Gunnedah-based MLC Sarah Mitchell  mentioned the conservatorium on Thursday when she outlined how the state government is supporting music education through the Regional Conservatoriums Grants Program.

Minister Mitchell said the program is funding 18 conservatoriums, with almost $7 million allocated to regional conservatoriums, including Gunnedah Conservatorium.

“On a personal level, I have also experienced firsthand the great things that conservatoriums can bring to regional communities,” she said in parliament.

“For a long time, my daughter Annabelle has attended early childhood music classes at the Gunnedah Conservatorium. The classes have helped her both developmentally and socially.

“I make special mention of her fantastic teacher Julia Rennick, who all of the children in Gunnedah adore. She does a lot of work with early childhood services in the town.

“I know this is the case in many other regional communities and as Minister for Early Childhood Education, it is particularly pleasing to see when these experiences are offered to children in our many services across the state.”

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Minister Mitchell said conservatoriums “give the local community a chance to participate in the arts”.

“We in the country love the arts. Regional people want to have a vibrant cultural community, and conservatoriums make that possible. Again, to use a local example, in Gunnedah they have recently finished a sellout run of the musical Chicago using all local talent,” she said.

“It was a fantastic production. I acknowledge the main cast: Tammy Clark, Alison Stewart, Ben Hennessey, Jamie Brown, Kate Pinn and others. I also acknowledge Director Larni Christie, Musical Director Emma Kersley, and Director of the Gunnedah Conservatorium Rebecca Ryan.

“Productions like that are exactly why the government's investment in regional conservatoriums is a sound investment in our regional communities and their future.”