Highways of Hope: Lino Ettia

The Banding Together project set out to capture stories from a range of people connected with the Australian music community in the COVID-19 era. The hardships unearthed are raw and real, but meeting these challenges has inspired acts of compassion, resilience, talent and innovation that we can be proud of.

Music is playing a key role in many of these undertakings; a universal language keeping us connected and lifting our spirits. These stories provide a positive focus, signposts to be celebrated along the Highways of Hope. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all of us to find better ways to care for our vulnerable senior citizens. Despite the hardships faced many residents and staff in aged care centres found positive and uplifting experiences through engaging with music. Lino Ettia is an established music performer in the aged care sector. When his live shows were shutdown Lino embraced technology to remain engaged and keep the music playing. He continues to deliver the soundtracks of the resident’s lives - whether online or on balconies – and looks forward to taking his live show back indoors to an audience he knows really appreciate live music.

As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by creating a series of video stories that capture, in real time, the impact that this pandemic has had on the music community.

Banding Together is the music community’s stories; the Australian Music Vault has simply helped capture them.

If you, or someone you know – including those connected to the creative industries – are facing mental health challenges, please contact one of the following helplines: Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500; Arts Wellbeing Collective; Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.