2026 Fundraising Appeal

For 25 years, Townsville’s community orchestra, the Great Barrier Reef Orchestra, has drawn on the rich diversity and musical talent of North Queensland to bring orchestral music to our community. Musicians and conductors from across Australia and overseas are keen to work with the orchestra and contribute to its continued development. Over this period, the orchestra has been supported by funding grants from Townsville City Council and, more recently, Arts Queensland.

Since its inception, the orchestra has acquired a valuable collection of large percussion instruments, music stands, and cello chairs (collective value approximately $240,000), as well as a specially built trailer valued at $35,000. These vital assets require secure, climate-controlled storage and careful management. As the instruments are transported to all rehearsals and concert venues, appropriate storage is essential. Until recently, we have relied on temporary facilities that were neither secure nor suitable for long-term preservation.

The Townsville City Council has granted the orchestra a lease on land at Gill Park to construct a purpose-built, climate-controlled storage facility –“The Shed”– specifically designed to house our instruments and trailer. We must now raise the funds to construct The Shed within the next six months. Unfortunately, our recent application to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for the required $100,000 was unsuccessful.

As a passionate advocate for the GBRO, I have set myself a personal challenge: to raise $100,000 in 100 days to make The Shed a reality. This campaign is based on an achievable goal: 1,000 donations of $100.

Please be one of the 1000 and donate a tax deductible $100 towards this vital undertaking.

Donations of any amount are sincerely welcomed, and all contributions will be gratefully acknowledged through Great Barrier Reef Orchestra The Shed promotions. 

Thank you for considering this request and for your ongoing support of music in our community.

With warm regards and sincere appreciation,

Janet Askern
Secretary, North Queensland Ensembles