Youngsters from Coen’s Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy (CYAAA) will soon be sounding out some fresh tunes, with the Palaszczuk Government purchasing $10,000 worth of new musical instruments for the school.
Making the announcement in Coen today, Member for Cook Cynthia Lui called the investment “transformational” for children in the town.
“Picking up an instrument and making music with friends is a wonderful way for children to learn, connect, create and express their unique creativity,” Ms Lui said.
“Students will be able to use the instruments at school and take them home for practice, giving them plenty of opportunity to shape their skills and find their passion for music.”
The state government’s local Ministerial Champion, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick, said the resources will be put to good use.
“After hearing about the school’s need for more musical instruments during a previous visit to Coen, I’m pleased to return with this great news,” Mr Dick said.
“This $10,000 investment will allow CYAAA to purchase many items on the school’s musical wish list, including percussion, keyboard and wind instruments.”
CYAAA Principal Naomi Gibb said the Queensland Government funding will allow the school to expand its music program, delivering great benefits for the school’s 34 students.
“Music and learning to play an instrument can provide a range of positive outcomes for children, including brain development, promoting self-esteem, confidence, listening and focus, creativity and relieving stress,” Ms Gibb said.
“Our students are actively engaged in learning about their instruments and music, and have recently participated in the Queensland Music Festival band camp on the Atherton Tablelands, and joined other students from Coen, Hope Vale and Aurukun in a performance for the opening of the Yarrabah Music Festival.”
Mr Dick’s visit to CYAAA coincides with a Queensland Reconstruction Authority Schools Program event, with the QRA team putting on disaster preparedness activities for students.
“During these visits, students learn about the unpredictable nature of Queensland’s weather and how to prepare for common disasters such as storms, floods, cyclones and bushfires,” Mr Dick said.
“Queensland communities are all too familiar with the destruction that natural disasters can bring, so programs like this are vital for strengthening community resilience here in the Far North, especially among our young people.”
