STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has secured $22,260 in NSW Government funding towards the Tenterfield Highlanders Pipe Band Incorporated’s renewal project.
Ms Saffin, who also made a small donation to cover the band’s office equipment, thanked NSW Premier Chris Minns for approving the substantive funding which can be used to buy new equipment, including musical instruments and uniforms.
“The Tenterfield Highlanders, part of the fabric of the Tenterfield community for over 40 years, late last year briefed me on how it was entering a new phase of rebuilding,” Ms Saffin said.
“The band is the only musical band in the Tenterfield Shire and performs, mostly at no cost, at community events throughout the Shire and beyond at events such as the Glen Innes Celtic Festival.
“The band is actively recruiting new band members, re-engaging with past members and reaching out to new residents who have moved to Tenterfield and would like to learn the pipes and drums. Tuition is free and all equipment is supplied.”
Tenterfield Highlanders Pipe Band President and Drum Major Patrick Pickett CSM has written to thank Ms Saffin for her support, describing the funding boost as ‘significant’ and ‘beyond what we could have hoped for’.
“Tonight, I was able to inform the members of the band of the success and there was a very shocked and ecstatic response from the members,” Mr Pickett wrote.
“Things within our business plan for the band that were only aspirational a week ago can now move much closer to reality.
“… Music adds so much to many of our community events and it also brings joy to so many people. We will continue to strive towards enhancing our involvement with Tenterfield and district.”
More equipment is needed as the Tenterfield Highlanders grows its membership.
The band’s ongoing fundraising campaign has the strong support of the Tenterfield Lions Club, Tenterfield Rotary Club, Tenterfield Chamber of Tourism, Industry and Business, and Tenterfield High School.
Photo caption: Lismore MP Janelle Saffin met band members at Tenterfield’s School of Arts during the Autumn Festival as they prepared to perform during Anzac Day services in Tenterfield and Wallangarra. Pictured from left are Pipe Major Narelle Besseling, Nate Lockwood, Drum Major Patrick Pickett CSM, Barry Bicknell and Reid Lockwood.
