About Us
A Short History of the VPA
Our Purpose
The Victorian Pipers Association (VPA) is dedicated to encouraging the development and playing of the Highland Bagpipe across Victoria.
We organise and administer solo piping competitions throughout the year, including the prestigious Victorian Championships. Beyond competition, the VPA is committed to fostering new talent, creating opportunities for young people to learn and perform, and supporting aspiring pipers as they grow.
Through recitals, workshops, competitions, and sponsorship initiatives, we strive to provide a positive and supportive environment that enables all members to reach their full potential.
Establishment
The Victorian Pipers Association Inc was formed in 2003. The founding members were Brian Niven, Andrew Silver, Ian Lyons and Murray Blair, who with support of their piping peers aimed to rekindle interest in a declining scene. As a result an independent, non-profit organisation central for Highland Bagpipe performance in Victoria was formed, called the ‘VPA’.
Grading & First Competitions
The VPA introduced; a new grading structure (Novice, D, C, B and A), multiple events in each grade at every competition including Piobaireachd, a Piper of the Year league competition, a new solo piping judging list, a focus on music by providing supporting workshops for it’s members, invited guest pipers to share their expertise, organised piping events to showcase local members performances and set an aim of offering no less than five competitions each year throughout Victoria.
The first VPA competition was held in April, 2003 in Melbourne which attracted 56 pipers. Subsequent competitions were held in Terang, Williamstown, Ballarat and Moorabbin, all with great success. The Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association recognised the VPA’s expertise and success in presenting solo piping competitions, and as a result ceased to offer solo piping competitions in support of the VPA scheduled events as of January 2004.
Sponsors and Donors – Supporting Solo Piping in Victoria
The VPA’s showcase event is the annual Victorian Solo Piping Championships which includes the VPA Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal competitions, alongside the James Center Memorial Medal, Clan MacLennan Shield, Bradshaw Family Trophy and Clan MacGillivray Shield.
The also VPA recognises the support given since 2003 by the Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation, McCallum Bagpipes and Lyons Bagpipes along with current (2025) sponsor and donors:
- BagpipeLessons.com
- Clan MacLennan
- Clan MacGillivray
- Clan McThoas
- COL G A Durant-Law CSC (ret)
- Gilmour Reeds
- Mark Saul
- R.G. Hardie & Co Bagpipes
- St Kilda Retail Australia
- Scots of Victoria
- The Bradshaw Family
- The Center Family
- The School of Piping
- The Piobaireachd Society
- The Victorian Scottish Heritage and Cultural Foundation.
Ongoing Promotion and Development and Continued Growth
In 2024, the Victorian Solo Piping Championships saw a record-breaking 161 individual performances, securing its place as the largest solo piping competition in Australia. This milestone reflects the continued growth and enthusiasm within the piping community.
The upward trend continued into 2025, with VPA membership rising to 75 members, including both playing and non-playing supporters: demonstrating strong community engagement and broadening participation.
We continue to innovate and expand opportunities and currently hold seven competitions each year across Victoria.
The VPA proudly acknowledges the exceptional contributions of the following Life Members, whose dedication, service, and leadership have helped shape the Association’s success: Ross Campbell, Brian Niven, Ian Lyons, Murray Blair, Craig McKenzie, and Jonathan Quay.
Looking ahead, the VPA remains committed to nurturing the next generation of pipers. We provide meaningful opportunities for young and emerging players to learn, perform, and grow in a positive, inclusive, and encouraging environment.