Customers contacting Newcastle Permanent could soon be making the unusual request to remain on hold a little longer, after the customer-owned financial institution refreshed its hold music in support of local Australian artists and long-time Charitable Foundation partner Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD).
The music track For the First Time was produced by a group of young artists brought together through MMAD and Universal Music Australia and is performed by Wamberal-based MMAD Ambassador and 2016 Australia’s Got Talent winner Fletcher Pilon.
Supporting the call from the Australian music industry for businesses to support Australian artists, Newcastle Permanent turned to MMAD to help with the search for a local artist to support.
Under the agreement, the associated music licensing fees have been covered by Newcastle Permanent enabling any revenue made from the use of the song over its telephone network to go straight back into the charitable programs and services MMAD provides to young people throughout Australia.
Co-founder of MMAD, Dominic Brooks, welcomed the partnership and encouraged more local businesses to support and recognise local charities and musicians however they can.
“When we were approached by Newcastle Permanent with their idea I was blown away,” he said.
“What an incredible opportunity to showcase our artists.
“I immediately had a number of possible artists and tracks come to mind, but the track by Pilon is perfect.”
Newcastle Permanent Chief Customer and Product Officer, James Cudmore, said it was a unique way to recognise and reward local artists.
“We’ve wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to support the local artists who’re being mentored by one of our Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation partners, MMAD, and we can do so simply by asking our customers to go on-hold,” he said.
“We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to show support and extend our partnership with MMAD through this innovative agreement and during this challenging time for local artists.”
MMAD recently launched a creative online youth centre called Access All Areas, to empower people under 24 with opportunities, information, mentoring and support networks.
It’s believed to be the first of its kind in Australia and was made possible by a $50,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
Harry Mulholland