The current NBCA President Mr Robert Bedwell has received an honorary Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia as announced by Australia’s Governor General.
Robert, who has served the band world in various state and national positions, was given a citation as follows:
Mr Robert Anthony BEDWELL
For service to the community through the Central Coast
Concert Band and to mentoring young musicians.
The NBCA executive and Councillors join with the band community in congratulating Robert with this recognition received.
A new book detailing the history of the Canberra City Band has been recently released to the public. Written by William Hoffmann OAM and John Sharpe the work highlights the unique place in Australia’s history this long serving group has forged from its earliest days as Ben Chiffley’s baby to the current day.
Established in 1925, the Canberra City Band is believed to be Australia’s oldest community concert band. It was formed as a brass band for the workers constructing the federal capital and became Canberra’s official band supported by Prime Minister Ben Chiffley.
The book is a fascinating and interesting read to both band people and history buffs alike and contains some wonderful facts and stories that will fascinate the reader. It depicts the history of some marvellously dedicated people who have made a significant contribution to the life of Australia’s national capital. A wonderful read and a book of real significance.
Copies can be obtained via the band’s web site www.canberracityband.com
The NBCA contest regulation changes which were approved at the July annual conference have been posted in the revised 2014 NBCA Yearbook which will be applicable at the 2014 National Championship to be held in Brisbane over the Easter weekend in 2014.
While the alterations are mainly administrative in nature it would be advisable for band administrators and secretaries to familiarize themselves with the requirements that apply when submitting entries for bands and soloists for 2014.
The alterations adopted came about after much consideration by state bodies and debate by Councillors at the Brisbane conference and are designed to resolve issues that have become apparent in recent times. A wider explanation of the adopted changes can be ascertained by consulting the 2013 conference minutes which are also posted here.
The NBCA AGM and annual conference which was held in Brisbane on July 19th to 21st proved to be a busy time for the Councillors and executive.
The election of the executive, with the retirement of President Kevin Cameron and Vice President Geoff Fry OAM, resulted in Robert Bedwell being appointed as President and David Peters being appointed to the office of Vice President for the next two years. Robert and David bring a great deal of experience to the positions and their appointments were met with suitable acclaim by the Councillors.
The conference received a detailed report from the hosting committee of the Perth 2013 Championships and the Council extended warm congratulations on the successful staging of an excellent event.
A detailed report was also presented on the preparations for the 2014 Championships to be held in Brisbane.
Motions presented at the conference from State bodies were debated at length with a result that some changes have occurred to the regulations that govern the Championships. These are detailed in the conference minutes now posted on the web site and will be included in the alterations and additions in the 2014 Yearbook which will be posted to the NBCA website shortly.
The National Band Council of Australia is a representative body formed by agreement of the Australian State Governing Bodies which represent the six Australian States. It is incorporated under the relevant New South Wales legislation.
The NBCA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and to their Elders past, present and emerging.
The current NBCA President Mr Robert Bedwell has received an honorary Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia as announced by Australia’s Governor General.
A new book detailing the history of the Canberra City Band has been recently released to the public. Written by William Hoffmann OAM and John Sharpe the work highlights the unique place in Australia’s history this long serving group has forged from its earliest days as Ben Chiffley’s baby to the current day.
The NBCA contest regulation changes which were approved at the July annual conference have been posted in the revised 2014 NBCA Yearbook which will be applicable at the 2014 National Championship to be held in Brisbane over the Easter weekend in 2014.