Former Kempsey resident Kay Lane received the high honour of an OAM for her service to music and education on Australia Day.
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One of Kay's first teaching appointments was to Kempsey High School in 1975 and soon after, she began conducting the Macleay Choral Society.
In both of these positions, Kay was working in the shadow of wonderful teachers who had set a high standard - Lyn Dillon, Neil Stephenson and Ross Thomas.
Kay made a number of friendships during her time in these positions in Kempsey.
During her 16 years in Kempsey, Kay also taught piano to many local children.
Kay and her family moved to Newcastle at the end of 1989 and since then she has trained in the Kodaly style of teaching which she says has confirmed her belief in the importance of music education, especially during early years.
Her hope is that more investment will be directed towards music education in order to develop smart, well-rounded future generations who are capable of critical thinking, compassion and a deep appreciation of beauty.
Currently Kay is conducting Under Construction Choir, a truly amazing and courageous community mental health choir. She also continues with piano teaching and is active in the NSW Music Teachers Association.
Her years of teaching in the Newcastle University Early Childhood Music Program, Julie Logan Music and Newcastle Grammar Junior School were joyous and she is grateful for the opportunities she was afforded as a young teacher in Kempsey
