Helen Denise Jones OAM Arts Bursary -NOW $2000

Announcing the 2025 bursary recipient - Sophia Lee

Sophia Lee (18) is an aspiring contemporary pianist / vocalist who has dabbled in every aspect of the arts - ranging from visual arts and music to theatre performance. Her future creative projects include composing more music for public release, and working towards becoming a music therapist. To achieve the latter, Sophie plans to undertake further study in psychology upon completion of her music degree.

Sophia has just finished Year 12 at Hellyer College, and will move to Brisbane next year to commence her degree in the Bachelor of Music at Griffith University Conservatorium.

Some questions for Sophia:
What does having been awarded the HDJ bursary mean to you? I have tremendous gratitude and am incredibly motivated. Moving forward from secondary education and commencing further studies on the mainland is all thanks to the endless encouragement that has instilled the vision in me from the get-go. It additionally means continuing on with the steadfast knowledge that no matter how much self-doubt one may experience from time-to-time being involved in the creative field, it's made possible through the opportunities and support from local community and connections, they give you wings and teach you how to use them.

Do you remember when your passion started?
The earliest memory dates right back to the time Dad bought me a Casio keyboard at the ripe age of 5. I'll never forget the feeling of pure joy learning 'Let It Go' by ear and eagerly asking to perform it in front of my primary school peers. From there on, I would play on and off, that passion felt tucked away inside of me. It wasn't till I got involved with the Burnie High School Production band for 2021's 'Sleeping Beauty' I started craving more ways to break out of my shell and improve my musicianship.

Who were your influential teachers?
The amount of passionate and skilled teachers within our community amazes me. I am super fortunate have been nurtured and guided by these amazing people:

Natalie Beard was my first piano tutor in early high school who saw my passion and chipped away at it and gave me the foundations to work upon, all with unwavering patience.

Bronwyn Darvelle was my music teacher at Burnie High and I cannot thank her enough for everything she's done: her endless enthusiasm, mutual Beatles obsession and early morning drives to concert band when I didn't have a ride.

Kate Parker is Hellyer College's Drama teacher who is such a force to be reckoned with, she has teaching methods that get the subject across in a witty but practical manner and her support as my Career and Life Planning teacher has helped me apply and pursue my dream with confidence.

Carine Kruger is my most recent piano tutor for this year at Hellyer, she has been excellent at deciphering how I am to tackle certain musical challenges while instilling her awesome humour into the mix.

During my two years of tutoring at Encore, I've always been inspired to be the reason one of my students looks at music is a different light, similar to how all of the teachers throughout mine have done.

Sophia’s Audition Tape for Griffith Uni

Sophia Composition

About the bursary

The Helen Denise Jones OAM Arts Bursary fund has been established to recognise the lifetime's work and contribution made by Helen to the arts and culture of Burnie. Over several decades, Helen inspired many people through her roles as a performer, teacher and confidante. Helen was patron of Burnie Arts Council Inc from 2012 to 2017. Our group decided to honour her with an annual bursary award for a young North West/West Coaster demonstrating aspiration and dedication to pursuing their arts studies.

This year, as a reflection of the increased cost of living, the bursary has doubled.

The recipient will now receive a one off payment of $2000. 

Helen died peacefully at home on March 5th, 2017. Although mainly housebound for the last months of her life, she was able to meet the inaugural recipient of the bursary, Blake Peiper. Helen maintained a keen interest in the selection process for the 2017 bursary, which was ultimately awarded to Nicholas Von Bibra.

In liaison with Helen, Burnie Arts Council Inc established the guidelines and selection criteria for the bursary as outlined below:

A promising arts student (I.e. visual, literary, musical or performing genres)

Aged 17 - 21 years (as at 31 Dec 2023).

Resides on the North-West Coast or West Coast of Tasmania

Evidence of performance or public display of talent as appropriate to their chosen discipline

Appropriate application stating suitable reasons for being chosen to receive bursary.

Consideration of financial need.

Apply via the e-form accessed by the button below. Preview the form at any time. Once started, however, the form will need to be completed in one sitting.

DONATE NOW to the HELEN DENISE JONES OAM ARTS BURSARY

Past Recipients

Media