We have often had a story with a Community Champion in @ The Coalface who speaks about how hard it is to encourage younger people to volunteer in their local community. Well, we have found a young volunteer in Singleton who does plenty.
Kyle Kermode grew up in Singleton, going through to Year 12 at Singleton Highschool and then completing his electrical apprenticeship with Nepean Power.
“I was lucky. I finished my apprenticeship during the downturn so as the Nepean crew got smaller, I got asked to do more and then they asked me if I wanted a full-time job.”
He might only be 32, but Kyle is a Life Member of the Singleton Town Band.
“I joined the town band in 2004, I was 12 years old playing the trumpet which is what I have played for the entire time I’ve been there. I can play anything brass, but the trumpet was my favourite.
“I have been the Musical Director for the last four years, it’s a big job!
“Aside from the ANZAC Day and Australia Day events we do each year, we also did a concert in July and at the beginning of September we held a concert at All Saints Church with the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music.
“We’ve been busy this year, trying to do more concerts and get the band out and about in the community a bit more. We have 30 consistent members at the moment and there are some others who come and go depending on where life takes them.
“The band has been going for 146 years so it’s great that we can continue that tradition.”
The Singleton Town Band was established in 1878 and is one of two of the oldest and most prestigious organisations in the Singleton area – the other being the Northern Agricultural Association which looks after the Singleton Show.
Another event Kyle has been volunteering with for years.
“Country shows are great; everyone always goes out at least one day of the show. It’s a core part of the community each and every year,” said Kyle.
“I’m on the committee, I have been for a few years since 2017 helping out where I can, organising events like the Young Farmers Challenge which is very popular every year.”
For the last three years, Kyle has taken up the prestigious role of Ring Master at the Singleton Show.
“I just put my hand up for it!” laughed Kyle.
“It’s basically just project management, making sure everything happens. You have to be ensuring everything starts on time which can be challenging on the weekend days because there is so much happening.”
This year Kyle was presented with the ‘ASC Next Gen Award’ by the Northern Agricultural Association for his dedication and service to the organisation.
“It’s an honour, I love what I get to do each year!”
Kyle has volunteered for a number of other organisations in the community including for the RSL, but his goal is to get the Band noticed around the community much more.
