Three cheers for OCTEC!

Rapturous applause was heard from the auditorium today!

OCTEC limited have donated $350,000 towards the new building fit-out. Our come together choir were in the audience to hear the news. There was tears of joy, gasps of shock and enthusiastic clapping as Jeff Whitton, OCTEC chair made the announcement.

ORC are so thrilled by this commitment. It is special to have an organisation such as OCTEC contribute as we are both not-for-profits in the Orange community who place value in education.

OCTEC’s Deputy Chair, Tom Harvey said, ‘A significant number of community, use the Conservatorium and of those people, there are a variety of ages. The Conservatorium offers all people of all socio economic backgrounds an opportunity to enjoy music and we as OCTEC feel that this aligns very well to our values and goals.’

In appreciation of this donation, ORC will name the Conservatorium Foyer and 2 large ensemble rooms after OCTEC. Both spaces will be high traffic areas for our students and their families. Donna Riles, Director of ORC said, ‘The foyer of the conservatorium is a communal space for our students and community and the ensemble rooms will be the centre of activity, with all ensembles, choirs, orchestras etc. rehearsing and warming up there. I think both these spaces resonate particularly well with the work of OCTEC.’

OCTEC and ORC originated around the same time as boutique operations out of small cottages and have grown and continue to grow into dynamic, sustainable organisations that serve the local community and beyond. Both organisations have a strong focus on education, inclusion and community wellbeing. Dr Pam Ryan, ORC Management Committee Chair said, ‘Here we have two products of Orange providing essential social infrastructure and seeking to impact positively on people’s lives.’

Thank you for your support OCTEC!