Our History

Welcome to the story of the Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band – a proud and evolving musical organisation built on tradition, community and performance excellence. From humble beginnings in Western Sydney to international tours and world-class stages, our journey spans generations of musicians, volunteers and supporters who have shaped the band into what it is today.

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The band was founded as the Windsor & District Scottish Pipe Band in 1977 by Dave, Jock and Al Sinclair with Dave Sinclair taking the role of inaugural Pipe Major. Both Dave and Al taught in the local area, and several years later established a highland dancing troupe which augmented band performances. The band originally played in blue shirts and black trousers, before acquiring several kilts in the Macbeth tartan from the defunct Toongabbie Pipe Band.

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In 1990 Dave (Pipe Major) and Al (Pipe Sergeant) moved to Western Australia and joined the Western Australian Police Force. After graduating, they became members of the Western Australia Police Pipe Band. Following this, the band elected a new Pipe Major; Bob McLellan. The band entered competition at this stage and played in Grade 4. The band also renamed to the Hawkesbury City Pipe Band, with new tartan acquired for kilts, with the blue in the original MacBeth tartan being swapped for a dark blue, looking a little like the Black Stewart instead of the Blue Stewart (MacBeth).

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By 2008 the band was struggling to remain afloat, with only 4 members regularly attending practice. Barry Gray was asked to come in and tutor. Along with Barry came several learner players he had been tutoring and the band entered its first contest some 5 weeks later playing with 16 pipers, 1 Bass, 3 Tenors and 5 Snare Drummers. By October that year the band won the NSW Grade 4 State Championships. The band was in need of new uniforms and instruments, and to this end recorded a fund raising CD; Through Saltire Glasses. By 2010 the band had acquired brand new kilts in the modern MacBeth tartan, tweed jackets and vests, new drums and Shepherd Pipe Chanters. The name of the band was again changed in 2010 to the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe Band, and the band embarked on their first trip to Scotland.

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The band's Scotland tour consisted of two competing units, one in Grade 4 and one in Novice Juvenile. The Novice Juvenile band were 6th at the European Championships in Northern Ireland, 10th at the World Championships in Glasgow and were the highest placed Novice Juvenile band at the Bridge of Allan Games in the Grade 4 section. The Grade 4 band won the competition at the Dundonald Games. Bob McLennan (PM) stepped down after this tour and Barry Gray stepped into the role as Interim Pipe Major, until the next AGM when he was elected the band's new Pipe Major.

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The band returned for a second Scottish tour in 2012, where it performed at Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, and were the opening act on the Wallace Bagpipes Concert on the Renfrew Ferry. In 2017 it was decided that new kilts were required, and the band decided to undergo a full rebrand, including a name change and a uniform change. The Hawkesbury Area is well linked with Former Governor Lachlan Macquarie, and as such the new tartan chosen was the 1815 Muted Macquarie, and the band's name was changed to the Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band – a living breathing, performing tribute to Lachlan Macquarie.

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Also in 2017, the band released a new 15 track fund raising CD. A third Scottish tour competed in 4 competitions in the highly competitive Grade 3A level. Although no prizes were acquired on this trip, the experience gained by the members who attended was invaluable, particularly at the challenging grade level.

 

The GMMPB has played on stage with its fair share of stars, including Andre Rieu, John Farnham, The Battlefield Band, Ian Cooper, Delta Goodrem and Sir Paul McCartney. It has competed and performed all over New South Wales as well as Queensland, Victoria, Singapore and the UK. During the COVID-19 pandemic, band rehearsals were moved online and conducted via Zoom. This allowed members to continue to hone their skills in a COVID Safe environment. Additionally, the pandemic also meant a pause on competition and performance.

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In 2022, the band made a triumphant return to face-to-face practice and performance, culminating in competing at the Australian Pipe Band Championships in October. GMMPB successfully obtained two 1st Place awards in Piping, one 2nd Place in Drumming and a 9th Place in Ensemble in the Medley section, gaining 2nd place overall in this medley element.

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In August 2026, GMMPB will return to Scotland for its most ambitious tour to date, building on the momentum of recent competitive and performance success. The tour will see the band represent Australia on the world stage at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, alongside a full program of performances and cultural engagements across Scotland. As part of the tour, GMMPB plans to perform at iconic venues including Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, as well as additional performances and engagements throughout Scotland. The band will also take part in a range of competitions and public appearances, showcasing the Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band both as a competitive unit and as a proud ambassador for pipe band culture in Australia. This 2026 tour marks a major milestone in the band’s ongoing journey – uniting members, families and supporters behind a shared goal, and reaffirming GMMPB’s commitment to excellence, tradition, and international performance.