclined to run a fundraiser then please do not hesitate to contact me via this post. I would be very happy to speak with you further about this very much needed facility.

"Everybody deserves the right to make a choice about their health care"