We, the undersigned residents, parents, students, educators, musicians, alumni, and supporters of music education in the Illawarra, call for urgent action to protect community music programs and restore the community music leadership that has helped shape generations of musicians in our region.

We are deeply concerned by the recent decision of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music to make five full-time community music leadership positions redundant, along with a number of casual staff, resulting in the suspension of several community music programs, including school band programs.

These decisions affect far more than individual staff members or isolated programs. They have a profound impact on music education, public schools, children, families, community ensembles, and the cultural life of Wollongong as a whole.

For decades, community music programs delivered through the Conservatorium have provided children with their first experiences of music, created pathways for lifelong learning, fostered creativity and confidence, and built meaningful connections across our community. Programs such as CHIME, transition and beginner instrumental programs, school band support, festivals, community bands, and ensembles have become an essential part of Wollongong's cultural identity.

The educators and leaders who have dedicated their careers to these programs are much more than employees. They are mentors, advocates, champions of public music education, festival organisers, community builders, and trusted guides for thousands of young musicians. Their knowledge, leadership, relationships, and commitment cannot simply be replaced.

Many families have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary contribution these leaders have made. They have worked tirelessly—often beyond the scope of their formal duties—to create opportunities for students, support schools, strengthen community ensembles, and ensure music remained accessible to all.

We Call For:
1. The reinstatement of community music leadership positions that have been made redundant.
2. The restoration and protection of school band programs and community music initiatives that have been suspended or placed at risk.
3. Transparent communication regarding the financial and strategic decisions that led to these redundancies and program cuts.
4. Meaningful consultation with students, families, schools, staff, community ensembles, and stakeholders before any further changes are made.
5. A renewed commitment to community-focused music education, ensuring pathways remain available from Early Childhood CHIME through to community bands, orchestras, choirs, and ensembles.
6. Strong accountability for the use of public funding, ensuring resources are directed toward accessible, high-quality community music opportunities.
7. A community forum or public consultation process to allow residents, students, parents, educators, and musicians to contribute to the future direction of community music in Wollongong.

Our Message
Wollongong cannot afford to lose the people who have dedicated decades of service to building our music community.
Their work is not only part of our history—it is essential to our future.

Please join us in this crucial effort to preserve the spirit and quality of music education at Wollongong Conservatorium. Please sign this petition to restore the community music leadership that truly embodies the heart of the Con. Together, we can safeguard a vibrant hub of culture, learning, and inspiration for generations to come.

Sign this petition today to show your support for the true heart of the Wollongong Conservatorium.