Seniors Creating Change was established by the Townsville Community Legal Service Inc. to raise awareness of elder abuse in the community and promote positive images of aging. They have done this by organising "Flash Mob" style musical performances in public spaces.

The first performance of the project, in June 2011 at Stockland shopping centre, was a huge success, streaming live via You-Tube and covered by WIN TV and other local news groups.  The group decided to continue on and has since performed at nearly a dozen events around the community and for other seniors groups and nursing homes.

The Seniors Creating Change group is made up of Townsville seniors who come together to sing at local events or in public places to:

    •    create awareness about elder abuse
    •    connect seniors with the community
    •    promote positive images of seniors in the community
    •    ignite interest and pride from other seniors
    •    encourage participation from other seniors
    •    develop new friendships
    •    support one another
    •    get out and get active

The group now runs as a community partnership between Townsville Community Legal Service and Full Throttle Theatre.

The Seniors Creating Change: “On the Road” project, starting 2012, will see the group travel around north western towns of Queensland to maximize participation by aligning with other activities and events already scheduled on community calendars.

The project will connect local seniors groups, nursing homes, isolated seniors with the choir to spend a day or two not only singing but sharing stories and experiences. The opportunity will also be used to provide seniors with information about ways they can protect themselves from elder abuse and if affected who to call for help.  The Choir will then perform at the designated event. Each activity will be documented using film and photography.

If you require further information about this project, please do not hesitate to contact Sonya Mitchell at Townsville Community Legal Service on 4721 5511 or Madonna Davies of Full Throttle Theatre on 4721 5433.