PRESS RELEASE

10 December 2009

CONSERVATORIUM FINALLY A REALITY!

The vision of a Regional Conservatorium on the MNC is finally to become a reality.

The Board of Conservatorium Mid North Coast (CMNC) has just received notification from the Department of Education and Training that they have been allocated seed funding for twelve months to establish CMNC and prepare it for inclusion into the NSW Association of Regional Conservatoriums.  The money will largely be used to pay the salary of a Project Officer who will coordinate the establishment of the new “Con” under the guidance of the Board of Management.

“This has been five years in the planning and we could not have a better Christmas present!” said Chair of the Board Leigh Vaughan.  The vision for the Conservatorium is to provide equitable access for people of all ages to music of all genres, and music education in the full range of instruments and voices across the region, with a focus on musical excellence. It will operate over three Local Government Areas (LGAs)  –Great Lakes, Greater Taree and Port Macquarie Hastings.

The Mid North Coast is one of the fastest growing areas of the State and there is an urgent need here for a Regional Conservatorium of Music to provide opportunities for students of all ages and their teachers to further their learning and develop their musicianship.

CMNC will not initially be a bricks and mortar institution. The model that seems to suit this situation at the present is of a central administration - agreed to be Taree - encouraging all existing teachers and their studios to become accredited with the “Con” and then drawing in other experienced teachers (in instruments not being taught at the moment) and tutors to operate in the various centres. It is also feasible that satellite support office spaces (access to internet, desk space etc) in the other LGAs will be sought.

Support from all schools on the MNC is crucial as Regional Conservatoriums are funded by the Special Projects Department of the NSW Department of Education and Training and very close links need to be formed amongst all the schools with CMNC and its tutors. Involvement will also occur with existing performing ensembles both in the schools and in the communities. The Great Lakes Learning Community has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CMNC and support from school organisations in other LGAs is in the process of being formalised

“I would like to acknowledge the support of Richard Holloway of Arts Mid North Coast who has supported us from the very beginning, first as an auspicing body, then later with legal framework, and encouragement” said Leigh.

“I also acknowledge the other members of the Board who have worked so hard to bring this dream to a reality. We have written funding applications, we have written policy documents and business plans, become incorporated and developed a constitution. We have surveyed music teachers and large numbers of students in all areas.  All the necessary, time consuming paper work needed to establish a Regional Conservatorium is ready, and all prepared by volunteers.  We are now ready to hand over establishment and day to day operation to a paid administrator and that is where the funding comes in.”

In the early days, support chapters were formed in each of three Local Government Areas – Great Lakes, Greater Taree, and Port Macquarie Hastings which are each supported by their own council. These Chapters will continue to play an important role in the growth of the “Con”.

Representative from each Chapter were elected to form the inaugural Regional Board of Conservatorium Mid North Coast. Current members now are:

Port Macquarie Hastings: Greg Cook (treasurer) and Brian Corrigan (minutes secretary)

Greater Taree: Rob Stephens, Cate Jeffree and Elizabeth Berry

Great Lakes: John Davies (secretary) Vincent Jensen and Leigh Vaughan (chair)

This Board will continue to manage CMNC and support its administrator, as well as providing guidance and accountability.

“CMNC is now ready to begin as a unique and dynamic organisation which will service the musical life of the whole of the lower MNC, though with apologies to Winston Churchill, this is just the End of the Beginning.” said Leigh. “Now the real work begins!”

All questions and for any further information please contact:

Chair CMNC Leigh Vaughan

H         6555 7489

M -       0417 289 077

E         leighv@tpg.com.au

E         leighv@tpg.com.a