The NSW Government and Alister Henskens SC MP announced Ku‑ring‑gai’s North Shore Wind Symphony is among 26 NSW-based community brass and concert bands selected for 2021 Community Band Development Grants Program funding administered by the Band Association of NSW (BANSW) on behalf of Create NSW.

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said that the funding will increase band activity within NSW communities, with the outlook to grow audience numbers across the State. “We know local arts and cultural efforts are an essential part of our life, our community, and our wellbeing. I am looking forward to the return of live music as we hit our vaccination targets.” Mr Harwin said. “Targeted funding like the Community Band Development Grants Program delivers both development opportunities for artists and increased performance standards for audiences at home and beyond,” Mr Harwin said.

Mr Henskens said the funding would directly support the volunteers and the Ku‑ring‑gai cultural sector. “Local bands play a special part in our Ku‑ring‑gai community, and I am proud that the NSW Government continues to support them, and by recognising their volunteer dedication they will be able to play on with even more enthusiasm,” said Mr Henskens.

BANSW is the peak organising body for community brass and concert bands in NSW.  In 2020/21, they received $55,000 as part of Multi-year Funding for Service Organisations (Negotiated); this includes $30,000 to deliver the Community Band Development Grants Program.

This year’s program has supported community bands from regional NSW, Western Sydney and Sydney Metropolitan.