Case study from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), 2024.

Millmerran is a small farming town located on the western fringe of Darling Downs. It is one of the largest egg producing regions in Australia and the site of a critical power station for the surrounding area. Higher than average employment opportunities and a lower cost of living have attracted new residents to the region over recent years – many of them families with children.

While the number of young people in the town has steadily risen, suitable activities to engage these young people were not keeping pace with this growth.  This growing cohort of disengaged and bored youths was beginning to create antisocial activities for themselves and in doing so creating a raft of wider problems for the community.

To address this emergent issue, The Millmerran Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) was founded. Created to engage, enrich, and inspire students to reach for their potential, MAPA commenced providing music and dance education workshops, training, and events.

MAPA successfully applied for a Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal Strengthening Rural Communities Grant of $10,000 to increase the number of opportunities provided and reduce accessibility barriers for vulnerable community members. The funds subsidised education, dance and choral workshops whilst providing costumes and props for performances and events.

MAPA’s newly accessible choir now boasts a minimum of 15 members at each meet, including adults and young people singing alongside one another. Regular dance classes are offered for tiny tots and seniors with more advanced workshops focusing on contemporary, ballet, and jazz. There are now 32 children aged 2-15 years enrolled across these programs. Participants have performed at various race days, festivals, and concerts which as improved their skills and confidence. The Halloween Disco and 2024 Christmas concerts were particular highlights of the annual program of activity.

Impact outcomes of this initiative include participants’ increased self-esteem and improved feelings of connection within the community. This has resulted in improved mental health and a reduction in isolation and school refusal.

“We have had teenagers whose parents have been so concerned about their isolation and battles with mental health confide of their kids struggles and tell us how they have found safety in our classes, expressing themselves in dance, sharing and creating through movement and growing in friendship and confidence”

“We have walked alongside youth and their families as they have struggled battles with mental health and rural isolation - some even requiring hospitalisation. We provide a safe place with programs designed to support opportunities for mental well-being, growth, confidence, value and self-esteem.”

“We offer opportunities for older students to mentor younger ones, not only increasing their confidence amongst peers but giving them a sense of purpose, belief and greater value to their community.”

Natasha Hollis – MAPA President

One student has found so much joy in helping others that she would like to become an exercise physiologist for dancers - we currently are connecting her with mentors who can assist in supporting her journey so that she can successfully finish her schooling and achieve her goals.

– Natasha Hollis, MAPA President

Case study from the FRRR in 2024.

The TFFF thanks the Millmerran Academy of Performing Arts for providing permission to reproduce this story.

The Millmerran Academy of Performing Arts was supported through the Connectedness stream in partnership with FRRR.