CHOIR - BUNDABERG
We help transform lives through singing together.
Wednesday 10am to 12:30pm weekly | Bundaberg central
2026 Dates
The Bundaberg choir rehearsals are held on Wednesday mornings 10am – 12:30pm.
Dates for 2026:
8 April – Launch event day (11am start)
Regular rehearsals from 15 April to 24 June
Ongoing dates will be updated soon.
*Please note: Rehearsal days are closely aligned with the Queensland Public School terms, with some extra dates added.
About the choir
The Bundaberg choir will meet on Wednesdsay mornings in central Bundaberg and we look forward to welcoming new members. (Note: the venue will be confirmed to you, once you have completed your application form)
Singing in an Upbeat Arts choir is the perfect opportunity to sing with like-minded people in a safe and fun environment.
Our choir program is a group-oriented recovery program, which helps build self-awareness, self-expression and communication skills. This inclusive program is free for adults diagnosed with a mental illness, as well as those who may be marginalised or facing disadvantages.
Our dedicated and compassionate team of professionals will help you connect with others and teach you a range of news skills – not just singing.
At Choir, we of course learn how to sing, and we have fun singing warm-ups and great songs. Members can choose to be a part of our performances. We work together at each rehearsal and enjoy learning and being part of a group.
Members of our other choirs often share positive stories about how the choir has improved their well-being and confidence. We know from seeing it with our own eyes, hearing it from our members and through research, that social participation in our choirs creates a sense of connection, belonging and purpose.
The Choir can be a part of your recovery journey to wellness. Participating and singing in a choir can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression as we bring together a whole new community.
Our choirs are led by professional musicians. The Bundaberg Choir will be conducted by Laura Lingwood and accompanied by Alecia Portman.
Who can join and how much?
Our programs are delivered primarily for the benefit of adults experiencing a mental illness. Members can attend at no cost – and when you complete our application form, you’ll need to provide basic details of your mental health diagnosis and information about who is supporting you and/or who the referring organisation is. This might be a clinician from Queensland Health, a support worker from a non-government mental health service, or details of support being received from another mental health, disability or drugs and alcohol support service. There’s an option to include a medical professional or GP if not working with any of the above.
Benefits
An Upbeat Arts choir provides a safe place where people are accepted just as they are and have an opportunity to grow and flourish. Our programs seek to engage, educate and empower. Our members often report improvement in their mood, confidence and self-esteem. You’ll learn new skills from professional educators and meet new people.
What's next
Once we’ve received your Application Form, we’ll send you an email to confirm your place in the program/s you’ve chosen. This email will include the venue details, how to get there, what to bring and what to expect.
If you’re feeling a little anxious….we think that can be pretty normal for a lot of people. Remember, everyone in the room was once where you are now – brand new! All we ask is that you do your best. It’s ok to bring a support person with you. If you can only stay a short time on the first visit, that’s ok too!
We also encourage you to come along two to three times before deciding if the group is right for you. Joining a new group does take time – allow yourself time to settle in and get to know the others and the Upbeat Arts team.
Testimonials
“The sense of family is strong within our choir, we all have a story to tell and I love hearing them.”
“I have made a new friend to catch up with outside of choir, and hope to be able to make more in the future. I have also enjoyed coming much more than I thought I would as it is hugely outside of my comfort zone.”
“Connecting with others experiencing similar challenges has been really positive for me. In my day to day I often feel misunderstood and invalidated but not at Choir.”
“Being part of the choir has helped restore trust in myself and personal abilities. The social bonding of the choir community is uplifting.”