PICTURED ABOVE: Alex Mitchell with CEF Canowindra volunteers, Tony Grant, Michael Payten, Sarah Grant, Peter Stacey, Michelle Stacey, Helen Payten and Barry Burns.
Country Education Foundation (CEF) Canowindra student Alex Mitchell, now based in Melbourne, wowed audiences with his up‑and‑coming band Powder Blue at a CEF Canowindra fundraiser at Rosnay Organic Wines in Canowindra in November.
Alex, a second year Bachelor of Music student at Monash University, was invited to return with his bandmates as the headline act of the event.
The fundraiser was organised by CEF Canowindra to support local students pursuing further education and training pathways.
Passionate about music from a young age, Alex was able to begin studying his dream course with support from CEF, turning his passion into a career.
"I am the only musician in my family, and my passion for music developed through my upbringing, which involved a household filled with music and instruments," Alex said.
Alex developed a love for drums early on and realised that to fully pursue his passion, he would need to move to a metropolitan area where arts courses are more widely offered.
"Almost all of my cohort here at Monash are from urban and suburban areas," he explained. "I feel like high school students from the city get more exposure to careers in the arts compared to rural and regional students."
Receiving support from CEF Canowindra eased the financial strain of leaving home – something Alex is proud of.
"I think my greatest achievement in life has been chasing my passion for music," he said. "As I am more of a doer, this led me to leave home and relocate interstate to a city where I knew no one."
Alex said he was humbled to return to his roots in Canowindra and perform for the community where his musical journey began.
"Playing in Canowindra was an incredible opportunity to reconnect with the community that shaped my musical journey," he said.
When offering advice to other students, Alex encourages them not to be afraid to explore beyond the norm.
"Regional students often have their options limited due to factors such as restricted access to diverse education.
Think about what your heart desires and what would make you happy - then work to make that happen.
Alex, CEF Canowindra
