By Adam Coad
The simple goal is this: everyone in the world playing an instrument.
There are piles upon piles of research showing that music is one of the most powerful things we can do for our brains; increasing wellbeing, our sense of connection, and community. So the question becomes, how do we build a framework that actually makes this possible? And where do we find the support to bring it to life?
In my high school teaching work I’ve been lucky to help grow vibrant, inclusive music programs. One of my passion projects is the Music Mentoring Program which encourages older instrumental music students to work with younger musicians, teaching, rehearsing, and sharing the joy of music. It builds leadership, confidence, and real connection across age groups. I plan to expand this to more schools and hopefully into aged care settings as well.
I strongly believe every high school music program should be supported to connect with their local primary schools and older communities, creating ecosystems where students teach, learn, and perform together. If you’re someone who can help make that vision a reality, I’d love to connect.
That vision of connection through music is exactly what’s driving a new initiative in Yarraville.
On Friday July 18, from 5pm–8pm, the Yarraville Senior Citizens Centre / Trugo Club Community Hall, with the help of Kindred Studios, will come alive as the newly reimagined Yarraville Social Hall, hosting its first dinner and show event. The goal is to build a regular monthly series, creating a warm, welcoming space where people can gather over beautiful food, and world class local live original music.
This upcoming event features an incredible lineup: dinner by local chef James Cornwall, with live performances from Rebecca Barnard and Billy Miller, Ray Pereira and Shane O’Mara. as well as a screening and exhibition of Ash Davies’ latest project, Gold.
Entry is free, with a community hour to kick things off, and food designed to be shared. If you’d like to experience James Cornwall’s menu, it’s recommended to pre-purchase tickets via the event link.
This activation has been made possible through Maribyrnong Council’s ‘Love Your West’ grants. The first gigs at Cornershop and in the space outside Alfa under the plane trees, have been so beautiful! The feeling in the room (and outdoor space) has been genuinely special, people connecting, listening, sharing, and being reminded of what live music can do. I’m incredibly grateful to Maribyrnong Council for backing the idea, and to the Yarraville community for showing up and supporting it.
Looking ahead, there’s also an exciting collaboration with the Inner West Strings Orchestra at the Sun Theatre on Monday August 24, which will act as a fundraiser to secure a high-quality PA system. The goal is for that system to live in the community hall, while also being portable enough to support live music throughout Yarraville Village, making it easier and more affordable for venues to host performances and contribute to a thriving local culture.
People need the medicine of live music, now more than ever, and when you put world class local music and food together, two of the most powerful ways we gather and connect, you get something that feels pretty close to magic.
