Mobile music studios now available for Northern Rivers youth

Young music enthusiasts across the Northern Rivers are making the most of the opportunity to access mobile music studios, thanks to a $7,497 grant provided to OneVisionProductions from the ETC Community Support Fund.

OneVisionProductions, the brainchild of Byron Bay local Mark Robertson, purchased Macbook computers to utilise as part of his Mentoring for Change program.

“These computers were equipped with software sponsored from Ableton and Cubase and can be utilised as part of an entire media production station – it’s really innovative. This is the only facility in the Northern Rivers that offers youth access to a professional music production experience,” said Mark.

According to Mark, lack of transport options, pockets of socio-economic disadvantage, and both physical and social isolation experienced by young people in the Northern Rivers were all barriers that OneVision’s program sought to address.

“Mentoring for Change matches vulnerable youth with mentors in the creative industries. Already the Program has seen positive outcomes with about 150 young people from Lismore, Ballina, Tweed and Byron Shire regions receiving personalised tuition in digital music production and music instruments,” he said.

“This program has improved community cohesion, by providing bored teenagers with a program they are interested in. It has also enhanced awareness of education, training and employment pathways in the creative industries.”

Using his life and professional experiences, Mark was was able to create values for OneVision Productions to create positive social change.

“I was an English and Special Needs teacher for 15 years. Then I began these projects 6 years ago and have since travelled to nearly 40 communities in Australia initiating hip hop and film projects,” he said.

Mark was also awarded the 2017 Winston Churchill Scholarship, and will be travelling internationally to visit organisations creating innovative solutions for vulnerable young people.

For more information about OneVision Productions visit www.onevisionproductions.com.au.

ETC North Coast Business Relationship Manager Andrew Goodchild said it was a pleasure to be able to support OneVision Productions.

“The ETC Community Support Fund is designed to help organisations reduce disadvantage, generate opportunity, increase support services and/or build capacity in the communities in which we operate,” Mr Goodchild said.

“ETC is proud to be a not-for-profit company and we are confident the money we are donating will help make a more positive future for our community.

“Some of our Murwillumbah staff recently had the pleasure of seeing OneVision Porductions in action at Murwillumbah High School where the students were engaged in a hip hop workshop. It was obvious the students were loving the creative outlet.”

ETC will be making available $250,000 in community grants as part of the next round of the ETC Community Support Fund which opens on 19 March 2018. For further information and/or to apply to the ETC Community Support Fund visit www.etcltd.com.au/csf