Sunbury Heights Primary school unveiled its new music garden, which was funded by the school community and commemorates a former staff member.
Using funds raised by the school’s parents and friends association, the garden was built to memorialise former education support staff member Mel Brand, who died two years ago and was the driving force behind the school’s choir and performing arts program.
The music garden includes a xylophone with an accompanying sheet music stand and other garden-themed percussion instruments.
Sunbury Heights Primary School business manager Liz O’Donovan said that Ms Brand was a “colourful” person.
“Mel was a bright, bubbly, loud, and loving woman … she really boosted up the performing arts here,” Ms O’Donovan said.
Sunbury Heights Primary School principal Laban Toose said that funding used for the garden was raised through Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls, a colour run, and cookie and pie drives.
“It was one where an idea grew into a reality through the goodwill and the efforts of a number of different people,” Mr Toose said.
“[For Liz], this was like a passion project … about helping to memorialise Mel’s memory.”
Mr Toose said that Ms Brand was a keen performer and musician.
An official opening for the garden was held on Thursday, September 19, attended by former Sunbury Heights Primary school student and Sunbury MP Josh Bull and Melton MP Sam Rae.
Mr Toose said that a public opening was held so that the community could “celebrate a person who was very important to it.”
“Josh understands that there is something about Sunbury Heights Primary School that … something like a music garden and an honouring like this would naturally evolve from. Where a community of people … support and lift each other up,” Mr Toose said.
Funds raised from the opening event will go towards the next stage of the garden’s construction, where the school will install seating and shade sails.
Oscar Parry
