Texas community takes on musical program

Goondiwindi Regional Council Councillors O’Shea and Springborg were pleased to today attend an official handover of 32 musical instruments to Texas State School. 

The school, with the support of local music teacher Maple Egerton, is now preparing to introduce a string music program.  

“On behalf of the Council and the Texas community, I wish to thank Topology and the instrument donors for their generous donation,” Mayor of Goondiwindi Region, The Honourable Councillor Lawrence Springborg AM said.

“Good quality stringed instruments makes a difference to student success and demonstrates that the community supports them in their musical pursuits.”

“The school is already known for its commitment to music education and this new string program will take the musical opportunities available to Texas students to the next level.”

Today’s event goers were treated to a performance by local children and visiting artists.

The initiative came about because of the relationships built during a four-day music bootcamp in November 2020 funded by Goondiwindi Regional Council’s RADF program.  The November bootcamp included local residents performing songs they learned at the camp, as well as showcasing musical workshops from school students.

Topology Creative Director, Christa Powell, initiated the donation of stringed instruments for the program. As it stands, 32 instruments have been donated to the Texas community from across the country including the Northern Territory, to the value of $15,000. This is part of the Topology Growing Creative Communities program which provides support and opportunities for children and communities in regional and rural towns.

“I know that Topology is continuing to work with the school and local communities to deliver another Creative Bootcamp later this year, and I personally want to say how much I appreciate the creative opportunities you are bringing to our region,” Cr Phil O’Shea said.

In addition to Topology, Council’s RADF program has supported many cultural events across the region including the Festival of Small Halls in Texas, Inglewood’s Children’s Theatre, Opera in the Gardens, Expressive Arts Week and numerous other events and activities.  With the impacts of COVID-19 the 2020-21 RADF budget has increased and we encourage anyone with an arts or cultural activity to apply.”

For more information on RADF grant please visit https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/residents/donations-grants/radf