Drum Major
Matthew Abraham
I joined in 2000 as a side drummer under the tutelage of the legendary Ron Ferrier OAM and also had the privilege of being apprentice Drum Major to another band legend, the late Allen Christie.
Cherished memories: 2002 New Zealand tour, historic Louth Races; every ANZAC Day, Other memorable gigs: 2016 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Melbourne; Senior Drum Major Aberdeen Highland Games 2022/23; Senior Drum Major City of Maitland Pipe Band's 75th Anniversary Celebrations 2022; 2023 World Pride combined pipe band. Favourite tunes: 79th Farewell to Gibraltar & The Water is Wide
Drum Major / Piper
Michele Davidge
I’ve been piping since I was 12 and this has sent me touring around the world. I have met many wonderful people and am happy to call you all my friends.
Cherished Highlights: 9 months in Scotland in 2006, competing and learning as much as I could from other musicians.
Favourite Tune: I love playing any hornpipe-jig to get my fingers flying.
Other Hobbies: I love to read and make people laugh.
Passion: my 2 amazing children.
Favourite Gig: Anzac Day has always held a special place in my heart and I love giving to the community on this day.
Pipe Major
Ailsa Barnett
I began learning the pipes at 11 years of age starting with Simon Reedman and then with Graham Adams. At 16 I gave up playing and didn’t return until I was 39, once again returning to Graham and now trying to make up for lost time. I commenced with the band in 2011 and I’m very proud and honoured to represent it.
Cherished Memories: The bands 90th Anniversary in 2014 and playing with the NSW Highlanders in 2011 at the world Pipe Band Championships.
Favourite Tunes: Salute to Pipe Major Merv McMillan of the City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band
Drum Sergeant
Steve Dorse
Steve joined the band in 2004 with a keen interest in side drumming. He took up the position of Drum Sergeant in 2010 and is very proud to lead a talented and dedicated drum corps.
He enjoys writing drum scores that challenge the drummers' abilities and create interest.
Cherished Highlights: Leading the pre-show Massed Bands drum corps at the 2019 Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney.
Favourite gig: ANZAC Day parade and performances.
Other interests include playing bass guitar and kit drums.
Pipe Sergeant
Brian Couch
Before joining the band in 2018 Brian played the pipes as a musician in the Australian Army Reserve. Piping highlights include playing at the 2019 and 2005 Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney.
Favourite tunes: Cullen Bay and The Dark Isle.
Other hobbies include Brewing and Motorcycles.
Drum Corporal
Clare Murphy
Clare has been playing drums in pipe bands since 2003, first learning tenor drum with Hastings District Pipes and Drums, and Manning Valley Pipes and Drums. She started learning snare drum in 2007 and has also filled in on bass drum over the years. These days Clare usually plays snare drum with the band and tutors the tenor and bass drummers.
Cherished highlight: coming 3rd in Grade 2 at the World Pipe Band Championships 2019 with The Pipe Band Club, playing tenor drum.
Favourite gig: playing alongside the Australian Army Concert Band
Other hobbies: Highland dancing, sewing and playing piano.
Drum Lance Corporal
Sophie Wells
Sophie's drumming journey began in 2016, learning snare under City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band Drum Sergeant, Steve Dorse. Thanks to Steve's excellent tuition, Sophie became a full-fledged member of the band in 2017. Eager to advance further, she started lessons with the esteemed Dean Hall of DrummingMad in 2021. She now finds fulfilment in teaching online through DrummingMad and at band practice. For Sophie, the band's camaraderie is invaluable. The supportive environment has fostered her growth as a musician and individual.
Favourite gig: Beaumont St busking
Other hobbies: Playing flute at Irish sessions, buying an irresponsible number of plants
Drummer
Alison Agnew
Alison has been learning the snare drum since 2020 under the tuition of Drum Sergeant Steve and has been performing with the band since 2022. She grew up surrounded by Scottish culture and pipe band music thanks to her dad, and still gets chills when surrounded by the pipes.
Favourite gigs: being a part of the ANZAC day parade and enjoying the party atmosphere on Beaumont Street at Christmas.
Piper
Cliff Brown
The band has provided me opportunities to better my playing ability and learn different tunes. I only began playing the pipes 1 year before joining, but the band took me in and I am so grateful that they were patient as I definitely feel part of the team now… having a laugh along the way also definitely makes it easier.
Cherished Memory: Every gig played is a cherished memory, however Aberdeen is a favourite. When I’m not playing favourites like Cullen Bay and Cock of the north, I am cycling with mates, or doing some gardening in the back yard.
Piper
Peter Campbell
Joined the band 2000
Piper
Wayne Campbell
Wayne was a late starter to bagpipes picking up the practice chanter at 45yrs old. After 3yrs tuition with Newcastle Piping Guru Graham Adams he joined the City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band in 2011.
He started learning Piobaireachd (pronounced “pea-brock”) the classical music of the great highland bagpipe (or big music) before learning small music (band music).
Other interests are photography and Scotland landscape exploring.
Piper
John James
I learnt to play pipes under the tutelage of P.M. John Roe, ex Scots Guards whilst in London during the 1970’s.
On my return to Sydney, I joined the Army Reserve Regimental Pipes & Drums.
In 1985, relocating to Newcastle, I met a band member playing pipes one Anzac Day at Speers Point RSL. Lending me his pipes, I was surprised that I could still play a tune, having not played for almost 20 years. I was invited to band practice and measured for my kilt at the band's 75th Anniversary celebration in 1999.
Favourite Tunes: Dugald Gillespie; Jimmy Findlater.
Piper
Julie Kuehn
Julie is a longstanding member of the band.
Drummer
Donald McGregor
Joined the band 1979.
Life Member
Drummer
Ken McLeish
Joined the band 2019
Drummer
Simon Melmeth
This band has brought a joy to my life that I never knew existed, they took me under their wing and taught me everything from beginner to full member with patience and care. I will be eternally grateful to each and every member. I will never forget the excitement and fun of my first gig, a pub-crawl, spreading Christmas cheer.
Favourite Gig: Spontaneous pub performances because of the close interaction with patrons.
Favourite tunes: Scotland the Brave and our drummer's salute which gives our pipers a rest and we drummers get to show off a bit.
Piper
Stuart Scott
I started learning bagpipes at the age of 46 years old as my son was playing in the pipe band and hearing the wonderful sound of bagpipes and the encouragement of my son and his tutor I decided to learn myself.
Having no musical knowledge with reading music or playing an instrument I learnt from two very experienced tutors.
Playing at local Scottish gatherings like Wingham and Aberdeen, with other players is what is so rewarding and providing a service in the community makes it all worthwhile.
Piper
Graeme Smith
Graeme joined the band after watching his son learn to play chanter/ Bagpipes.
Graeme is from Edinburgh, Scotland and his father played in a few tattoos with the Fireman’s Brigade Pipe Band.
Favourite Tunes: Jingle Bells and Black Bear.
He loves to play along side with his daughter the “best bass drummer around” in his own words.
Piper
Felicity Splieth
I started learning in 1979 with tutor Pipe Major Kent Hilton, travelling from Griffith to Albury every 2-3 weeks for practice. A life member with Albury Wodonga Pipes & Drums, I played with them until moving to Newcastle in 2008. I then joined The City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band and was welcomed by then President and Drum Major The Hon. J. Richard Face.
Cherished Highlights: Competing in Melbourne, Daylesford and the Australian Pipe Band Championships in Sydney. I love the friendships formed, playing with other bands, sharing experiences and knowledge so often freely given.
Drummer
Jessie Streicher
Jessie joined in 2012 after watching her father playing in the band for many years. In this time she’s learnt snare, tenor and bass drum.
Highlights for her include playing at Andre Reiu in 2016. She also loves all Highland gathering tattoos and solo competitions. Jessie has done some highland dancing at engagements with some other amazing members.
Piper
Alan Suttner
Previous band: Singleton Pipes and Drums. Joined City band in 2007.
Favourite tunes: Meerut, Duncan McInnes and most 2/4s.
I enjoy being part of a serious social band. I love a game of lawn bowls
Piper
Cassandra Vizintin
Cassandra started learning bagpipes at 11 years of age and has been playing now for over 35 years. She started with the Benalla Caledonian Pipe Band and has since played with The Scots School Albury Pipe Band and the Cairns Pipe Band before settling in with the City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band in 1999. Between then and now she has been busy raising two boys and working with her husband in their business
Drummer
Tara Walkington
My Scottish heritage was a big part of my childhood and at age 35 I decided to reconnect with that heritage and learn to play Tenor. I have loved being a member of the band and always felt so welcomed. I love the magic of playing in massed bands and also feel such pride being a part of Anzac Day.
Favourite tunes: Amazing Grace and of course the Drummers Salute.”