Healthy Ageing & the Charleville Dance House

2023 - 2025

Charleville Dance House & Healthy Ageing

The Opportunity

The Outcome

Local Participants
250+ Audience Members
(Outback Sounds 2025)
Years of Consistent Delivery

Project Overview

Since 2023, QMF has brought together Charleville locals of all ages, as well as artists programmed on The Outback Trail, to co-create and deliver an all-ages and all-abilities performance at one of our flagship events, Outback Sounds.  

But this is about more than just show business. The project brings together young students from the renowned Charleville Dance House, a community-controlled, not-for-profit dance school providing high-quality dance education to students in Charleville and beyond, and Healthy Ageing Charleville & District, a South-West Hospital & Health Service initiative aiming to provide opportunities for local seniors to socialise, engage with their community and remain active.  

In the months leading up to Outback Sounds, the Dance House students and Healthy Ageing seniors come together to learn a dance to one of the songs by an Outback Trail artist. In 2025, it was Taylor Moss’s track ‘County Proud’ that provided the backing to the locally choreographed performance that caters for movers of all abilities. Sitting in a wheelchair, standing with the support of a walker or moving unaided – the dance is always one of inclusion. 

And it’s in these rehearsals that the magic of a community coming together can be seen. There are stories shared about Charleville in days gone by, there is knowledge passed between generations and there are relationships forged between locals who may never have crossed paths otherwise.  

The performance itself is the cherry on top moment, and getting to do it alongside a renowned artist in front of a home crowd is a privilege many relish. But it’s the intergenerational friendships, the feelings of inclusion and the community pride that last long after the audience has gone home that make this project so special. The goal may have been to deliver a performance, but the destination is certainly a connected, inclusive and active community. 

“This annual event has quickly become a cherished tradition, eagerly anticipated by our students, staff, and the seniors alike. We’ve been struck by the dedication and care shown by the Queensland Music Trails team. The effort they’ve put into ensuring the community is well-represented on the Music Trails is a true testament to their willingness to ensure that they have social and cultural impacts in the towns they operate in.”

Michelle Ebsworth, Charleville Dance House

“(The performance) is something that many of our seniors would never have dreamed to do, but it’s been a wonderful experience for them. They’ve connected with each other and across generations to create a true community experience and it’s certainly built confidence.”

Deb Alick, Healthy Ageing

“(My highlight was) when the humans from Healthy Ageing rose from their thrones (they had previously done a gorgeous, seated dance) to join the dancers from the Charleville Dance House for the finale of the show!”

Pru Wilson, Everybody NOW!

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