City Plays Instrumental Role in Music Academy Launch

“The City of Mount Gambier has played a critical role in the establishment of the James Morrison Academy of Music and our role was pivotal in supporting the initiative” said Mayor Steve Perryman.  The City has worked in partnership with the Academy and the State Government including supporting the Academy’s pitch to State Cabinet to ensure the establishment of the Academy in Mount Gambier.

Mayor Perryman highlighted Council’s continuous support for Generations in Jazz that has created a focus on Mount Gambier and a logical location for the Music Academy.  This is a first for regional Australia and we are excited by the potential of the Academy and the benefits to the City and Region.  Mayor Perryman noted that the Academy could have located anywhere in Australia or even overseas, but Mount Gambier was identified as the preferred location and we will all benefit.

In addition to educating the nation’s next generation of jazz performers the James Morrison Academy of Music will add to the community through increased vibrancy and economic diversity of our regional city.  Once fully established it is anticipated the Academy will have upwards of 300 students plus a significant number of support staff, lecturers and music specialists from Australia and around the world.  This will shine the spotlight on Mount Gambier, not just for the Jazz academy but as a robust, attractive and cultural regional city.

Mayor Perryman noted the direct and indirect, social and economic benefit to the City.  The potential is significant, direct financial benefits certainly but also importantly a source of vibrancy and cultural development.  The Mayor highlighted the Academy’s focus on embracing and integrating with the broad community and there will be ongoing partnerships between Council and the Academy to maximize community involvement.  The Council will work with James Morrison to explore and implement a range of activities so the total community benefits.

The Music Academy represents the latest development in an expanding education sector that includes the significant expansion of UniSA with a new $12.5 million building to open early 2016.  Both will benefit from the ultra high speed optic fibre link currently being installed that will connect the Mount Gambier education sector to Australia and the world.  It is envisaged that once operational UniSA will be able to provide a much wider range of courses for students, those moving straight from school and experienced workers seeking to gain formal qualifications.

The Academy has more firmly positioned Mount Gambier “on the map” and we need to ensure that as a community we embrace and all gain in its social and economic benefits.