It was a pleasure to be at the official opening of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music over the weekend, alongside RCM Director, Hamish Tait, chair of the board of management, Dr Andrew Wallace, RCM students, Aunty Cheryl Penrith, and Ashmont Public School dancers.

A huge congratulations to the staff and board of the RCM, who have simply been extraordinary pushing for over a decade to achieve this outstanding facility for Wagga Wagga. This was a true community effort, with the support of council and government alike.

It really is an exceptional, state-of-the-art facility and will play a critical role in the cultural framework of our region.

Pictured cutting the ribbon at the opening is student, Banruo (Elly) Zhu, a piano student and current Dr Ray King Scholarship recipient, who performed a wonderful piece on the day.

I’d like to also mention the other performers, Taylor Brown (contemporary vocalist), Trang Nguyen (guitar), Rachael Roberts (violin), and Larissa Burak (soprano) - all of the performance were simply outstanding!

Thanks to Aunty Cheryl Penrith, Wiradjuri Elder, who performed the welcome to country, and the Ashmont Public School dance group, Barrambiyarra Wagahna, who officiated the smoking ceremony and performed a fantastic dance piece.

Regional cities are often seen as settings of sporting prowess, but we really should also be centres of cultural prowess. The city of good sports should be and will be the city of great musicians also!