Helen Denise Jones OAM Memorial Arts Bursary - 2026 Recipient Announced

“I love music, so much. It is the only thing I want to do in life…” This was the opening line from Ella Lynd-Williams’ application for the Helen Denise Jones OAM Memorial Arts Bursary.

From a very strong field of applicants, Ella Lynd-Williams has been announced as the bursary recipient for 2026.

Ella is a musician.  Her musical journey started in Grade 3. For several years she played the cornet, but in recent times her instrument of choice has been the trumpet.  

Ella has been accepted into the Conservatorium of Music in Hobart and will commence her studies there in the New Year. She has also auditioned successfully to gain a place in the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra.         

Her dream is to be one of the world's leading female trumpet players. She would love to tour Europe as a professional musician.

Ella has played with the Latrobe Federal Band and the City of Devonport Brass band. She is thankful for the mentoring opportunities provided by these groups, with particular mention of Nigel Elliot as a strong support and teacher.

After the initial excitement upon hearing she was the successful recipient, Ella gathered her thoughts & had shared the following:                                              

“This bursary means so much to me! It means that I don't have to stress about finding enough money, whilst also learning how to live on my own now that I'm going to university. It's just such a relief, and it will help me focus on practising more music! With this money I won't have to worry about expenses towards the TYSO (Tasmanian Youth Orchestra) or if anything goes wrong with my instruments and I need to get them fixed.  I hope the other candidates don't give up just because they didn't get it this year! I actually can't thank you enough, thank you for giving me this opportunity, I won't let you down!”

Thank you to everyone who applied. Each applicant had a wonderful story to share. We wish we had many more bursaries to give out!

More about Ella (and past bursary recipients) HERE

Huge appreciation to our assessors Lix, Kathleen and Alison. It was a big job.

Ella Lynd-Williams. Helen Denise Jones OAM Bursary Recipient for 2026.