The Song Room

Calling all Music Creators and Primary Schools in Western Sydney - Sign up to take part today! 🎶

The Song Room is launching Primary Production NSW, a groundbreaking, fully funded music pilot program coming this Term 3 and 4.

- For Schools: Bring a professional creative team (songwriters, producers, and Teaching Artists) to your school for 2 days. Your students will write, record, and produce an original digital track at no cost to you.
- For Music Creators: Get a paid, fully supported opportunity to mentor the next generation, collaborate with industry peers, and make a massive impact in your local community. Equipment is provided, and spots are strictly limited.

Don't miss out on this industry-first creative experience. Learn More: songroom.org.au/news/primary-production-launch-western-sydney

Primary Production is proudly funded by Sound NSW.

One of the strongest findings in the new case study from Dr Jason Goopy and Edith Cowan University (ECU) on our Deadly Arts program at Huntingdale Primary School and Orelia Primary School is how deeply children expressed belonging through Noongar cultural arts, a powerful reminder during Reconciliation Week of the importance of culture, language and connection in early learning.

Through drawings, Noongar language, stories and sensory, place‑based learning, children showed how they understand emotions, build relationships and connect to Country. Visual narratives reveal how culture and creativity help children feel grounded, confident and proud of who they are.

Explore the findings in Noongar Culture, Arts Learning and Wellbeing Literacy in Early Childhood Education: songroom.org.au/impact/research/

Thank you Lotterywest for your partnership in Deadly Arts in WA.

As we mark the last day of National Reconciliation Week, we’re proud to share a new case study that highlights the impact of culturally grounded arts learning in early childhood.

One child captured the heart of the work: “This is when we were taught how to say sun in Noongar ... This is a smiley face because it made me feel happy."

The study of The Song Room’s Deadly Arts Early Years program on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar, shows how Noongar culture and the arts strengthen children’s wellbeing, identity and learning. This is what happens when culture and creativity sit at the centre of early learning.

Congratulations to the outstanding research team from Edith Cowan University (ECU) and The University of Melbourne; Dr Jason Goopy, Professor Narelle Lemon, Dr Megan McPherson, Dr Libby Jackson‑Barrett and Jacqueline West.

A huge thank you to Lotterywest, Huntingdale Primary School and Orelia Primary School for your generosity and partnership.

Read the case study → songroom.org.au/impact/research/

"This case study is a powerful reminder of why The Song Room's work is so important. When First Nations artists guide children in their learning, something remarkable happens - children find new ways to express who they are and where they belong" - Alice Gerlach, CEO at The Song Room.

Thank you for the publication National Indigenous Times

https://nit.com.au/27-05-2026/24500/new-research-shows-noongar-culture-and-arts-boosts-wellbeing-literacy-in-early-childhood-education

New research shows Noongar culture and arts boosts wellbeing literacy in early childhood education Key points:- Noongar language, dance and arts has strengthened young children's ability to talk about their wellbeing- The joint ECU - University of Melbourne research examined the work of The Song Ro...

Thank you so much to Geelong Community Foundation for having us last week at the Community Grant Gala! It was such a special evening where we got the chance to meet with other organisations doing incredible work within the community, as well as connecting with the individuals and donors who make it all possible. We are so grateful to be able to continue bringing joy, connection and creativity through our programs to help young people thrive.

Today we share an important leadership update for The Song Room. After a decade of distinguished leadership and national advocacy for arts education, Anthony (Tony) Mackay AM has completed his tenure as Chair. Tony’s steady, generous and visionary guidance has strengthened our educational focus, encouraged purposeful innovation and elevated our national voice.

We recently gathered with our Board, colleagues and friends to honour his contribution and the impact he has had on the communities we serve.

We are also delighted to welcome Matthew Deeble as our new Chair. Matt brings deep experience across the private, public and not‑for‑profit sectors, with a strong background in education technology and innovation. His strategic clarity and commitment to evidence‑informed practice will guide our next chapter.

We thank Tony for his extraordinary leadership and warmly welcome Matt as we look to the future.