Goya Dmytryshchak
A charity that repairs old guitars is loaning out instruments through Hobsons Bay Libraries for residents to learn to play during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guitars Gathering Dust collects unwanted guitars and, with help from Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, repairs and spruces them up before handing them on to children-based music charities.
Founder and Williamstown resident Craig Watt has partnered with Hobsons Bay council to make guitars available on library loan until July 31.
“I’ve got probably 30 guitars that were earmarked for the Collingwood English Language School, working with the song room,“ he said.
“They were sitting in my shed waiting to be delivered to the Craigieburn campus.
“Rather than having those guitars sitting there, I approached Hobsons Bay council and said, well look, can we try to instigate some sort of loan program.
“There’s no better time, I think, for people to take up a musical instrument or try to learn some new skills in isolation.“
The council will provide free delivery and manage a 30-day loan service for Hobsons Bay residents who are also library members.
Participants will receive an information sheet with learning tutorials and information about strings and minor repairs
To book a guitar, email arts@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Anyone interested in donating a guitar should visit www.guitarsgatheringdust.com
