FYCB Newsletter: October 2025
Welcome to the inaugural newsletter of Footscray Yarraville City Bands Inc.
Thank you for tuning in! It’s been a huge and exciting few months for our organisation — packed with performances, milestones, and plenty to celebrate across all our ensembles.
🎺 What We’ve Been Doing
The year has already seen some standout moments for both FYCB and Western Brass.
At the Victorian State Band Championships in Bendigo, FYCB was thrilled to achieve 2nd place in the A Grade division, performing under the dynamic direction of Timothy Francis, Associate Trumpet with Orchestra Victoria. Tim brought energy, precision, and high-level musicality to rehearsals, inspiring the band to an outstanding result. We loved working with him and can’t wait to have him back out front again in the future. FYCB also proudly supported our long-term partners, Ryan’s Buslines, as they marked their final service returning to the shelter — a fitting farewell for a great supporter of local music.
Meanwhile, Western Brass returned to the Western Bands Festival for the second year running, performing both as an individual ensemble and in collaboration with Sunshine Community Brass. The festival included a brilliant combined workshop led by Ken Waterworth, which gave players of all levels a chance to develop and connect.
This weekend just gone, Western Brass took out first place in the prestigious Grampians Brass Festival - making it back-to-back wins. We are so proud of Western - possibly the most entertaining band in all of Australia!
Earlier in the season, members from across FYCB and Western Brass represented us proudly at the Solos and Ensembles competition — often jumping between bands to fill out parts and support each other! Highlights included:
🎵 The Western Brass Nerd Herd taking out the Open Small Ensemble category,
🎵 Rob Shirley (Box Hill & FYCB) scoring a perfect 100 in the Open Australian Work on tenor horn,
🎵 Aiden Ritchie (FYCB) and Harrison Brink (WB) from the Percussion Academy winning the Open Duets,
🎵 Erin and Ali placing 3rd, and Jack and Jarrod earning an honourable mention — proving that two trombones can sound great together!
Off the contest stage, we’ve also been busy in our bandroom. Several working bees have helped us refresh and tidy up the space, and our history displays are looking truly schmick.
Our AGM and Gala Night at Footscray Town Hall was another highlight. Over 50 members and supporters turned out in black-tie style, arriving via vintage cars and walking the red carpet! Alongside electing a new committee, we recognised 30 members with VBL service awards celebrating between 5 and 40 years of contribution. We also proudly welcomed a new Life Member, Tim Kelly — known to many as “Handsome Tim” and the creative mind behind Brassbanned. Tim has been part of FYCB for over 20 years, lending not only his musical talents but also his creative and technical skills to help our organisation thrive. Congratulations, Tim!
And finally, we quietly launched our newest ensemble — the Footscray Yarraville Brass Academy (FYBA). Designed for adults who are new to music or brass, FYBA offers accessible tuition, ensemble playing, and plenty of fun. Led by experienced musicians and educators from FYCB and Western Brass, the Academy aims to grow our community and share the joy of brass music across Melbourne’s west.
🎶 What’s Coming Up
After such a full start to the year, there’s still plenty to look forward to across the Footscray Yarraville City Bands family.
FYCB is preparing for a huge few months ahead, beginning with BRASS! in Bendigo — a showcase concert celebrating the very best in brass music. On Saturday 11 October, we’ll join a special Flood Relief Concert presented by Maribyrnong Council, bringing the community together through music and support. And to round out the year, FYCB will once again bring festive spirit to the Yarraville Carols in the Gardens on Saturday 21 December.
Western Brass also has an exciting program lined up; their very first cabaret show, “The Ones That Got Away”, on Friday 15 November at Kensington Town Hall. Expect a mix of storytelling, comedy, and brass brilliance — it’s not to be missed! Western Brass will also be busking around Yarraville Village in the lead-up to Christmas, before joining FYCB for the Carols in the Gardens.
Meanwhile, the Footscray Yarraville Brass Academy continues to grow. Meeting Sundays at 4pm for about an hour, it’s the perfect opportunity for adults to try a brass instrument in a friendly, supportive environment — no prior experience needed.
With so many performances, celebrations, and community events coming up, there’s no better time to come along, lend your support, and share the joy of brass music with us.
🎶 Player Profile
Francis Daly is a cornet player who joined FYCB in May 2023, having left Ireland for new adventures in Australia. In Ireland, Francis was a member of Drogheda Brass Band from 1994, and upon moving to Australia he was happy to find another brass family with the Scraggers.
By day Francis works in law, and enjoys long walks on the beach and catching up on Home and Away to wind down! While typically holding a solo cornet seat, you can catch Francis sitting in the soprano cornet seat at the upcoming BRASS! concert in Bendigo.