2008 - Qantas Girls from Oz Tour of Far North QLD

Qantas and QantasLink joined with the Australian Girls Choir to present the 2008 Qantas Girls from Oz Tour to Far North Queensland and Torres Strait. Twenty four of the most talented members of the Australian Girls Choir were commissioned by Girls from Oz and travelled to Cairns, Thursday Island, Bamaga and Weipa reaching more than 1500 students in song and dance workshops and hundreds more people in their community performances.  The students in Far North Queensland and Torres Strait have limited access to high quality performing arts activities and they leapt at this opportunity to sing, dance and play with the girls from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.  Many of the children involved in the workshops joined with the choir in the community performances; a highlight for performers and audience alike.

“Thank you so much for that beautiful rendition of ‘My Island Home’ it will remain forever in my heart and it moved me deeply.  If everyone in the world could hear you sing my business in the Army would be over.  Your voices brought peace and happiness to me and possibly even a tear (but don’t tell anyone).  Thank you again for sharing your voices, smiles and positive attitudes with me and my team. You have changed our world.”

Major Roy Henry – Officer Commanding Charlie Company, Thursday Island

The kids in these remote areas were wildly enthusiastic and we hope that this experience will enhance their confidence when participating in local performing activities.  Separate from the benefits to the students the AGC met, was the eye opening experience for the AGC girls to this part of Australian culture. 

“This tour has taught me that music is like a universal language that everyone can share – regardless of where you live and who you are.”

Gabriella Russo, AGC Chorsiter

Our favourite review from the tour came from a radio host on TI who said the Australian Girls Choir and the Girls from Oz tour was “deadly”. 

The AGC was warmly welcomed in each destination and g-oz hopes that this will be the beginning of an ongoing relationship with these communities; we were told that the people of Thursday Island don’t say good-bye they say ‘until next time’. The whole experience felt mutually rewarding, as is evident in some words from AGC chorister, Scout Rigoni.

“It was a joy to take what I love and share it with these children.  I have learnt so much, not only from my friends and staff, but from those kids!”