Dunbar gives back after success

​ Former Canterbury-Bankstown Talent Advancement Program (TAP) graduate, and now successful entertainer, Jess Dunbar, has returned to where it all began to inspire the next generation of stars.

Dunbar took part in a workshop with this year’s TAP students, shortly after the release of her latest album, with fiancé Matt Price, which debuted as the number two Aussie album on the ARIA charts.

"It was very nostalgic because I remember those days in TAP like they were yesterday," she said.

"I learnt so much from my mentors in TAP and so that’s why it was important to come back and chat to the kids, because the program really changed everything for me."

The 'Jess & Matt' duo shot to fame by winning through to the X Factor grand final in 2015.

"The practical lessons I attended in TAP allowed me to launch my career and get to where I am today," she said.

"I was a nervous little wreck as a girl and this community gave me a platform to really grow and know myself.

"I think the biggest lesson I took away was to learn a song and then make it your own. Our mentors would always teach us to put our own stamp on things and that attitude really opened up doors for me."

Mayor Khal Asfour said he was proud of TAP’s success, which has also produced the likes of Casey Donovan, Adam Rennie, Joel Taylor and many more.

"It’s fantastic to see this great program produce superstars like Jess and I thank her for giving back to the community, by helping to guide the next wave of potential local superstars," he said.

The album, Songs from the Village, is available now.To find out more about Canterbury-Bankstown Talent Advancement Program, visit cb.city/tap