Bluebird Foundation has been delivering unique arts projects in the Geelong region since 2009. Highlights include:

SingingLinks - 2017-24

If you walk through one of Bluebird's partnership schools, chances are you'll hear the sound of singing echoing through the halls. That’s because musicians from Bluebird Foundation are passionate about bringing the joy of music to primary school students in Geelong. SingingLinks is a comprehensive program of daily singing in the classroom designed to promote improved educational and social outcomes for children, and enhance the capabilities of classroom teachers in using music as a tool for learning.

Bluebird music specialists visit classrooms each week to facilitate the SingingLinks sessions. They guide students through a series of simple singing activities, and importantly, the singing doesn’t stop when they leave. Every day the classroom teachers continue the activities with their students, establishing a joyful culture of singing at school that not only develops musical skills but supports growing brains.

"Neuroscientific research is pointing to the unique capacity for music learning, especially in the early childhood years, to establish advanced cognitive brain function for all children. Children who have ongoing, age-appropriate music learning from birth have advanced language skills, can pay attention for longer, and control their impulses which leads to faster learning and memory capacity." (Anita Collins)

Get an inside look at the program through this short film, which captures students and teachers from Newcomb Primary School, St. Thomas Aquinas Primary School, and Northern Bay College in action.

Gap era Creatives - 2023-24

A group of young creatives took their future into their own hands under the guidance of local artist, Laura Alice. They explored their creative passions, set up small businesses, enrolled in further education and formed a cheer squad, supporting each other through challenging moments and celebrating each other's successes along the way.

The program culminated in a one-night creative exhibition at Parallax Geelong where the creatives showcased their work across diverse mediums including poetry, immersive origami installations, fashion, soundscapes, painting, upcycled furniture and more. But the benefits flowed in both directions because the young people formed an advisory group providing advice to Bluebird about ways to be more inclusive for artists straddling the awkward gap between the teen years and adulthood.

Working as a peer mentor, Cat Kilner gathered information about the things young people love about Bluebird ("the lovely welcoming space" "the people" "the amount of support"), the challenges they face in accessing Bluebird programs ("transport and tiredness" "a sensory chill space would be nice to have access to sometimes") and what we can do better ("more workshops specifically for young adults" "a bigger table" "more one-on-one mentoring").

Their feedback is helping to shape future programs so that Bluebird will continue to be a special place for people of all ages.

Proudly supported by the Victorian Government through an Engage! grant

Neuro-Diverse Teen Advisory Group - 2022-23

Premiering on Autistic Pride Day, the short animated documentary, STIM! celebrates neurodiversity through the eyes of four amazing teens. 

Through their paintings, sketches and musings, we get a glimpse into their vibrant inner worlds. With the guidance of renowned artist and animator, Laura Alice, this beautiful short film serves to remind us that diversity is a vital and important part of the human experience. 

The creative project grew out of a Youth Advisory Group of neuro-diverse teens which was established to make Bluebird Foundation more inclusive and accessible to neurodiverse people. Many of their recommendations have improved the experience of all visitors to Bluebird House. There are now whiteboards on each door in the cottage so that everyone knows what is happening in each room and sensory toys are provided in each space.

The young people met up with Laura Alice and assistant Cat Kilner over a series of sessions, learning digital drawing, animation and visual storytelling skills. Together they unpacked their unique ADHD and/or autistic lives and created this beautiful and thought-provoking short film.

Proudly supported by the Victorian Government through an Engage! grant

PROPELLER - 2017-24

Propeller provides support pathways for young people experiencing disadvantage to access creative arts workshops that align with their personal artistic interests and passions. A robust network of partnerships among social welfare agencies, schools and other community organisations ensures appropriate identification, recruitment and support of participants. In 2022, 76 places in the Workshops at Bluebird House program were provided at no cost to participants. This ensured access to a quality art program within a community setting, a model that embraces true social inclusion.

For more information contact the Propeller Project Worker, Sarah Clarkson, at sarahclarkson@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au

Proudly supported by the Victorian Government through an Engage! grant

NORTH Children’s Choir - 2019-2024

NORTH Children's Choir was established in 2019, providing opportunities for talented young singers aged 6-13 years living in the northern suburbs of Geelong to embark on a high-level choral pathway. The choir grew out of the classroom singing programs Bluebird Foundation undertakes in partnership with schools in the 3214 postcode. Through a curriculum of music theory, vocal and performance skills, these young musicians work with local choral educators to navigate a pathway to musical excellence which is not available through school and is financially out of reach of most families. The young choristers and their families represent a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including Liberian, Karen, Sudanese, Maori, Indian and Australian. Children connect with other singers across the Northern suburbs while building friendships among the diverse cultures. Families embrace the opportunity to see their children blossom in a musical environment that is nurturing yet challenging.

In 2022, NORTH Children’s Choir commissioned Corrina Bonshek to create a work, especially for them with the brief to communicate a child’s experience of growing up in multicultural Geelong. Corrina interviewed choir families and each chorister shared what makes Geelong special to them. ‘Three Songs’ highlights the sense of peace felt at the beach, the security of home and family, and the joy of childhood pleasures like jumping on the trampoline and riding the carousel.

The final collaborative mixed-media work was shared via augmented reality postcards and miniature artworks positioned around the streets of Geelong.

A special project was planned for 2020, ironically called ‘The Gathering’. It was to be an opportunity to bring these families together to share songs, stories, food and dances. Instead, through a complex process of online interviews with families to collect cultural folksongs and stories, the sharing of learning materials through Google Classroom, Zoom rehearsals and eventually small group rehearsals on the verandah of the local footy club, connections were maintained with most of the children and families in NORTH Children’s Choir. The absolute highlight of the year was broadcasting a live-stream concert from the Geelong Arts Centre which was a combination of pre-recorded songs, animations created from the children’s artwork, family vignettes and live performances. While the children were still only able to sing in small groups, physically distanced, they could share 'The Gathering' with loved ones at home in Geelong and family members all around the world!

In 2022, NORTH Children’s Choir performed at Down by the Bay, a celebration of song and community at Costa Hall. They wowed the audience with their choral repertoire and led the community singing, filling the auditorium with the happy sound of hundreds of children raising their voices together in song.

Proudly supported by Geelong Community Foundation, the Anthony Costa Foundation, Peggy Charitable Trust and Catholic Church Insurance

TBA@NBC - 2020-23

TBA@NBC is an early childhood music program at Northern Bay College that employs strategic, innovative arts interventions helping to break generational cycles of disadvantage. The program strives for effective, sustainable results for families, taking a two-generational approach and utilising an immersive mentoring model that targets teachers, caregivers and children simultaneously. 

First Steps in Music
First Steps in Music is a weekly music education program for parents/carers and their 0-5 year olds. Based at Tallis and Peacock campuses, the program provides a learning environment for parent and child that supports child development, family relationships and links musical experiences to the school environment. The program is open to families living in the 3214 postcode. Learn how to join a class at www.littlebluebirds.org.au

SingingLinks
A comprehensive program of daily singing in the classroom designed to support and extend the specialist music program, promote improved literacy, numeracy and social outcomes throughout the year levels, and enhance the capabilities of classroom teachers in using music as a tool for learning.

 A collaboration with Northern Bay College and proudly supported by the Anthony Costa Foundation and Give Where You Live

KIN - 2022

At first glance, Tarryn Love, Quinn Earthchild and Mutheinchri Ra seem worlds apart. Tarryn Love is a proud Gunditjmara Keeray Woorroong woman who has grown up on Wadawurrung country. As an artist she is committed to exploring the theoretical and political value of First Nation arts practice. Quinn Earth Child is a queer permaculturalist, artist and musician, inspiring radical sustainable change in the Northern suburbs of Geelong. Mutheinchri is a Karenni refugee, currently studying to become a NAATI certified translator. She is passionate about supporting her local Karenni community to live their best lives here in Geelong. The common ground between the three is their quiet leadership – young people living their ideals each day and inspiring change in the Geelong community. These three young leaders have been recognised in an installation created by Laura Alice, an extraordinary artist who has created a name for herself through her inky paintings and street art. Laura, a long-time Bluebird collaborator, has a passion for using art to share untold stories and through this project she highlighted the incredible diversity of the Geelong community, shining a light on some of the young people quietly leading the way in our region.

The installation features portraits of Tarryn, Quinn and Mutheinchri surrounded by artistic elements created by the vibrant communities that hold them – Tarryn’s mob, the Friends of Cowies Creek and the Drawn Together artistic collective. But just like the young people pictured, the cutting-edge mural involves more than is obvious at first glance. When visitors point their smart phone at the artwork, they are delighted by a magical augmented-reality show that harnesses the new wave of dual-reality artistic expression. The wall is brought to life by beautiful animations interwoven with music and the voices of the young leaders. Colours leap and swirl off the wall as if by magic, flowers bloom and birds emerge from the bricks and take wing into the sky, all weaving together into a joyful expression of togetherness and connection. The new installation takes pride of place on a large wall on the building at 17-19 Fenwick Street, Geelong owned by Elaine and Anthony Costa that was calling out for a better purpose and was unveiled during a launch event on Thursday 19th May.

Proudly supported by the Anthony Costa Foundation

3-UP - 2021

When Baraka the Kid (AKA Fiston Baraka) visited a NORTH Children's Choir rehearsal and asked the choristers for ideas about how to stay COVIDSafe at birthday parties, the answer was a sweet one... lose the big birthday cake with candles and give everyone their very own cupcake.

That was all the inspiration Fiston needed to write and record a music video with backing vocals by the choir. Part of a campaign by the Victorian Multicultural Commission to deliver COVIDSafe messages created by young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the video is one of three.

With members of the North Youth Theatre Ensemble working behind the scenes and in front of the camera, check out COVIDSafe Birthdays, COVIDSafe Gatherings and COVIDSafe Greetings here...

Proudly supported by the Victorian Government through a CALD Youth Content Campaign grant

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH? - 2021

A group of young people from culturally diverse backgrounds came together to tackle a challenging issue - what is mental health and how can we promote the availability of mental health services and supports to the diverse cultural groups in our region?

Under the guidance of artist Laura Alice they created a short animated film featuring their artworks, words and voices. Translated into Arabic, Dari, Karen, Swahili and Tamil, the film received an Honourable Mention in the One-Reeler Short Film competition and has become a valuable resource for our region.

The project was a collaboration with Wellways, Western Victoria PHN, Diversitat and City of Greater Geelong

Pipi Thay Too - 2019-20

Pipi Thay Too (The Grandmother Tree) is a short animated film celebrating resilience, the power of identity, mystical encounters with ancestors, and the Karen and Karenni refugee experience. 

Made out of hundreds of paintings by a group of young refugee women, the short film was created when the young artists joined up with local artist, director and mentor Laura Alice and started to explore and collaborate to create cutting-edge storytelling art, media and animation. The talented artists are from Karen and Karenni backgrounds, having come to Australia after their families fled the brutal genocidal regime in their homeland.

With the support and partnership of Bluebird Foundation, The fOrT and City of Greater Geelong; the group poured their time into writing, painting and creating their story. Based on their own journeys from refugee camps to Australia, the story is in many ways autobiographical - the protagonist reflecting the young women who wrote it - a resilient refugee Karen teenaged girl, and her powerful inner and outer journey. 

Director Laura Alice worked collaboratively with the young artists throughout, taking their paintings and drawings and animating them into the story they had created, guiding them through the process and working intimately with them every week to create their shared vision.  

Pipi Thay Too has already received recognition from the film industry, being nominated as a Monthly Finalist and for Best Sound Design with the Changing Face International Film Festival and featuring in the Geelong Underground Film Festival. 

A collaboration with The fOrT and the City of Greater Geelong

TBA@NEWCOMB PRIMARY SCHOOL - 2020-23

TBA@Newcomb Primary School is a holistic program that aims to develop strong and creative family connections at Newcomb Primary School, while simultaneously supporting mental and physical health and well-being among children, families and the wider community. It uses a multi-pronged approach, firmly grounded in a background of multi-disciplinary research and experience.

First Steps
Supported play environments where 0-5 year olds and their parents/carers learn together and develop important skills through creative activities. First Steps in Music is an early childhood music education program based on the research and work of Dr John Feierabend. First Steps in Nature encourages child-led nature play that embraces the enormous world to be discovered within the school grounds. Learn how to join a class at www.littlebluebirds.org.au

First Steps (extended transition)
An extended transition-to-school program for parents/carers and their pre-prep children prior to school entry. Weekly music and nature parent-child sessions provide a gentle and positive introduction to the school environment, build relationships between parents and school staff and establish a culture of mutual respect and parent engagement.

ClassLinks
In-school singing sessions for prep students, their families and their teachers that create a partnership between home and school.

SingingLinks
A comprehensive program of daily singing in the Prep-3 classrooms designed to support students to become tuneful, beatful and artful whilst promoting literacy, numeracy and social outcomes, and enhancing the capabilities of classroom teachers to use music as a tool for learning.

NatureLinks
An outdoor learning program that provides an appropriate pathway from First Steps in Nature. Outdoor learning builds student resilience, while at the same time promoting improved literacy, numeracy and social outcomes.

 A collaboration with Newcomb Park Primary School and proudly supported by the Raymond Charities

Meet, Move & Make - 2017-20

Meet, Move & Make was a weekly arts-based group session designed to support young parents to engage in joyful activities with their 0-5 year olds. The skills and ideas the parents learnt during group time enriched their ongoing relationships with their children, turning one morning into a week full of learning opportunities. Based at the Norlane Child and Family Centre, Meet, Move & Make provided a learning environment for parent and child that supports child development, family relationships and effective parenting skills. 

Proudly supported by Give Where You Live

THe folk house - 2018-19

The Folk House paid tribute to the great tradition of community folk dance. Over the course of a year, each season played host to a unique folk dance event in each corner of the compass around Geelong. Live music by local musicians accompanied each family-friendly, all-abilities dance event in a joyful celebration of community and cultural diversity. Promoting social interaction, sharing of food and conversation as well as participation in folk dances from a variety of traditions, The Folk House was an initiative that saw people moving, laughing, singing, and communicating through the joy of dance.

Proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong

Drawn Together | Geelong - 2018-19

Drawn Together | Geelong brought youth from diverse cultural backgrounds together with local artists, Liz McGrath and Laura Alice. Through weekly art classes and workshops held at The fOrT youth centre and North Geelong Secondary College, the young artists explored a wide range of artistic styles, techniques and art materials. 

Harnessing the power of augmented reality art, the young people created a collaborative public exhibition to celebrate Harmony Week in 2019. The exhibition was officially opened on Harmony Day by Cr Jim Mason and the Youth Commissioner for the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Ms Khayshie Ramesh. The celebration included singing by the Karenni Choir, cello music by Liz Findlay, a shared feast and a crowded room of guests using smartphones and tablets to view the augmented reality artworks through the EyeJack app. 

 A collaboration with The fOrT and North Geelong Secondary College, Drawn Together | Geelong has been proudly supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Renew Geelong

TBA NORTH - 2016-23

TBA North is a holistic early childhood program at St Thomas Aquinas Primary School that employs strategic, innovative arts interventions in an effort to redress poor educational outcomes. The program strives for effective, sustainable results for families, taking a two-generational approach and utilising an immersive mentoring model that targets teachers, caregivers and children simultaneously. 

PlayLinks
PlayLinks is a weekly, facilitated art and music group session for parents/carers and their 0-5 year olds. Based at St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, the program provides a learning environment for parent and child that supports child development, family relationships and links play experiences to the school environment. The program is open to families living in the 3214 postcode. Learn how to join a class at www.littlebluebirds.org.au

 A collaboration with St Thomas Aquinas Primary School and proudly supported by Give Where You Live and the Geelong Community Foundation

Athena's Guild - 2014-22

Athena’s Guild is a mentoring collective that matches experienced professional artists with community artists who have a disability or barrier to accessing quality arts programs. 

In 2018 a team of professional musicians/song-writers was matched in mentoring pairs with carers in the community; people caring for a family member or loved-one with a disability or chronic illness. These pairs worked together over a series of one-on-one songwriting sessions and group workshops to develop songwriting and performance skills. This year the GenU Carers Choir also joined the project and worked as a team to write songs with mentors, adding an additional and vibrant energy. The project culminated in a live concert at Courthouse Youth Arts during Carers Week 2018. 

A collaboration with the Rotary Club of Geelong East and proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong and the Peggy Charitable Trust

TBA@Tate Street - 2015-18

TinyTaters
Supported play environments where 0-5 year olds and their parents/carers can learn and develop important skills through creative activities, specifically music, movement, traditional games and nature play.

Takertaters
In-school singing sessions for prep students, their families and their teachers. Takertaters is a unique extension activity for prep students and their families that creates a partnership between home and school by inviting families to share in singing sessions in the classroom. Parents are an integral part of this initiative, and they benefit from having access to a range of skills, repertoire and resources, which they can then “take away” into the home environment. 

Singtaters
A comprehensive program of daily singing in the classroom designed to support and extend the instrumental music program, promote improved literacy, numeracy and social outcomes throughout the year levels, and enhance the capabilities of classroom teachers in using music as a tool for learning. 

A collaboration with Tate Street Primary School, TBA@Tate St is proudly supported by the Raymond Charities

My Tribe: Pebble Island - 2017

My Tribe: Pebble Island was a public art initiative that encouraged community participation and collaboration. In 2017, artists Viktor Cebergs and Ines Machado led local residents, school and kindergarten families in a design and construction process. Together they transformed the island reserve in Tate Street, Thomson, with pebble mosaics and sculpture, building community connectedness and establishing an art park that can respond to an evolving neighbourhood.

Proudly supported by the Department of Justice and Regulation, a COGG Community Arts Grant and Geelong Connected Communities

Arts Enrichment - 2017

An Arts Enrichment Program was delivered to the grade 5/6 students at St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Norlane. Students had the opportunity to choose from a range of arts workshops that ran for a ten week period. These workshops developed their artistic and problem solving skills whilst encouraging teamwork and relationship building. The project culminated in an ‘Informance’ where students reflected on the ten-week process and presented their works of art to the school community.

A collaboration with St Thomas Aquinas Primary School and proudly supported by the Raymond Charities

First Steps In Music - 2017

Bluebird Foundation brought renowned US early childhood music education expert Dr John Feierabend to Geelong to facilitate a four-day accreditation course for early childhood educators. First Steps in Music is a research-based pedagogical approach to music and movement for teachers of children from birth through the primary years.

A network of accredited teachers has now been established to support the ongoing implementation of First Steps programs in the community.

A free parent and educator forum provided an opportunity for the broader community to hear Dr Feierabend speak.

Proudly supported by Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Connected Communities

Dabble 'n' Dance - 2010-16

Dabble 'n' Dance  was a weekly arts-based group session designed to support 0-5 year olds to develop school readiness skills and expose young parents to attachment-based activities, positive child-focused time and models of positive behaviour management techniques. The program provided a learning environment for parent and child that supported child development, family relationships and effective parenting skills. 

Dabble 'n' Dance combined music and the visual arts in a learn-through-play environment. Sessions included songs, dance, instrumental play and musical games as well as visual art experiences. Children and parents alike were exposed to the magical world of the Arts while parents were supported in exploring positive ways of interacting with their children.

Bluebird Foundation was thrilled when Dabble 'n' Dance was named as a finalist in the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's 2011 Early Years Awards. In 2011, the program was also independently evaluated by Sarah Baudinette, from Deakin University's social work Honours program. The Formative Evaluation of Dabble 'n' Dance confirmed the positive experiences of the young parents involved. 

A collaboration with Northern Bay College and Barwon Child Youth and Family, Dabble 'n' Dance was proudly supported by Give Where You Live

CUBED - 2015-16

CUBED is a wholistic project raising awareness of hidden young carers in the community through the arts. A collaboration with The Young Carer Program at Barwon Health, CUBED has been supported by a Community Inclusion and Capability Development grant from the NDIS.

The Young Carer Program at Barwon Health assists young people who are in education and are providing significant support to a family member/friend who is frail aged, has a chronic condition, disability or mental illness. They can be contacted on FREECALL 1800 052 222 for further information or find them on Facebook.

STREET ART
A series of workshops facilitated by Jenna Ramondo resulting in the production of two large-scale street art installations reflecting what it means to be a young carer. Young carers (aged 8-20 years) were supported to explore collage art incorporating found images as well as their own drawings, paintings and text.

PRINT CAMPAIGN
Images from the street art have been used to create a package of hardcopy materials that provide information and support to young carers in the community. These will be distributed to schools and youth services in the region.

YOUNG CARERS SPEAK
Training and support were provided to a group of young carers to enable them to raise awareness of young carers in the community and encourage youth to seek support and services. A tailored educational package was delivered by Carers Victoria for participating young carers.

LAUNCH
A public event was held to unveil the street art, preview the print campaign and launch 'Young Carers Speak'.

A collaboration with the Young Carer Program at Barwon Health, CUBED is proudly supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme

ALLPLAY - 2015

ALLPLAY was proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong through its Community Arts Grant program

Seniors Festival - 2015-19

The Geelong Seniors Festival is the largest community celebration for seniors in regional Victoria. A partner of the state-wide Victorian Seniors Festival, the Festival features a huge variety of community hosted events and experiences including workshops, dances, concerts, sporting activities and tours. 

A FENCE OF FIBRE ART
Intergenerational weaving workshops were held in the grounds of Newcomb Park Primary School. Children and seniors joined together with fibre artist, Caroline Hawkins, to learn how to create a beautiful ephemeral weaving installation out of natural materials.

EASY PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY
Artist photographer, Bronte Stead, supported seniors to take photographs with their smart phone or tablet. He taught them simple artistic principles to take their images to the next level.

SING A SONG OF CHILDHOOD
The enchanting Tate Street Junior Choir performed songs both old and new at the East Geelong Senior Citizens Centre. It was a concert and a sing-along all rolled into one.

RITES OF PASSAGE
Local street band, Eklesmic, presented a program of rousing and moving traditional klezmer tunes. A perfect introduction to this intriguing music, from Europe and the Middle East, steeped in centuries-old tradition.

ANOTHER POCKETFUL OF PEBBLES
An intergenerational event celebrating the Geelong Seniors Festival and Children's Week at Tate Street Primary School. Brazilian artist Ines Machado guided the creation of a beautiful pebble mosaic installation at the front entrance of the school.

TWINSET & PEARLS
Twinset & Pearls was a brand new musical show that premiered during the Victorian Seniors’ Festival. The show featured wonderful duets from Broadway shows, Hollywood movies and vaudeville. Audience members joined in the fun with classic sing-along tunes, and afterwards enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea.

Seniors Festival activities have been proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong

PLAYNATION - 2013-15

The PlayNation initiative was a multi-faceted program linking health to the arts. It aimed to inspire kids and families to reduce their screen time and go outside and play!

PlayNation encompassed a range of programs and projects including;

• Playing Up - 2013 intergenerational book project about games beyond the screen, facilitated by artist Trace Balla.

• Let's Play Up - written by local playwright, Rosan Chakir and performed by Ian Rooney and Lucy Jones. Premiered at a unique intergenerational event during Children's Week AND the Geelong Seniors' Festival, 2014.

• Let's Play! - a comprehensive package of theatre-in-education, facilitated games sessions and resources to support schools in the 3214 and 3219 postcodes. Rolled out in 2015.

• ALLPLAY - a workplace health and wellbeing program.

PlayNation was proudly supported by City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Connected Communities and the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust

bluebird arts - 2011-15

A collaboration with Barwon Health, Bluebird Arts was a long-term project that enriched the lives of Barwon Health clients and offered support for Barwon Health staff to increase their skills and confidence to grow the Arts component of their ongoing programs.

2015
CUBED - Young Carers Street Art
A series of workshops facilitated by Jenna Ramondo to support Young Carers to create a street art installation that will raise awareness of hidden young carers in the community. Young Carers are people aged under 25 years who are the key carers for a family member (usually a single parent). A collaboration with Barwon Health, supported by a Community Inclusion and Capability Development grant from the National Disability Insurance Agency.

TWINSET & PEARLS - a Seniors Festival performance
Twinset & Pearls was a brand new musical show, featuring wonderful duets from Broadway shows, Hollywood movies and vaudeville. Dazzling diva duo, sisters Bronnia and Lucita Lawsonia-Jones sang and danced their way through such chestnut duets as "Anything You Can Do", "We're a Couple of Swells" and "You're the Top". Audience members joined in the fun with classic sing-along tunes, and experienced the legendary hospitality of the Dorothy Thomson Day Centre with a delicious afternoon tea! 

2014
CARERS' CARNIVAL
Carers' Week 2014 kicked off with a day of arts-based workshops at Dromoland House. Participants joined together in dancing with the Billy Tea Bush Band, singing with Belinda McArdle and 'playing up' with Lucy Jones. They were also able to choose from a variety of workshop sessions including poetry with Bronwyn Lovell, basket making with Caroline Hawkins, a nurture session with Sue Hindle and paste-ups with Laura Alice.

CARERS' PHOTO EXHIBITION
Photos taken by carers in the Geelong region were showcased in the GPAC foyer during Carers' Week. Capturing the beauty of our local region, the photographs were a selection from the many images submitted for inclusion in the annual Barwon Health Carers' Calendar.

2013
CARERS' CARNIVAL
Once again, a full day of workshops was offered for carers to experience a wide range of arts-based activities. Participants started the day by dancing with the Billy Tea Bush Band and then chose from ukulele workshops, relaxation with Tibetan gongs, art therapy, writing and illustration workshops and mosaics before finishing with some glorious group singing led by Belinda McArdle.

2012
NORLANE DAY PROGRAM
The staff and clients at the Norlane Day Respite program brushed up on their dancing skills with Australian Ballroom Dancing Champion, Natalie Carr, in a series of dance workshops that culminated in an afternoon Tea Dance. 

BELMONT DAY PROGRAM
The Belmont Day Respite clients participated in a series of workshops with the Billy Tea Bush Band. Traditional dances and modified interpretations were practised in preparation for a Bush Dance where live music, dancing and food were all part of the celebration.

ANGLESEA DAY PROGRAM
Local mosaic artist, Caroline Hawkins, worked with the Anglesea Day Respite clients to design and create a beautiful mosaic birdbath featuring clownfish in an underwater scene.

TORQUAY DAY PROGRAM
Selena White from Simpatico Interior Design collaborated with the Torquay Day Respite clients to redesign their living space. Together they considered design concepts and practical issues to transform the room into a peaceful and beautiful space.

CARERS' CARNIVAL
A full day of workshops was offered for carers to experience a wide range of arts-based activities. Participants chose from ring making, writing workshops, dancing, botanical sketching, singing, drumming, wool twining, relaxation with Tibetan singing bowls and creating a collaborative sculpture.

2011
NORLANE DAY PROGRAM
Staff and clients built on their passion for singing and performing by working with an Arts practitioner to rehearse and perform a musical presentation at their annual Christmas Lunch.

BELMONT DAY PROGRAM
Clients participated in an instrument making workshop facilitated by Nick Carpenter from Wildwood Instruments to produce a beautiful set of percussion instruments. The set of instruments were used in music making workshops with an experienced musician and are now used regularly within the Belmont Day Program.

ANGLESEA DAY PROGRAM
Mornings full of music, quiz questions, games and laughter were presented by Geelong-based duo, Colin Mockett and Shirley Power. 'Popkwiz' was a popular monthly event at the Anglesea Day Program during Winter.

TORQUAY DAY PROGRAM
The clients in the Torquay Day Program have been working with renowned sculptor, Viktor Cebergs, to design and create a sculpture for their outdoor area. Working with wood, the staff and clients have been involved every step of the way from the conception of the idea, to chiselling and sanding the final product.

YOUNG CARERS
Song writing workshops, held during school holidays, gave Young Carers an opportunity to write songs about their experience of caring for a parent. One of these songs was later recorded by Creatures of the Night and released on WHATEM 2.

CARERS' CARNIVAL
Carers Week was celebrated with the Carers' Carnival - a day of arts-based workshops and activities designed to give carers a taste of the arts. Experiences on offer included writing workshops with Margaret Clark, Bollywood dancing, a drumming circle, singing groups and the chance to try out some circus skills.

A collaboration with Barwon Health

Rhyme, Rhythm & Song - 2012-15

Bluebird Foundation and Northern Bay College collaborated to deliver Rhyme, Rhythm & Song into junior classrooms across the College. The program was set against a backdrop of research that supports the use of music, singing, chanting and rhyming to enhance literacy outcomes. Based on work developed at the Maryborough Education Centre, specialist facilitators work with students and teachers to develop an appropriate repertoire of songs, chants and rhymes that are incorporated into the daily classroom routine.

Professional development to enhance the capacity of classroom teachers to use singing, music and rhyming with their students was an integral part of the program.

In 2012, the CASS Foundation supported a pilot program of Rhyme, Rhythm & Song, involving nine classroom teachers and approximately 200 students. In 2013, the CASS Foundation extended their support to allow twenty nine teachers and 600 students to join in the fun and reap the benefits which included gains in student confidence, improved phonological awareness and expansion of vocabulary.

In 2014 and 2015, the Bluebird Foundation supported Northern Bay College teachers across all four junior campuses to embed the skills and repertoire into their daily literacy practices. The twelve-month gradual release program was supported by the R.E. Ross Trust and the Geelong Community Foundation.

Rhyme, Rhythm & Song was a collaboration with Northern Bay College and proudly supported by the CASS Foundation, R. E. Ross Trust and the Geelong Community Foundation

Children's week - 2010-23

Children's Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It is also a time for children to demonstrate their talents, skills and abilities.

RECONNECTIONS
Music at the Basilica celebrated Children’s Week in 2022 by inviting NORTH Children’s Choir to present a program of songs and stories from around the world.

NATURE SKETCHING
Young artists in Grades five and six were invited to explore the mindful art of sketching from nature. Guided by Liz McGrath, they used watercolours and fineliners in handfolded artist sketch books.

HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?
In 2021, NORTH Children’s Choir presented a live-streamed concert for children and families around the globe. ‘How Can I Keep From Singing?’ combined virtual choir performances created from individually filmed recordings with drawings and interviews of the choristers.

SONG TALE TRAVELLERS
Families entered a world of hushed wonder during the 2019 Spring Garden Market. They enjoyed stories told through song by live musicians. It was an intimate experience for little people and the big people that love them.

BLUEBIRD CRAFTS
In 2018, Families were invited to drop in to the Spring Garden Market at Bluebird House for crafting fun with artist Liz McGrath. Together they created a beautiful lantern as well as their own little bluebirds to take home. 

VALANGA KHOZA IN CONCERT
On Monday 26th October 2015, Valanga Khoza charmed babies, toddlers and preschoolers (and their parents) with humour and wit, as he told stories embellished by beautiful music on traditional instruments such as the kalimba, djembe and shijoro (jaw harp). 

LET'S PLAY UP
A unique intergenerational event was held on Sunday 26th October, 2014 for kids, parents and grandparents at Tate Street Primary School. The premiere performance of Let's Play Up was a highlight of Children's Week AND the Geelong Seniors' Festival. Inspiring children to get off screens, the event included a theatrical performance, games to enjoy and cakes to eat!

A BIG CONCERT FOR LITTLE CHILDREN
In 2014, 2016 and 2017 young families were treated to a classical music concert by professional musicians on violin, guitar and piano. The free concerts provided a unique opportunity for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to hear beautiful live music with their parents and to interact with the musicians and their instruments.

ARTY PARTY
In 2013 and 2014, kids with a disability and their siblings were invited to an afternoon of arty fun with music therapists, Melissa Murphy and Bec Fairchild and artist, Liz McGrath. With the support of therapists from Kids Plus Foundation, they created beautiful flags, sang, danced and played instruments. Afternoon tea, face-painting and balloons completed the party atmosphere.

A MUDDY MUSICAL ADVENTURE
The Mudcakes came to Geelong in 2012 and 2013 to lead families on a muddy musical adventure. The free shows, full of songs that celebrate the everyday lives of small children and their parents, were fun, interactive, friendly and educational.

WILD MOVES
Bluebird Foundation celebrated Children's Week in 2012 by offering free dance and drumming workshops to children with a disability and their siblings. Kids with disabilities are often caught up in an endless cycle of medical appointments, therapy and focused educational opportunities. These are all very important to their development but families miss out on participating in fun activities that most children get to try. Jacqui Dreessens from Wild Moves led an afternoon of wild dance, drumming and singing.

BE AN ARTIST FOR A DAY
Bluebird Foundation celebrated Children's Week in 2010 and 2011 by offering free art workshops for children with a disability and their siblings. The 'Be an artist for a day' workshops gave families an opportunity to get stuck into some messy fun. Painting, pasting, playdough, beading and exploring textures were all part of the experience. And every child proudly took home their very own masterpiece.

POLYGLOT THEATRE COMPANY
In 2011, Bluebird Foundation brought the acclaimed Polyglot Theatre Company to Geelong to celebrate Children's Week. The free workshop gave preschoolers the opportunity to work with their parents to create a dream home out of recyled junk materials. The workshop encouraged free artistic expression and an imaginative interpretation of the world.

 Children's Week activities have been proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong and the Department of Education and Training

Samsara - 2012-13

Samsara was an ambitious and innovative project in two distinct phases – development and performance. 

World-renowned Australian composer, Paul Jarman, worked with the school communities of Corio and Norlane over two years. Together they embarked on a comprehensive journey to develop, compose, create and perform a song cycle about their individual and collective stories.

The development phase, which commenced in August 2012, involved groups from six Corio and Norlane school campuses working with their teachers and artist-facilitator, Paul Jarman, to develop, compose and document a song cycle reflecting life in the 3214 postcode.

The performance phase of Samsara resulted in a multi-disciplinary performance outcome of the song cycle on Monday 13th May, 2013. Audio-visual components came together with live performances to create a unique and innovative performance in a professional performance space.

Samsara was a collaboration with Northern Bay College and proudly supported by the Harold Mitchell Foundation and the City of Greater Geelong

growing stages - 2014

Growing Stages was a community arts project that resulted in the design and production of a biodegradable and edible performance space. Three 'Baby Stages' were created by kinder communities in the Geelong region - Breakwater Preschool, Ocean Grove Preschool and William Hovell Preschool. Under the guidance of artist and ecological stage designer, Tanja Beer, and permaculturist, Monica Winston, the project made use of local materials including edible plants and recycled or found objects.

The three 'Baby Stages' were brought together to form one large ‘Growing Stage’ at the City of Greater Geelong's M~M2014 event on Saturday 10th May, 2014.

A collaboration with Breakwater Preschool, Ocean Grove Preschool and William Hovell Preschool, Growing Stages was proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong through its Community Arts Grant program

Masters in the Making - 2010-13

Masters in the Making was an annual art exhibition focusing on the work of young artists aged 5-18 years enrolled in art schools in the Geelong region. The inaugural exhibition, held in May 2010 at art@wintergarden, was an opportunity for budding artists to showcase their talent in a professional gallery. In 2011, the project expanded to include an informal exhibition in public spaces around Geelong, Masters in the Making On the Move. 2012 and 2013 saw the addition of a virtual exhibition on the Bluebird Foundation Facebook page. In 2013, Bluebird Foundation also supported a group of students from the Geelong English Language Centre to participate in the exhibition through a project called masters@thefort.

Masters in the Making acknowledged the inspiration and guidance provided by art teachers and encouraged kids to reach for the stars, with prizes offered in six categories including a People's Choice Award.

Masters in the Making was proudly supported by Geelong Lions Club, City of Greater Geelong, Coulter Roache Lawyers, Petal O'Dell Photography, Barry Plant Real Estate and Coles

giant toy box - 2013

The Giant Toy Box was a creative solution to a practical problem at the Northern Bay Family Centre. Artist, Kaz McGlynn, worked with families from Norlane and Corio to convert an old shipping container into a work of art that also provides the centre with much-needed storage space for its growing collection of toys and resources. 

Kaz McGlynn is an artist and art educator with a passion for working with groups within a community. A talented artist in her own right, she encourages participation through a variety of art methods and techniques. 

A collaboration with the Northern Bay Family Centre, the Giant Toy Box was proudly supported by Bank of Melbourne, Alcoa and City of Greater Geelong

ALphabet Art - 2013

Alphabet Art was a visual arts project based at Barwon Valley School in 2013. Twenty senior students with profound disabilities worked with artist, Liz McGrath, over the course of a school term. Together, they created a 'moveable alphabet' of canvases that will create ever-changing words and messages around the school environment.

Each canvas was photographed to produce a digital resource of beautiful letters that will be used in future school publications.

Liz McGrath is a practising illustrator and art teacher. She is a believer in positive community engagement and access to the arts.

A collaboration with Barwon Valley School, Alphabet Art was proudly supported by the Howard Glover Charitable Trust

Kinder: Ready or Not? - 2012

A collaboration with the Northern Bay Family Centre, Kinder: ready or not? was proudly supported by a Shell Employee Community Grant

WHATEM 2 - 2011

Go to our shop to purchase WHATEM 2 online and to hear samples of all the songs... or download WHATEM 2 from the iTunes store.

WHATEM 2 was proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong, Medici Studios and Mud Group