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Celebrating 25 Years of Sing&Grow
In 2026, we celebrate 25 years of Sing&Grow, our music therapy program which has been transforming the lives of children and families across Australia.
Reflecting on 25 Years
Sing&Grow began as a pilot program, federally funded for two-years, and heralded a major expansion and diversification of services for Play Matters Australia (then known as Playgroup Queensland).
An innovative, evidence-based program, Sing&Grow has, and continues to be, an early intervention music therapy service delivered by a skilled team of Registered Music Therapists across Australia in collaboration with organisations, early childhood providers and communities nationally.
A 25 Years Celebration
On Thursday 12 November, following the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Symposium in Brisbane (Meanjin), Play Matters Australia hosted a special 25 Years celebration at The Corner, State Library of Queensland.
Special guests, current team members and foundational contributors were all invited to come and reflect on the past 25 years of Sing&Grow.
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25 Years of Stories & Collaboration
That's When the Magic Happens
Interview with Professor Jane Edwards, former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education, University of New England
Directing Sing&Grow in the Early Years
Vicky Abad, a Registered Music Therapist, was appointed as Director of Sing&Grow in 2001 and as she shares music has had a profound and lasting impact on her life.
Sing&Grow to Every State and Territory
Now Play Matters Australia Board Chair, Dr Kate Williams in 2005 led the task of applying for significant Australian Government investment in Sing&Grow to expand the valuable music therapy service nationally across Australia.
Supporting Families Through Community Collaboration
Throughout the week, across the Illawarra, a coastal region in the southeast of New South Wales, small community centres come to life with the voices of children and families engaging in Sing&Grow.
Connection and Play Beating Heart of Community Partnership
In a modest, unassuming function room, tucked beneath a stairwell, something remarkable is underway. Playgroup meets here, but so too do opportunities for connection, social interaction, and a small moment of peace and safety for vulnerable families who are experiencing homelessness.
Tiny Instruments, Big Heart with Sing&Grow
Every Thursday morning at the Asylum Seekers Centre in Newtown, the main hall fills with little footsteps, laughter, and melodies.
Sing&Grow in the Bush
Ngukuthati Children and Family Centre in Mount Isa describe Sing&Grow as connecting, joyful and empowering and have engaged the program for many years.
Community Hub Partnership Builds Confidence and Language Skills
Point Cook College Community Hub in Victoria wanted to encourage English as an additional language and used music, through songs, repetition and simple actions to assist.
Music in Perinatal Care and Parent Wellbeing at Peachtree
Building a strong sense of community and a "village" around parents and families, empowering peer workers and encouraging connection using music are all part of Sing&Grow's partnership with Peachtree.
For 15 Years Sing&Grow and the Family Place
Walking through the gates of The Family Place, it becomes immediately clear why so many local families feel at home here. Children exploring the gardens, parents in shared conversations over food and coffee, and music filtering across the recently renovated community space.
Sing&Grow People: Celebrating 20 Years with Lorna Berry
A two-decade long journey alongside the growth of Sing&Grow has seen Lorna go from therapeutic delivery to support of the National team.
Music as a Bridge for Communication and Connection
A clear positive of the Sing&Grow program within seven playgroups in the Liverpool region in New South Wales has been a reduction in social isolation and improved wellbeing across the families who have participated.
Sing&Grow Books
Check out Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year in 2024, translated versions in Vietnamese, Urdu and Arabic also available.
Let's Sing&Grow on Spotify
Enjoy a range of curated playlists and your favourite songs from Sing&Grow on Spotify.
Sing&Grow at Home
Recently participated in a Sing&Grow program? Access the Family Portal (login required) to explore music, songs and more.
"Getting out of the house and being with other people with young children … connecting to other community services as well, connecting to other parents … it’s nice to have someone else provide those educational, fun experiences for your children, so you don’t have to always do it."
Reflection from a parent as part of "Everyone's in it with me": Sing&Grow program fosters parent connection, wellbeing and responsiveness. Arts&Health, June 2026