Gold Coast recovery choir offers connection and hope through music
Upbeat Arts brings its recovery choir to Southport this October.
What’s happening?
A new psychosocial recovery choir program will launch in Southport on Monday 13 October, giving adults living with mental illness the opportunity to connect, create, and recover through music.
The launch comes during Queensland Mental Health Week (4–12 October) and just days after World Mental Health Day (10 October). The program is proudly funded by Queensland Health and will be delivered by Upbeat Arts, which has been running choirs in Brisbane since 2014 and on the Sunshine Coast.
Why it matters
Upbeat Arts Chair Jane Rowan said the expansion to the Gold Coast marks an exciting milestone.
“For more than a decade, we’ve seen the transformative effect of these programs — people who were once isolated or unwell finding confidence, community, and hope. The Gold Coast launch is about extending that opportunity to even more people in recovery.”
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said programs like this demonstrate the value of social prescribing.
“This is not about hitting the right notes; it’s about helping people take small but powerful steps towards recovery. Whether it’s finding the courage to join in for a few minutes or building confidence to perform on stage, the impact of recovery-focused group singing is huge.”
Local impact
The Gold Coast program will be led by acclaimed conductor Molly Keen and program leader Clare Cook. Each choir is supported by volunteers, including choir buddies, mental health buddies, and kitchen helpers.
Sessions are designed to be relaxed, friendly, and safe. Each week, members begin with a warm-up, sing a variety of songs together, and finish by sharing lunch. Members are welcome to bring a support worker, and no prior singing experience is required.
One long-standing Brisbane member has been travelling from the Gold Coast each week. Her parents said the choir has “literally saved her life.” Another member who once could only attend for 10 minutes is now back at work. Others describe the program as their “sanity saver.”
By the numbers
More than 1,500 people have participated in Upbeat Arts programs in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast since 2014.
Weekly choirs are accredited under the National Standards for Mental Health and focus on structured, recovery-oriented outcomes.
Research shows singing in groups can reduce stress, ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increase social connection.
Zoom in
Choir members consistently describe their experience as “life-changing.” In video stories, Richard, Tayla, and Ella share how the program has given them confidence, acceptance, and a sense of belonging.
Zoom out
This Gold Coast launch adds to the network of Upbeat Arts programs already running in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, reflecting more than a decade of proven outcomes for participants.
What to look for next
The official launch event will be held at the Southport Community Centre on Monday 13 October from 11:30am to 1pm.
The opening will feature keynote speakers from the Queensland Mental Health Branch and Upbeat Arts, interviews with choir members, and a live performance from the Brisbane choirs. A light networking lunch will follow.
