I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
It is such a pleasure to be with you all in Orange – a wonderful part of New South Wales that’s about to be made even better with the construction of the new Orange Regional Conservatorium and Planetarium.
As some of you might know, music has always played a big part in my life. While I don’t play an instrument, I understand the power of music to bring us together and to lift us up. It helps us feel the highs, and it helps us make sense of the lows.
Music is one of the most central parts of the human experience. In the words of one of my great predecessors, Paul Keating: “Our DNA is wired for music.”
And I know just how much an education in music can expand and enhance the mind, and make you a more creative and flexible thinker, whether you’re a child or your childhood’s a little bit behind you.
The conservatorium is currently teaching 1400 students, ranging in age from young children to local residents in their 80s.
But you’re definitely ready for a new home with a bit more space. The location where we are today is right at the main entrance to the new conservatorium.
There are plans for a 275-seat auditorium, which aims to create a state-of-the-art music performance space, rivalling any similar venue in regional NSW.
There will be 40 new purpose-built practice, teaching and rehearsal studios, aimed at meeting the huge demand for teaching music to local children and adults.
And in a great example of aiming high, there will also be a 65-seat planetarium. It’s a perfect fit for Orange, which is on the astronomical highway to both Parkes – home of the famous radio telescope – and Siding Springs near Coonabarabran.
A conservatorium and a planetarium – this place truly will be full of stars.
This will be a major boost to the cultural life of Orange. I’m delighted that the Government I have the privilege of leading has joined forces with the New South Wales Government to invest in it.
I look forward to the opening.