Dr Anita Collins draws on the latest international neurological research to reveal the extraordinary and surprising benefits of children learning music. “The Music Advantage” released on the 1st of September covers the benefits of music development from newborns to young adults. Anita Collins PhD is an award-winning music teacher and researcher in brain development and music learning. We have been working with Anita since The Tony Foundation supported the ABC TV series, Don't Stop the Music which created a national conversation and call to action on music education. The book is available to buy here.

Sam Mostyn is an accomplished non-executive director, with a long history of executive and governance roles across business, sustainability & climate change, sport, the arts, policy, and civil society. We were extremely lucky to have her join the Alberts AGS board as chair in 2019. In this interview, Sam speaks about the importance of inclusion, diversity and leadership; her experience as a commissioner with the Australian Football League and the effects Covid-19 could have on our society as we look ahead. Watch here.

Sendle is Australia’s first 100% carbon neutral delivery service for small business and a certified B Corp. Sendle’s impact is built on their contribution to reducing the environmental impact of a carbon intensive activity, together with a focus on supporting small businesses. Sendle was founded in Australia by CEO James Moody, and recently entered the US market. Read this latest article in the AFR for more exciting news on Sendle.

Australia’s biggest selling album of all time marks its 40th anniversary this year on the 25th July. To celebrate, they are releasing a special edition which captures the making of this world class record Back in Black. The first teaser can be found here.

The Australian Children's Music Foundation are thrilled to have commenced a long-term music program at Wingham Brush Public School - Taree. In 2019 both the school and community were devastated by the horrific bushfires. Through these long-term weekly music lessons the students and teachers from Wingham Brush Public School will not only benefit from a music education but will begin the process of healing and find joy and hope through the power of music. A news story that was recently featured on the ABC about this music program can be seen here.
© Image/Photo courtesy of The Australian Children's Music Foundation

Many Australian children face long-term disadvantage due to poor access to quality education. Despite the best efforts of teachers and parents during the COVID-19 school disruption, students who experience disadvantage in the community were more likely to struggle with remote learning than others. Providing vulnerable children who are at risk of falling behind with opportunities to engage in learning as never been so important. The Song Room music and arts-based education programs have a dramatic effect on students’ connection to their learning, improving their school performance, confidence and their opportunities for success. Find out more about The Song Room.
© Image/Photo courtesy of The Song Room

The funding will enable Support Act to provide crisis relief to artists, crew and music workers who have lost their jobs and income as a result of COVID-19, and to upscale and extend access to the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline to all members of the arts industry. The Tony Foundation partnered with Support Act in 2018 to establish their Wellbeing helpline and continues to provides ongoing support as an ongoing commitment to the music industry. Read more here.

Whilst our operations have shifted to working remotely, we want to let you know that we are prepared for the hard work that the next few months will likely entail. We will continue to support our pioneers and let them adapt and evolve as necessary, they need our partnership now more than ever. We are continuing to be active in the market looking for the next great companies to back. With challenge comes innovation. If you are an impact pioneer and your business fits without our investment themes, get in touch.

The Tony Foundation will be providing an additional donation in an effort to help those that have been directly affected and impacted by this last bushfire season. Experiencing a disaster of this unprecedented nature can have a long-term impact on a person’s emotional wellbeing, this is especially true for children if they are not provided with the right support. Our donation will go towards a combination of programs from various organisations to assist kids, educators, support networks and remote communities to cope in these difficult circumstances and help with community rebuilding and socio-emotional rehabilitation. One of the organisations we will be supporting is KidsXpress. You can read more here.

Told through the eyes of Bangarra's artistic director Stephen Page, it's the story of how three Aboriginal brothers took a company in its infancy and turned it into a world renowned Indigenous cultural powerhouse. The documentary will premiere at the Sydney film festival in June 2020, followed by a theatrical run and television broadcast on the ABC. For more information please visit Documentary Australia.

Muso is a company that seeks to create a positive impact by increasing opportunities for live entertainment while providing artists with greater access to performance opportunities. The investment reflects Alberts heritage, its long association with the music industry and ongoing support of pioneers passionate about live music. For further details: The Industry Observer, Startup Daily, The Australian.
© Image/Photo courtesy of Muso