PBWA Chairman Stuart Bradford arranged a surprise presentation of Life Membership of Pipe Bands Australia to Malcolm MacLean in front of the massed bands at last Sunday’s Armadale Highland Gathering. Secretary Julia Christensen read out the following account of Malcolm’s service to the pipe band community:
Malcolm began piping under the tuition of George McClelland in 1976 and joined Perth Highland Pipe Band in 1979, where he still is today. 43 years of service. Malcolm has held piping leadership roles at Perth Highland for 38 years including 28 years as either Pipe Sergeant or Pipe Corporal and 10 years as Pipe Major from 2012 to 2021. In addition to this, Malcolm has held positions on the committee continually since 1987 including President, Vice President and Property Manager, plus also designing and maintaining the band’s website and social media. Malcolm also had the honour of becoming Perth Highland’s youngest ever Life Member in 1992 due to his outstanding service and leadership.
Malcolm’s contributions extend beyond his band, playing an integral part of the WA Branch of Pipe Bands Australia (Pipe Bands WA). Malcolm designed and implemented the successful marketing campaign for the 1996 Australian Championship in Perth, and since 2012 has held the positions of Chairman and Vice Chair, plus Communications Officer.
Malcolm has been instrumental developing PBWA’s branding, e-newsletter, website and social media presence, leading the way for branches across the country. Malcolm’s professional communications and marketing skills and experience have been invaluable in positioning Pipe Bands WA as a professional community organisation ensuring a high profile in Perth, across Western Australia and the Australian pipe band communities. Some of Malcolm’s recent innovative campaigns to promote our events include the “Battle of the Bagpipes” 2014 campaign including a flash mob at Curtin University, and “Game of Drones” in 2017.
Some key highlights of Malcolm’s contributions to Pipe Bands WA and Australia include: • 1996 – Australian Pipe Band Championships marketing campaign • 2012 – New Pipe Bands WA logo developed. • 2012 – Launch of Pipe Bands WA Facebook page • 2012-13 – Development, design and launch of the Pipe Bands WA website. • 2014 – Design and launch of the PBWA enewsletter. • 2022 – Chair of the 2026 Nationals Subcommittee
Malcolm’s next challenge is leading the Subcommittee to help win the bid to bring the Australian Championships to Perth in 2026. Pipe Bands WA is incredibly lucky and grateful to have someone of Malcolm’s skills and experience in our committee.
