Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD)

Every young person has potential

Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) exists to change the lives of young people through the power of music and the presence of someone who believes in them.

Using music, a safe environment and structured mentoring, MMAD provides creative support for young people to overcome challenges such as homelessness, destructive patterns of behaviour, drug and alcohol dependency, and family breakdown to uncover their hidden potential.

By creating a safe haven for at-risk and vulnerable young people, MMAD not only helps support the breakdown of negative cycles, but empowers young people to find their own unique talents to share and make a difference for other young people within their community.

Founder and CEO of MMAD, Dominic Brook said MMAD has a vision to see every young person have someone who believes in them.

The Charitable Foundation believes in the potential of MMAD like it believes in young people, which is why we have supported their development for more than nine years as they have grown from a small office in Gosford to delivering 1,500 sessions, camps and workshops each year.

From a small street stage to the Lounge Room social enterprise cafe and performance space, to developing podcast content that gives young people agency and a voice, we have collaborated on projects that help young people create change in themselves and others.

Throughout that time, the Charitable Foundation has witnessed MMAD’s ability to inspire young people to follow their passion and achieve things they never thought possible; whether that is recording their first album, performing on stage or living free of abuse for the first time.

“It’s been a really beautiful journey seeing some of the things we’ve achieved with the help of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation,” said Dominic.