The Song Room

05/06/2026

Please donate before June 30. Help ensure that no child misses a beat in their education or in life.

Every Beat Counts - Make Yours Matter. Please donate today!

the-song-room-2026-donations.raiselysite.com/

04/06/2026

Principals & School Leaders: Term 3 is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to secure a Song Room program to support your students through the second half of the year.

Our evidence-based programs are the "secret sauce" for addressing your core school priorities:

- Boost Attendance: High-engagement arts learning that gives students a compelling reason to show up and participate.
- Empower Educators: Supporting your teaching team with high-impact resources and professional mentorship that builds long-term capacity.
- Enhance Wellbeing: Creating safe, inclusive environments where every learner feels a sense of belonging and support.

Sign up now and watch your students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically throughout Term 3 and beyond.

Ready to partner with us? Contact us at songroom.org.au/contact-us/

03/06/2026

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/

02/06/2026

"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

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...

01/06/2026

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.

28/05/2026

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.

27/05/2026

One beat. One Teaching Artist. Many lives changed.

Three in four schools don’t have access to a specialist music teacher, meaning thousands of children miss the creative beats that build confidence, connection and wellbeing.

Song Room Teaching Artists help children step forward, take risks and discover strengths they didn’t know they had. They understand, one small moment of possibility can grow into something much bigger.

Don’t miss a beat. Donate today to help put more Teaching Artists in more classrooms.

the-song-room-2026-donations.raiselysite.com/

26/05/2026

"Reconciliation is not a destination we can claim to have reached - it is an ongoing responsibility grounded in listening, learning and action.

Today on National Sorry Day we honour the strength and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and acknowledge the pain and intergenerational impact caused by the forced removal of children from their families, communities and cultures.

At The Song Room, we stand with First Nations communities in supporting pathways toward Treaty, recognising that without sovereignty, justice and sustained action, we cannot create lasting change.

As an organisation working alongside children, schools, artists and communities across Australia, we remain committed to ensuring young people grow up in a country that values and celebrates First Nations voices, cultures, histories and futures - not just today, but every day."

Alice Gerlach, CEO, The Song Room

26/05/2026

Huge congratulations to the Bulman School and community for such a fantastic turnout and energy during the Guts Touring visit! 🎶
It was a joy to see everyone coming together for a night of live music and connection. We are so proud to support these moments of creative celebration in the region.

A massive thank you to our funder, The Smith Family Katherine, a Facilitating Partner for Communities for Children funded by the Australian Government's Department of Social Services.

25/05/2026

In communities experiencing disadvantage, many students struggle to stay engaged at school. Many miss out on the rich experiences of arts and music at school that motivate and inspire them.

Just one beat can change a student’s experience at school. One moment of creativity can spark confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging.

Every Beat Counts — Make Yours Matter.

Please donate today.

the-song-room-2026-donations.raiselysite.com/