After three weeks of learning the Heel n Toe Polka and the Pride of Erin, the Mountain Mates were excited to show off their dancing skills at their bush dance.
Joined by friends, family and supporters it was an evening of fun at Vonda Youngman with live music provided by the Good Tunes Band.
Russell Smith opened the night with the didgerdoo and later sang, followed by fellow musician, Dane Sharp.
There were prizes for the best dressed, with some stiff competition as everyone was keen to get in on the spirit of the Australian bush theme.
The event raised funds for Mountain Mates’ 2024-25 activities and other youth and disability related courses.
Mountain Mates provides a multi-stranded friendship and social activities program for Scenic Rim adults living with a disability, which began in 2018 and aims to create a kinder, happier and more open-hearted community by increasing interaction between people and celebrating their strengths.
Mountain Mates have been doing dancing projects, amongst many other things, for five years.
Cathy Meehan worked with Mountain Mates during three workshops in the lead-up, and they were remarkably successful in terms of not just learning new skills, but also encouraging fitness and socialising.
“This is the third community dance event we’ve run, the first two were called ‘Dancing with Celebrities’ which partnered Mates with people in the community for quite lengthy practices,” Mountain Mates facilitator and Lions Club member, Janis Bailey said.
“This time we just had three community volunteers who helped with the workshops: the amazing Barry Chatel, Barbara Proudman and Joseph Beutel (aka Joseph the Greengrocer).”
About 40 local businesses and individuals donated cash and prizes to the event, highlighting the enormous support from the community for Mountain Mates.
“It’s absolutely about wrapping our arms around these beautiful young people and their families, who reciprocate with so much love and appreciation and they are just so much fun,” Janis explained.
