The Southern Highlands Community Foundation (SHCF) 2025 Grants Program continues to make a tangible grassroots impact across the Southern Highlands, with last year’s $8,000 grant to River Road Creative Academy now supporting a diverse range of creative initiatives already delivered, in progress and upcoming.
Founded by Patrick Nellestein, River Road Creative Academy is a vibrant creative arts hub dedicated to nurturing self-expression through music and the arts. Working across all ages, River Road uses creative practice as a tool for expression, connection and inclusion, with a strong focus on building confidence and making learning accessible and meaningful for everyone involved.
As Patrick explains, the philosophy behind the organisation goes far beyond technical skill-building:
“I’ve never really been interested in teaching people to simply play the right notes or make a good piece of art. What interests me is watching someone have an idea, wrestle with it, change it, question it, throw it away, start again and eventually realise they’ve grown through the process.”
He adds that creativity is best understood as a journey rather than a product:
“The real learning happens in the exploration – trying things, making mistakes, reflecting, collaborating and discovering something about yourself along the way.”
Creative programs supported by the SHCF grant
The SHCF grant has already been put to use across several programs.
A highlight being the four-week Circus Workshop delivered in partnership with Zero Central Circus, where 15 young participants each week explored aerial silks and lyra. The program built strength, coordination and confidence in a fun and supportive environment, with participants visibly growing in self-belief and creative expression over the course of the workshops.
This month, River Road is also launching a new Songwriting Workshop series at its Moss Vale studio, supporting aspiring songwriters across the Wingecarribee. Over three sessions, participants will explore lyric writing, melody, structure and the creative process, guided by River Road’s Learning & Teaching Coordinator. Sessions will be held on Saturday 4th, 11th and 18th July. Book here.
In August, River Road will also welcome Alesha Elbourne from the Bundanoon Theatre Group for a series of improvisational theatre workshops focused on storytelling through lived experience. Rather than scripts, participants will develop character, movement and narrative from their own stories in a collaborative and supportive environment.
River Road ongoing community programs
Beyond the SHCF grant-funded projects, River Road continues to strengthen community connection through regular programs such as the Wingecarribee Men’s Music Cave, a welcoming monthly gathering for music, conversation and connection, and the weekly Creative Youth Drop-in sessions held every Wednesday evening at the Moss Vale studio.
The Mobile Creative Arts Studio also continues to expand access across the Shire, delivering outreach workshops in schools, as well as community events in partnership with Wingecarribee Shire Council. The aim of the mobile studio is to ensure that creativity reaches regional and rural communities, removing barriers to participation and engagement.
Reflecting on River Road’s broader mission, Patrick said;
“People learn best when they have ownership over their ideas and are encouraged to follow their curiosity instead of being told exactly what the outcome should be.”
The SHCF was thrilled to support River Road in last year’s grant round and is delighted to see continued growth in their important work building confidence, connection and creativity across the Southern Highlands.
For more information on River Road Creative Academy visit: https://www.riverroad.edu.au
