Community
27 June, 2025
Music to the ears of many
THE Archie Graham Community Centre is now home to a high-quality Kawai upright piano thanks to a generous donation by a local artist.
Martin Sullivan, also known as “Smartzie”, said that it was a fast process from deciding to donate a piano to the Archie Graham Centre, and having it arrive on-site.
The centre already has a piano, but the new Kawai is a significant upgrade.
It is the same model used in the filming of the ABC show ‘The Piano.’
“We were playing for a group about five or six weeks ago (at the Archie Graham Centre) that were vision impaired,” Mr Sullivan said.
“We played the piano and I could read the passion. They wanted to hear good quality. They might not be able to see it, but they could hear it, so it mattered.”
A lifelong lover of music, Mr Sullivan said that despite living in various countries over the years, he always valued access to a quality piano very highly, and he was excited to be able to help provide one for others.
“My passion for piano goes back to when I was six years old. I have dyslexia which I wasn’t aware of until I was about 30.
“I struggled through school. The piano was my instrument. My go-to that kept me sane.
“I cannot read a note of music, lessons are a waste of time with me, but the passion was there.
“I’ve lived in America, I’ve lived in the UK and I’ve lived here, and I wanted to be in a place I or anybody else could access a good quality piano.”
The piano was officially welcomed to the Archie Graham Centre at an event on Wednesday, with deputy mayor Cr Vicki Jellie thanking Martin for his generosity.
“This is a gift that will resonate with the community for many years to come,” she said.
“We know there is a lot of musical talent within our current Archie community and I hope that this gift may give others a new reason to visit, and hopefully learn more about all of the amazing programs and services on offer here.
“For those who may not play but enjoy listening to others, a quality piano will allow them to enjoy the many benefits of the live music atmosphere.”
This is the fifth piano Mr Sullivan has donated to a public place, with others including the Reardon Theatre in Port Fairy and St Bridgid’s in Crossley.
And it was the piano at St Bridgid’s that helped to launch the career of a talented musician.
Despite playing piano for 30 years, Tommy Harrold’s first public performance was on Martin’s donated piano at St Brigid’s two years ago.
He now performs regularly at venues in Geelong and the south west, and he has also worked as a pianist on a cruise ship.
“It’s been a snowball effect,” he said.
Attendees at the launch event for the new Archie Graham piano were fortunate to hear his talents first-hand, with Mr Harrold the first person to play the piano on the day.
The piano is available to any member of the public during centre opening hours.
You can also contact the reception team on 5559 4920 if you would like to make a booking.
