Queensland Music Festival unites state against family and domestic violence

Over 2,500 choristers from communities, schools and professional choirs tonight (29 July 2017) sang out against domestic and family violence at the Queensland Music Festival’s (QMF) monumental music event You’re The Voice at Brisbane’s South Bank Piazza.

In a thrilling and emotional finale to QMF’s You’re The Voice initiative, the choristers were joined by legendary Australian singer John Farnham, QMF’s Artistic Director Katie Noonan, Kate Ceberano and Isaiah in a powerful rendition of You’re The Voice and viewed across Australia via livestream.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman  applauded QMF and its You’re The Voice initiative which has shone a light on the issue of domestic and family violence and united thousands of people across the country.

“I thank all involved in You’re The Voice, and this incredible finale, for standing up, making a difference, and for not sitting in silence.

“My special thanks to John Farnham for his rousing anthem and for getting behind this extraordinary cause.

“I urge all Queenslanders to continue to use your voice to speak out against domestic and family violence - it has absolutely no place in our community - not now, not ever,” she said.

Ms Fentiman said QMF’s 2017 program had moved, delighted, empowered and connected communities across the state during the month-long music program, with music central to affecting positive change in our community.

“Music is an inspiring way to reach out and address some of the most challenging social issues we are facing together,” she said..

“The Palaszczuk Government is encouraging young people across the state to get creative and pen great lyrics to enter the ‘Stop the Hurting, End Domestic Violence’ competition and win the chance to record with one of Australia’s leading hip hop artists, Illy.”

“Yesterday, on Strive to Be Kind Day, The Premier announced the Government will also establish a Queensland Ballet scholarship in memory of Allison Baden-Clay.

The annual $5,000 scholarship will be awarded each year for the next three years with funding to support the tuition of a senior high school student to participate in the Queensland Ballet Academy’s Senior Program for Year 12 students.

“The Palaszczuk Government is honoured to be able to pay tribute to Allison Baden-Clay’s memory and support a young dancer to help realise their ambitions as they start on their path to professional and personal fulfilment.

“Allison’s tragic death and the continuing work of The Allison Baden-Clay Foundation serve as reminders of the impact domestic and family violence has in our Queensland communities.

“This scholarship will also serve as a reminder of the importance of nurturing our young people, and providing them with safe environments.

“These diverse arts programs and initiatives reinforce the Palaszczuk Government’s firm commitment to create a community that supports respectful relationships, practices positive attitudes and behaviours, and promotes non-violence.

“They also demonstrate the essential role the arts plays in realising positive community outcomes,” the Minister said.

For anyone dealing with domestic violence issues, please call DV Connect on 1800 811 811.

For more information on QMF’s You’re The Voice initiative visit www.qmf.org.au

For ‘Stop the Hurt’ hip hop competition details go to http://stopthehurting.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

For more information on the government’s actions to tackle domestic and family violence in Queensland go to www.qld.gov.au/notnownotever

ENDS

Media contact:      Ron Goodman      0427 781 920