Upbeat Project inspires Blacktown youth

Thanks to a proactive partnership involving The Sebastian Foundation, NSW Police Force & PCYC NSW, there is a bespoke revitalised music studio located at Blacktown PCYC that will give local aspiring talents a chance to develop their passion.

The Upbeat Project is designed to create a safe and secure environment for youth to express themselves musically and become the best version of themselves as well as follow simple ways to record and release music. As Guy puts it;

“The Sebastian Foundation aims to give young Australians the resilience and confidence they need to grow and be their best. The Open Parachute program is our main focus to reach kids in the school environment. This local community initiative is an extension of that, and a natural one given that music is my heartland!

The Blacktown & Greater Western Sydney communities have an incredibly talented aspiring youth – some fantastic artists have performed on The Voice and I have loved including the Blacktown choir in some performances.

This is more than just a studio. We want to give budding talent the tools and confidence to record and develop their own music – to realise their potential and give their ambitions the absolute best shot.

Our foundation has called on a lot of favours from generous souls to make this upgrade possible. In particular, I’d like to personally thank Mark Freeburn at First Grade Trades who undertook the renovations and Melanie & all the team at Metalflex Gregory Hills for the air conditioning units that will help diffuse the heat when the music beats sizzle!”

The Upbeat Project will see students, aged between 12 and 17, and any at-risk youth across the Blacktown area given access to a refurbished music studio and use their passion in areas that will give them confidence and focus on their music ambitions. 

The Sebastian Foundation will work with the PCYC to schedule bespoke appearances by other artists, songwriters & producers across the course of its yearly operations.  Guy has also spent time installing some of the latest studio software as well as samples to enable the kids to produce music that is world class and release ready.

Commissioner Webb praised the work done to establish the Upbeat Project, which aims to give young people a fun and safe outlet to channel their creativity.

“NSW Police works closely with other stakeholders, such as the PCYC, to promote educational services like ‘Fit 4 Life’, to support youth in good decision making,” Commissioner Webb said.

“To now be able to offer youth the opportunity to express themselves through music and to possibly launch a music career through the Upbeat Project means we have another rewarding program to deter young people from any anti-social behaviour.”

The Upbeat Project officially launched on Thursday 3 August 2023 and is expected to be integrated into other PCYC and NSW Police Force programs and initiatives at Blacktown PCYC.

Special thanks to our generous renovators at First Grade Trades and Metaflex Gregory Hills who worked tirelessly to make the Upbeat Project facility so special.