While the band is backed by a handful of local sponsors and holds fundraising events throughout the year, finances make a significant difference to the band’s ability to travel to competitions.

The brass band is known across the country for its talent and high calibre, regularly winning awards at competitions including the Yamaha National Band Championships.

Sponsor Kevin Keating of Keating’s Bus Service has been lugging around players and instruments since the 1980s, earning him an honorary position in the band family. 

“We think the band is fantastic,” Mr Keating said.

“We’ve witnessed the talent of the children and want to be a part of fostering those talents.”

President of the band committee, Will Heath, said the band was actively involved in the local community, performing at events such as Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and the Gunnedah Show.

Mr Heath said the band is an “institution” and a significant part of Gunnedah’s culture.

“It's good for the kids because they can get a musical education in Gunnedah through the brass band far easier and cheaper than they would in any big metropolitan centre and it's largely because of Lawrence [Rowe] and his family and the parents who have backed the band through fundraising activities over the year,” he said.

While they are in the band, Mr Heath said the youth are “expected to give back”.

“It's being part of a team,” he said.

“They have to turn up and put in. 

“They can really see the results of what they've put in when they do well at competitions.”

Mr Heath was a member of the band back in the 1980s when the first master took the reins. Current band master Laurence Rowe is active in encouraging young people to become part of the band, visiting primary schools to give the kids a taste of the band’s passion for music.

Anyone wishing to support the band can contact Linda Newell on 0410 491 455 or email admin@gunnedahshireband.com.au