I write to acknowledge and celebrate two members of our community.

Susie Fredline – Honorary Life Membership of Kodály Australia 

Congratulations to Susie Fredline (Qld), who was awarded Honorary Life Membership of Kodály Australia earlier this year.

Honorary Life Membership is Kodály Australia’s highest accolade and is given in recognition of an individual’s ongoing and highly significant contribution to the association and Australian Kodály-inspired music education.

Susie has worked tirelessly over many years to help advance Kodály-inspired music education. She has served in many roles at the state and national level over many years with distinction, including as Treasurer for Kodály Australia and Kodály Qld, and Vice President of the Mackay Chapter. I have been personally inspired by her service to our community and her dedication to Kodály-inspired music education in all aspects of her professional work. Further information about Susie can be found in her citation on the Kodály Australia website.

Susie, you are an example for us all – bravo!

Dr James Cuskelly (Qld) – International Katalin Forrai Award Recipient

Congratulations to Dr James Cuskelly (Qld), who was presented with the International Katalin Forrai Award (IKFA) during the 2025 International Kodály Symposium (IKS) in Kecskemét, Hungary.

This international award is presented biannually to individuals who have been recognised as outstanding in their teaching of music in early childhood, following the philosophy and principles of the work of Katalin Forrai.

James is a well-known and valued member of our community. Many of us have been taught by James and have had the privilege of observing his work with young children. I personally can recall the outstanding teaching and joy evident in a demonstration lesson held during the IKS Symposium in Brisbane in 2011. His work serves as a model, inspiration and example of early childhood music education practice to all in our community.

James, congratulations on this significant international recognition of your work.

Sending you all peace, love and joy for this festive season.

With best wishes

Jason Boron
President
Kodály Australia