Murray Conservatorium of Music secures major grant

The Murray Conservatorium of Music building in Albury will be preserved for further generations following the awarding of a $468,325 grant from the NSW Government for repairs and upgrades to the historic structure.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has awarded the grant under its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) program. The funding will support a range of improvements to the Dean Street building including:

• Repairs to the original floorboards to ensure they are safe for future use, and new carpet.
• Upgrading of the upstairs bathroom.
• Installation of a new verandah off one of the teaching rooms.
• Installation of acoustic panels to reduce noise in the drum studios.
• Solar panels for the building to reduce power bills and boost the environmental sustainability of the heritage building.

The Murray Conservatorium will provide a further $453,900 co-contribution to purchase equipment and conduct community music programs, focusing on engaging marginalised residents, senior concert attendees, and people living with mental and physical health issues.

An on-site concert series is planned, school programs, public workshops, and accessible excursions to the conservatorium for people with special needs.

The Dean Street building was originally built in the 1880s, housing the electric telephone exchange and Telegraph Office, then later a Trades School and Technical College, with the conservatorium moving into the facility in 1983.

Crown Lands Director of Programs and Partnerships Janelle Pearson said:

“These Albury grants are part of $14.578 million that has been offered by the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund statewide to support 144 projects.

“The Murray Conservatorium of Music is a regional icon that has for more than 40 years taught music skills to thousands of regional students.”

Murray Conservatorium of Music CEO Jenny O’Hara said:

"We thank the NSW Government for backing the conservatorium’s role as an important cultural institution and helping ensure regional music education can prosper in safe and secure accommodation.

“This significant investment to upgrade the building will ensure the conservatorium can continue to nurture local talent and foster musical education and cultural enrichment in the Albury region for people of all ages and backgrounds.”