“The best thing about DJ’ing is choosing the songs that will get everyone dancing and having fun!” says Luke who has been part of the DJ and music program at HAND Social and Life Skills Hub in Wilston since 2021.
With Lyndal and Mark who are also part of the program, and with the help of their support worker Julia, the group work together to select and mix songs. “We look at the BPMs which is beats per minute and we make sure that we’re playing dance music, not dinner music,” adds Luke who is a self-professed music buff.
The group of talented performers are often called upon to entertain at HAND events including their awards night and quarterly parties. They’ve also performed at schools where they make the experience interactive for the children.
“I first saw the guys play at a HAND event and they were so good I wanted to join,’ says Mark. That was back in 2021 and he’s been enjoying the program ever since.
Their latest performance, an impressive three-hour set, entertained the community at the Brisbane City Markets and coincided with International Day of People with Disability which is held each year on the 3rd December. “We need to work as a team to get through a three-hour set. We play three songs each and then we signal through our computer that the next person should take over,” explains Mark.
“It’s the high energy songs that everyone loves. Of course, being a Christmas market Jingle Bell Rock was a big hit!” adds Luke.
This year’s International Day of People with Disability theme ‘amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’ is evident in both the group’s performance and their ambitions for further development.
“My five-year goal is for us to perform at Southbank on New Year’s Eve, just before the fireworks!” says Luke excitedly.
Rachel, Jodie and Edith created many beautiful handmade Christmas gifts to sell at the Brisbane City Markets.
Rachel, Jodie and Edith created many beautiful handmade Christmas gifts to sell at the Brisbane City Markets.
Luke and Lyndall showcase their DJ'ing talents at the Brisbane City Markets.
Glen displays his colourful artwork and handmade badges which were a popular addition to the group's stall at the Brisbane City Markets.
Clients from HAND’s art program also attended the markets, selling beautiful handmade gifts at their stall.
“It’s a lot of fun coming into the city, meeting lots of people and sharing my work,” says Lyndal who is also part of the art program. She has set up her own business selling hand-sewn keyrings and become a seasoned market stall holder.
Lyndal first learnt how to sew from her mum and began making soft toys as gifts for her nieces and nephews. Her passion grew from there, Lyndal honed her skills at TAFE and started to make bags and then keyrings. “My sewing business keeps me really busy!” says Lyndal.
At the stall, Lyndal was joined by Rachel, Jodie, Edith and Glen from HAND’s art program. They had each been preparing their beautiful hand-made Christmas gifts for many months.
Rachel creates unique polymer hair clips and started in March to make enough for the Christmas market, her first experience selling her work. “It’s been wonderful to sell my clips, I hope that people love them,” says Rachel.
Jodie and Edith worked together during art program, every Tuesday morning for most of the year, to knit the brightly coloured head bands and coat hangers for sale. Edith, who is a keen fashion designer, uses a machine to assist with her knitting.
Glen created unique badges to sell, using vibrant pastel colours and a machine to encapsulate and pin the tiny works of art. He created 30 badges over many months leading up to market day. “They’ve been really popular which has been great to see,” says Glen.
Now that the art team have reached their goal of selling their creations at the Christmas market, they are already starting to brainstorm and research their next big projects for 2025.