Tuesday, 12 November 2024

 Katie HALL (Footscray) (13:50): I am delighted to congratulate the Footscray Yarraville City Band on reaching its 150th anniversary. This is a tremendous feat by one of the inner west’s proudest institutions. The Footscray Yarraville City Band is one of Australia’s most celebrated musical ensembles. Now older than Footscray town hall and the West Gate Bridge combined, it is not just the quality of the band’s output that is remarkable but the strength of its connection and history to our community as well. I would like to congratulate the band on their wonderful performance at the recital centre with the MSO on Saturday night. The city band has refused to be pigeonholed – something that I am sure has contributed to its staying power. It has performed with the Western Bulldogs over many years, at our annual Christmas carols in Yarraville and in the grand embassies of London and Paris. The band is one of the western suburbs’ finest exports. Although they have toured the world over, the western pride has clearly never worn off. The Footscray Yarraville City Band has always had a social conscience, and I want to recognise the work that the band does in supporting local organisations and charities. Congratulations to the Footscray Yarraville City Band on its 150th birthday.