“I’ve seen firsthand, time and time again, how music sparks creativity and imagination. Music underpins the resilience and determination that many Australian kids need to overcome the challenges that life throws at them. The power of music can never be underestimated. A world without a music education is now a real one. The Australian Children’s Music Foundation works to redress this. Since we started in 2002 we have grown into a national organisation that has delivered free weekly music lessons and instruments to many thousands of disadvantaged and Indigenous children in schools and juvenile justice centres every year, across Australia. Our strength and many successes lie in our passion and our commitment. Our programs are conducted on a regular basis – and all of our music specialists have forged long-term bonds in the schools and justice centres in which they teach. All our programs run for a minimum of three years, allowing real and lasting change to happen. We are continually growing, distributing more instruments and developing programs in urban, regional and remote communities right across the country. This year we plan to extend our reach, and develop our music therapy programs into a number of children’s hospitals. The ACMF faces a constant funding challenge as each program we deliver costs approximately $35,000 per year. Our sustainability is dependent on a patchwork of funding sources including corporate partners, private trusts and foundations, and individual benefactors. Every dollar donated, helps us to change young lives.”

~DON SPENCER OAM, FOUNDER & CEO