Aims and Mission Statement

Aims

The Dandenong Ranges Music Council Inc. serves the community of the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley in the Shire of Yarra Ranges about an hour's drive east of Melbourne, the Capital City of Victoria, Australia.

Formed in 1979 by a group of people keen to bring music to the community, the DRMC is now considered to be a model for community music organisations throughout Australia. Go here for a history of the organisation.

The DRMC has made a major contribution to music in the community by providing learning and performance opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities. Quite a number of members have gone on to become professional performing musicians, teachers, or stage management professionals.

Mission Statement

For Dandenong Ranges Music Council Inc to retain its position at the leading edge of community music development by continuing to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to listen to, to learn, to participate in, and to perform music in the Yarra Ranges and its environs, in partnership with resident and visiting professional musicians and music educators.


Board Structure

Board members may be contacted through the office on 9754 6566. The current board members are:

Norma Durrand   Chair
Colin Clarkson   Vice-Chair
Deirdre Murdoch   Treasurer
Bev McAlister   Secretary
Karen Alexander
Kieran Dennis
Lucas Drew
Julie Dunlop
Tony Edsall
Mark Smith
Charisse Ede
Rachel Pickersgill

Who's Who

PATRONS
The Hon. W A. Borthwick A. M. A one time resident of Kalorama, was the member for Monbulk in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. He was also Deputy Premier and Minister for Health. Chaired the inaugural meeting of the DRMC. Bill Borthwick died in 2001, and a Young Musicians Encouragement Prize is offered annually in his memory.
Emeritus Professor Sir Joseph Burke K.B.E. A notable professor of Fine Arts at Melbourne University. He was created a Knight in 1980, and offered much support to the DRMC in its early years. Sir Joseph passed away in 1992.
Professor Robin Batterham AO, BE, PhD, LLD (Hon. Melb), AMusA Professor Batterham is an eminent scientist and was Chief Scientist to the Federal Government from 1999 to 2005. He is organist at Scot’s Church in Melbourne and has a deep and diverse interest in music.
BOARD MEMBERS Background Special Interest Areas
Norma Durrand B.Ed. TPTC
 An experienced lyric soprano, Norma was also an educator for over forty years. Schools networking, Community representation, Artists with special needs, Governance
Bev McAlister
 DRMC Community Music Coordinator
Bev was a driving force in the initial inception of the DRMC. She has received many accolades for her tireless work in community music, most notably an OAM in 1993. Advocate for school and community music. Honorary life member of Music Council of Australia		 Volunteer base, Media lobbyist, Community representation, Community music, health and well-being. New Australian works for schools and community ensembles. Partnerships between professional artists, music educators and the community
Deirdre Murdoch
 Deirdre is involved in various singing groups and also undertakes community work. She contributes many volunteer hours to the work of the DRMC. Former nurse and midwife. Health and community houses Networking, particularly with health providers. Governance
Karen Alexander
 Karen is an environmentalist and community campaigner. She is the daughter of Ruth Alexander, co-founder of the National Music Camp Association (now the Australian Youth Orchestra). Lobbying, Forsythia Artists’ Retreat
Colin Clarkson Colin sings regularly with the Yarra Valley Singers and is a lifelong resident of Ferny Creek. He runs a long established plumbing business. Master plumber. Community networking, particularly with business people.
Kieren Dennis
 Kieren is an emerging artist who plays keyboard, guitar and mandolin. He has participated in past DRMC projects and now is the project coordinator for the Youth Music Connection. Youth, Community liaison
Lucas Drew SBStJ, Dip.Pmed, Studies, Dip.Mgt
 Lucas is an ambulance paramedic and a recipient of the Victorian Young Australian of the Year for his work as a volunteer both here and with the UN in East Timor. First Aid for events, Youth
Julie Dunlop B.Arts, B.Mus. Dip.Ed
 A retired teacher, Julie pursues her interest in music through involvement in the Berwick Youth Choir and as organist at All Saints Church in Selby. Community networking, Choral music, Selby Festival
Tony Edsall Tony is a third generation Hills resident. He spent an extended period working overseas as a ships purser and magistrate. Community networking, Food handling for events
Mark Smith Mark runs a family stationery business. He is a long time supporter of the DRMC and its work in the community, and played trumpet in Dr Swing as well as undertaking instrumental teaching. Community networking, Representation
Charisse Ede Charisse is a journalist with Australian Associated Press. She has a connection with the Hills and brings media expertise to the DRMC. Journalist, Flautist, Promotions, publications
Rachel Pickersgill B.Comm Dip.Ed
 Rachel qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1997. She has also taught Accounting and Business Management in high schools. Funding submissions, Governance
STAFF
Karen Noonan Karen has been involved in music in the Hills for over 25 years. She has established a comprehensive music program at Ferny Creek Primary School and is a member of the Ferny Creek Fire Brigade. Choirs, Community networking