Mildura has been selected as one of only 19 towns across Australia to receive a community piano through the ABC’s Pop-Up Piano initiative. This selection celebrates the “Year of the Piano” and coincides with the launch of the ABC iView series, *The Piano*. The initiative invited communities to apply for a pre-loved instrument, and thanks to the advocacy of the Mildura District Orchestra, Mildura has been chosen to participate in this national celebration of music.
The piano will be officially welcomed on September 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Mildura Visitor Information Centre. Following the launch, the piano will be available for anyone to play or enjoy over the next six months. The launch event will feature performances from local music students and members of the Mildura District Orchestra, inviting the community to celebrate this exciting addition to the city’s cultural landscape.
Liz Lawrence, a member of the Mildura District Orchestra who played a key role in nominating the town for the initiative, expressed her enthusiasm for the launch. “Mildura really is the perfect location to be included as part of this program,” she stated. “We have a history of batting above our weight class when it comes to producing world-class musicians.”
The call for participation has already reached local piano teachers and students, encouraging them to take part in the launch event. Lawrence noted that there is a fantastic lineup of local pianists of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds. “It’s our hope that staff report they’ve been able to enjoy regular music being played by members of our community,” she added. “I would also encourage any students out there to make use of the piano following the launch to simply practice – especially if you don’t have regular access to a piano.”
The Mayor of Mildura, Councillor Helen Healy, congratulated the Mildura District Orchestra on their successful application. “To be one of just 19 locations selected out of 380 applications is a testament to the Mildura District Orchestra’s application,” Healy remarked. “I can’t wait to listen to some of the beautiful music this new addition to our Vic will help local musicians create.”
The community is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to engage with music in a new way and to enjoy performances that highlight the talent present in Mildura. The introduction of the community piano is set to enhance the city’s artistic life and foster a spirit of collaboration and creativity among its residents.
