It may be a small school with just 34 students, but Kulnura Public School is big on creativity and community spirit.
Last year, with the help and support of the hard-working P&C, led by parent and passionate music advocate/part-time high school music teacher Bethany Gosbee, an old unused classroom was transformed into a performing arts room where a whole-school musical involving every child was staged.
“In small rural schools like ours, access to the arts can be incredibly limited,” Gosbee said.
“We’ve made it a priority to create opportunities right here on-site, ensuring every child – regardless of background or skill level – can experience the joy and growth that music offers.”
So, when Yamaha Music Australia announced that Kulnura Public School was a recipient of the annual Great Start Grant, it was a game-changer.
The Great Start Grant aims to bridge the gaps of music education in schools across the country, providing schools with state-of-the-art Yamaha instruments, mentorship and educational resources.
Kulnura is currently working closely with a Yamaha drum specialist to finalise a tailored list of equipment that will best support their emerging performing arts program.
The grant will enable the school to acquire quality drum kits and essential hardware, as well as additional untuned percussion that will increase engagement and access for all students.
Grant recipients were selected through a competitive application process assessed by a panel of music educators and industry professionals.
Each application was evaluated on the clarity and purpose of the school’s music program goals, the identified need and potential impact of the grant, the level of staff and community engagement and the sustainability and long-term vision for music education
Final decisions involved careful deliberation from the panel of music educators and industry professionals to ensure the grants would make the greatest possible difference to students and communities across Australia.
Yamaha Grant Awarded
Kulnura stood out for its remarkable community-driven approach to building music education opportunities despite considerable challenges.
The panel was inspired by the school’s creativity, determination, and commitment to equity, proving that with the right support, even the smallest school can dream big and make a lasting impact.
“The instruments from the Yamaha grant will be the beating heart of a new weekly percussion ensemble that we’re planning to launch in our recently upgraded performing arts space,” Gosbee said.
“This will hopefully go on to form the foundation of a broader band program that we’re building step by step.”
The instruments won’t be locked away, they’ll be set up permanently on stage in our performing arts room, ready to use for ensemble rehearsals, classroom music, instrumental lessons through PMI Central Coast (who the school has recently engaged with), school concerts and potentially even joint performances with other local schools.
“This grant is a game-changer for us,” Gosbee said.
“It fast-tracks what would have taken years of P&C fundraising, and supports us in being able to give our kids an active, hands-on music experience right now.
“The Yamaha grant helps us take the next big step – supporting us in establishing a sustainable, inclusive music program that brings kids together through rhythm and collaboration.
“We’re especially excited that our new ensemble will be led by a highly experienced music conductor who recently joined our parent community, and in time we hope to open the door for other local schools to get involved too through our before and after school care program.
“This is about more than just instruments — it’s about giving regional kids a creative voice and a space to shine.”
