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Purga Music Museum Purga Music Museum


By Sandra Kirkwood

Last updated: 24 December 2008

Sandra Kirkwood has worked in the health, education, and disability sectors for the last 25 years as an occupational therapist, disability project officer, and allied health consultant. In 2005 Sandra completed a Bachelor of Music degree and is currently enrolled in a Research Higher Degree at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. Sandra has completed a number of music projects with communities in Ipswich that were funded by Ipswich City Council and Arts Queensland.

The Purga Music Museum is a meeting place for display and performance of local music heritage and culture. The museum opened in 2003 near Ipswich, Queensland.

This display includes information about Harold Blair, a renowned tenor who grew up on the Purga Aboriginal Mission; and Meta Maclean, an Australian composer, radio broadcaster, and writer, who grew up in the Fassifern/Ipswich area. “The Purga Music Story and Harold Blair” is a community education package that was developed to engage people with the music history of the area.

People of all ages are encouraged to participate in music experiences at Purga. This may involve playing instruments, singing, or telling stories about music history and culture at community social events. The aim is for young and old to share their ideas and collaborate on music projects that will benefit local communities.

This centre has full disability access and is located beside the heritage-listed Purga United Church (est. 1921), and the Purga State School (est. 1871). Volunteers are needed to help with programs and displays. An occupational therapist /ethnomusicologist provides professional advice about local music history, community cultural development, music health and well-being, music research and grant applications on a fee-for-service basis.

For further information, contact Sandra Kirkwood by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or mobile: 0488 624 362. 

 


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