Hi everyone,
Thank you again for standing up to support the TAFE Cairns music department. The response to the petition showed just how much our community values music education, pathways, and a thriving local scene. WE NOW HAVE OVER 1,000 SIGNATURES!
While the proposed closure has raised serious concerns, it has also sparked something important: a renewed push to strengthen and future-proof the FNQ music ecosystem.
Artist-led FNQ Music Association
As a direct response to these challenges, a group of local artists, industry workers, and community leaders have come together to begin forming a region-wide, artist-led FNQ Music Association.
On Monday 23 March, the FNQ music community gathered for a soft launch of this initiative. Together, we explored a shared vision for a more connected, supported, and sustainable music sector across Far North Queensland.
Why this matters
Over the past few years — and especially in light of the TAFE situation — the same needs keep coming up:
- Clearer career pathways for artists
- More access to skills development and training
- Stronger advocacy for the sector
- Better connection across the region
- Safer, more sustainable working conditions
- Support that includes regional and First Nations artist
A formal FNQ Music Association could help deliver:
- Workshops, mentoring, and industry development
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
- Stronger advocacy at local and state levels
- Shared resources and better communication across the sector
We want your input
We’re currently gathering feedback to help shape what this organisation becomes — including its structure, priorities, and how it represents the community.
👉 Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and have your say:
https://forms.gle/en7RUCLJj6FfXfqV6
Survey closes at the end of April
This is a chance to move from reacting to challenges — like the loss of training pathways — to building something sustainable, community-led, and future-focused.
Your voice helped highlight the problem. Now it can help shape the solution.
Thank you again for your support — and for being part of FNQ’s music community.
Warm regards,
Ashleigh Lawrence, Melissa Robertson, Sky Rixon and Julie Frederiksen