'Dream come true': Springwood student secures spot at Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Georgia Hammond, Year 12 student at St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood, playing the French horn.

As early entry offers for universities reach schools across the state, St Columba's student Georgia Hammond has received a "dream come true" with an invitation to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Known colloquially as "The Con", the conservatorium of the University of Sydney is one of the most prestigious and acclaimed music schools in the country.

Ms Hammond, a talented French horn player, had listed The Con as her first choice for further study - but it had been her goal long before any application process.

"I remember from an early age I knew that I wanted to do something with music, and when I found out about the conservatorium I thought that was the place for me. So definitely a dream come true," she told the Gazette.

[Receiving the offer] was crazy, I couldn't believe it to be honest. Relief, excitement, just crazy.

Georgia Hammond standing by the quadrangle at St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood.

Ms Hammond picked up the French horn in her primary school band at St Thomas Aquinas in Springwood.

Discovering her love for the instrument, she continued playing it through high school at St Columba's Catholic College.

Driven by her passion Ms Hammond also took up daily practice, tutor sessions, and extracurricular roles in Mountains Youth Band and some select Sydney orchestras.

A proud school

Her music teacher, Rob Badman, said the news of her early entry offer was "exciting, but not entirely surprising", given her effort and determination to improve.

"[Seeing] over a number of years of Georgia's enthusiasm, willingness to stretch outside of what she might be used to musically, and all those sorts of things, has just made her a much more versatile musician," Mr Badman said.

She's very good at what she does, and she's put in a lot of work.

The school's Partnership and Pathways Coach Nicky Alsemgeest said: "Music here at St Columba's is second to none. All of our staff, including Rob, are just pure gold. If you see the kids who do music here, they flourish."

Ms Hammond will study a Bachelor of Music (Performance), and hopes to climb the ranks of professional orchestras throughout Australia after graduating.

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music opened in 1915 and is one of the oldest music schools in Australia.

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Blue Mountains Gazette
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03 Apr 2026
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It was a joy to receive the latest edition of the Diocese of Lismore's publication, Catholic Life, featuring a beautiful article on our Foundation Principal, Sr Anne Henson pbvm. The piece reflects on Sr Anne’s remarkable life of faith, service and leadership, including her role in founding St Columba’s and the lasting legacy she continues to leave in our community and beyond. Our sincere thanks to Barry Da Silva for writing this wonderful tribute and for kindly sending us a copy. You can read the whole magazine (March 2026) here: https://www.lismorediocese.org/catholic-life-magazine/ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Catholic Schools NSW

03 Apr 2026
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Our Show Team has had a fantastic start to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. On Wednesday, Olivia and Jovina competed strongly in the paraders classes, with Olivia awarded Highly Commended in a very competitive field. Jovina and Eva also took part in the Young Judges Competition. On Thursday, our students and steers again represented the College proudly, while our display teams achieved outstanding results, placing 1st in Pumpkin and Produce and 3rd in Native Floral Display. Congratulations to Mackenna and Heidi in Year 10, and Lillia and Charlotte in Year 12, on their beautiful displays, and well done to all students involved. A special thank you to Mrs Sibbald for her support of our students throughout the Show. Sydney Royal Easter Show Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese