CONTENT COURTESY CENTRAL COAST CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC
Patrick Brennan — conductor and artistic director of the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music — has much in common with the iconic old building on the corner of Mann Street and Georgiana Terrace where he works.
Both are undergoing a long slow rehabilitation and restoration over the next 6-12 months.
In Patrick’s case, it follows an accident on 16 May in which he nearly severed his left hand with a circular saw while working at home.
For the conservatorium, it is the long-awaited upgrade made possible by $2 million from the New South Wales Government as announced by the State Premier in September 2019.
Speaking publicly for the first time about his accident, Patrick paid tribute to his “wonderful neighbours” and the emergency responders who arrived quickly on the scene and airlifted him to Royal North Shore Hospital. It was then largely due to the skill and care of surgeon Dr James Ledgard and his team that Patrick believes he still has his hand.
“Since my accident, the support from colleagues and the music and broader arts community on the coast and from around Australia has been generous and incredibly inspiring,” Patrick said.
“I could never have imagined how much a community could rally around one individual in a time of a crisis. The amount of support and love that has come my way from our community has been truly overwhelming.
“In all honesty, I’m so glad to be alive and cannot wait to get back to making music and teaching students at the conservatorium – in our grand old building that is also undergoing restoration and rehab at the same time I am,” he joked.
Some of the changes to the conservatorium will include a new roof, landscaping, improved accessibility, new amenities and upgraded teaching studios, and further restorations from local architects and builders.
Patrick said the Conservatorium Building Committee was working with a heritage consultant to ensure the integrity of Gosford’s oldest building is preserved – and thanked Central Coast Council for its $10,000 grant contribution towards developing a heritage plan.
“It is such an important and historic building on the coast that is still being used every day, and the staff and board of the conservatorium are grateful to be able to facilitate its restoration and rehabilitation for the enjoyment of our community.”
As for himself, Patrick said although he is currently incapacitated and learning how to re-use his left hand, he knows his “musicians’ mind” will help him overcome the challenges that come his way during his recovery period.
Images supplied.
