As Sing&Grow celebrates 25 years of strengthening family connections through music, it is also an opportunity to recognise the talented and dedicated people who have helped shape what the program looks like today. Few people embody that commitment more than Lorna, whose two-decade journey with Sing&Grow reflects the passion, expertise and purpose that sits at the heart of the program.
Lorna's path to music therapy began with a love of music and teaching. As a musician and educator, she was searching for a way to combine her skills with meaningful impact.
"I was a musician and teaching at the time, but I wanted to do something else with music for a career and the more I learned about music therapy, the more inspired I became," she said.
Her Sing&Grow story began in 2004 as a student on placement under the supervision of Sing&Grow pioneer Kate Williams. At that time, Lorna imagined her future would be in a hospital setting. A community placement with Sing&Grow changed everything.
"Once I'd experienced the impact of music therapy for families in the community, I was passionate about the sector and knew that's where I wanted to be."
Over the past 20 years, Lorna has witnessed significant change across the organisation. She has seen new leadership teams, evolving organisational structures and multiple changes to the Australian Government department responsible for funding the program. Through it all, she says one thing has remained constant.
"Sing&Grow has gone from strength to strength, developing an evidence base, then expanding upon that in response to emerging needs. The culture that has underpinned the project the whole time has been a deep commitment to supporting communities through high quality program delivery in every aspect."
That commitment is grounded in the unique power of music to create connection. For Lorna, music therapy is much more than singing songs. It is about strengthening relationships, building resilience and supporting families through life's challenges.
"Music itself is accessible, engaging and evocative. Purposefully using the elements of music in relational ways creates possibilities for families, strengthening relationships and, in turn, resilience in the face of adversity."
"We don't have the resources to change the systems that create disadvantage, but we can support families to weather the storms. In this way, we're supporting the next generation to have a better chance in life and literally building stronger communities."
After many years delivering services directly to families, Lorna stepped away from Sing&Grow in 2022 to lead the development and management of Play Matters Australia's inclusion portfolio. The move allowed her to apply her expertise on a broader scale, driving innovation and improving inclusion across the organisation.
Yet Sing&Grow remained close to her heart.
"It provided a natural progression out of service delivery and an opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience to direct innovations in the inclusion space. But then I came home to Sing&Grow again to take a turn at steering this vibrant, raucous ship of ours!"
Today, as part of the leadership team, Lorna's role spans strategic projects, mentoring and supporting teams, and collaborating across Play Matters Australia to strengthen outcomes for children and families nationwide.
When asked what she is most proud of, her answer reflects the collaborative spirit that has defined Sing&Grow for 25 years.
"Being part of something epic. Sing&Grow is more than any individual. It's a living project that has had touchpoints with so many amazing music therapists and other key people, and it just continues to grow and develop."
Looking back on the program's remarkable journey, Lorna sums up 25 years of Sing&Grow in three powerful words:
Growth. Passion. Equity.
Those words capture not only the evolution of the program, but also the dedication of the people who have made it possible.
As Sing&Grow celebrates this milestone anniversary, Lorna's story reminds us that lasting impact is built by skilled and committed people who believe in the power of connection, community and music to change lives.