Arabic version: برامج الموسيقى المجتمعية تسعى إلى تمويل مستقر

According to ABC News, community music programs in regional Victoria can provide connection, skills and mental-health support for young people, but advocates say they need more reliable funding to continue and expand.

Campbell Nicholson, who plays trombone with a community band in Warragul, said playing an instrument allows him to leave other worries behind. He said the group had become a buffer against stress as school became more difficult, offering friendships and the experience of making music collaboratively.

Gippsland music teacher Malcolm McCaffery said regional music education was fragmented, with many schools unable to dedicate teaching hours to music and private tuition carrying high costs. He runs bands and jam sessions in school and community settings, saying young people respond strongly to music and can develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills through learning an instrument.

Edith Cowan University senior lecturer in music education Jason Goopy said community programs can connect regional young people with music in safe settings. Research he led earlier this year examined benefits for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including mental wellbeing and life skills. He said funding and support were necessary for programs to keep operating.

Community Music Victoria program manager Nicki Johnson said it was difficult to know how many groups operated across the state, but the organisation linked groups and offered advice on funding opportunities, which were mostly sporadic grants. Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward said the government was investing more than $1 billion this year to support artists and funds organisations that enable participation in creative activities.