Matt Cameron
The Architect of Survival
Bandmaster (1950s – 1960s)
Saving the Sound
In 1953, the Wonthaggi Citizens’ Band faced its greatest crisis. With only 16 senior players remaining and the local coal mines beginning to close, the music was at risk of stopping forever. Matt Cameron stepped in with a vision that broke tradition: he launched a massive recruitment drive targeting local children as young as nine.
The 1957 Revival
Cameron’s gamble on the youth of Wonthaggi paid off. By 1957, just four years after the band was nearly disbanded, he led a revitalized ensemble of 12-year-old learners and seasoned veterans to Ballarat, where they were crowned Victorian D-Grade Champions. This victory proved that Wonthaggi could compete on the state stage regardless of industrial hardship.
A Lasting Philosophy
Matt Cameron didn’t just rebuild a band; he established the educational blueprint we still use today. His belief that a community band’s survival depends on nurturing its youngest members ensures that the “Wonthaggi sound” continues to resonate over a century later.
Don Edwards
The Heart of the Ensemble
Member Since 1965 | 57+ Years of Service
Then: A Trade and a Tune
Don Edwards joined the band in 1965 as a cornet player. A plumbing and trade teacher by profession, he brought a sense of discipline and community service to the ranks. For decades, through the decline of the mining era and the town’s transition, Don remained a constant presence in the cornet section.
Now: 90+ Years and Still Grooving
In October 2022, Don celebrated his 90th birthday at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club. The band attended in full force, entertaining 60 guests and performing the town’s anthem, “There’s a Part of My Heart in Wonthaggi,” in his honor.
Legacy of Commitment
- Awards: Recipient of the 2019 Rotary Community Arts Award.
- Impact: Don represents the bridge between the band’s industrial past and its modern community role. His 57 years of service serve as an inspiration for the current youth members, proving that the band is a lifelong social anchor.
Craig Marinus
Leading the Modern Era
Current Musical Director
National Championship Success
Under the leadership of Craig Marinus, the Wonthaggi Citizens’ Band has reached its modern competitive peak. His tenure is marked by a consistent record of excellence, including C-Grade Australian National Band Championships: Melbourne (2018) Brisbane (2019), followed by 2025 Australian National Band Championships one more in Melbourne.
Modernizing the Sound
Craig focuses on maintaining the band’s accessibility. He has overseen the integration of the Senior, Youth, and Trainer bands, ensuring that the competitive standard is matched by a welcoming community atmosphere.
Vision for the Future
By balancing rigorous competition preparation with community favourites, like the annual cabaret and Union Theatre concerts, Craig ensures the band remains a “Swiss Army knife” for regional culture, capable of performing everything from classical brass repertoire to pop tributes. Craig also single-handedly ensures the annual concerts feature a celebrity performer.