The Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and Music for Canberra are working together to improve the learning outcomes for children across the region through a free educational music program.
The weekly program, titled Music Play, engages children aged from three to seven years in activities that spark creativity, encourage gross and fine motor skills, and help build social skills.
For 45 minutes each Wednesday morning for the duration of school terms, children are invited to a warm, welcoming space inside the usually quiet Queanbeyan Library to make as much noise as they can. They can break all the rules as they dance, sing, and make new friends.
Warmly received by members of the community, Music Play is funded through the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiatives.
The Queanbeyan-Palerang Council’s Community Development Officer, Cristina De Jongh says they hope the program will instill a lifelong love of music and arts in the children who participate. They also hope it will help to increase a strong sense of community, both with the children and the parent or carer they bring along.
“Early exposure to music plays an integral role in developing children’s literacy and creativity and having these sessions in our library is a fantastic way to build community connections,” Ms De Jongh says.
Music for Canberra, a not-for-profit community focused organisation enriches the lives of people of ability in the region through its musical education programs. CEO of Music for Canberra, Shane Dobbin, says they have been thrilled by the response of the latest collaboration.
“We are very excited by the positive response from families to our Music Play class and look forward to further musical collaborations with QPRC and the region in the near future,” she says.
Although the program is free, bookings are encouraged; sessions are set to continue running each week until the end of term two next year.
Encourage a love of music, community and creativity with your child at Music Play each Wednesday at Queanbeyan Library; eventbrite.com.au
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