Highways of Hope: Dr Emma O’Brien

The Banding Together project set out to capture stories from a range of people connected with the Australian music community in the COVID-19 era. The hardships unearthed are raw and real, but meeting these challenges has inspired acts of compassion, resilience, talent and innovation that we can be proud of.

Music is playing a key role in many of these undertakings; a universal language keeping us connected and lifting our spirits. These stories provide a positive focus, signposts to be celebrated along the Highways of Hope. The COVID-19 global pandemic placed our courageous frontline health workers under enormous pressure. Their response to these challenges have been extraordinary and inspiring. Caring for patients, whilst addressing her own community's physical and mental health issues, means Dr Emma O’Brien OAM, Head of Music Therapy at The Royal Melbourne Hospital is in constant demand. Dr O’Brien also finds the time to head up the RMH Scrub Choir, a collective music ensemble drawn from the hospital’s doctors, nurses, cleaners, administrative staff and volunteers. Their recordings and video performances during the pandemic have lifted the spirits of patients and health workers alike, whilst also capturing the hearts and minds of the public.

As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by creating a series of video stories that capture, in real time, the impact that this pandemic has had on the music community.

Banding Together is the music community’s stories; the Australian Music Vault has simply helped capture them.

If you, or someone you know – including those connected to the creative industries – are facing mental health challenges, please contact one of the following helplines: Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500; Arts Wellbeing Collective; Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.