Hub for creativity opens

Musicians with a disability now have a place to call their own with the opening of Team Musicare’s headquarters at Clontarf last week.

The business, which started about 18 months ago in founder Dan Nebe’s home studio, now has four locations on the Redcliffe peninsula and one at Caboolture.

The headquarters at Clontarf has three studios, a group music therapy/workshop space, and offices. It has been designed to bring creative and administration spaces together and create a hub for musicians of all abilities to call their own.

Dan says the opening and fast growth of the business proves the services are needed and valued.

“We’ve done that in 18 months with no funding or grants,” he says.

“We have been embraced by the disability community. This is their place now. Finally, these guys have a place that’s theirs.”

Dan says it all started with one client, Kyron Lovell, for three hours each week and has grown to 100 clients and 12 staff.

“We’ve created employment and much-needed services, that’s what we’re super proud of,” he says.

The growth in his business has been the result word-of-mouth and more recently an appearance at a disability services expo at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, where clients performed on stage.

Photo gallery from the opening

Star-studded opening

Powderfinger’s John Collins and Bob Spencer from The Angels, Rose Tattoo and Skyhooks represented the broader music industry at the official opening, holding the ribbon as it was cut by State Health Minister and Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath.

About 300 people attended the event, which included performances by clients including six-year-old Stevie who brought most to tears with her rendition of We Are One.

“We thought there would be 150 people there. It was such amazing energy, beyond our expectations,” Dan says.

Those in attendance were also able to check out the facility which features bright murals using colours proven to make people feel at ease while sparking creativity.

“It’s a musical theme park,” Dan says.

“We’re already at 60 per cent and we only opened three weeks ago. It’s such a valuable program and we’ve created 12 jobs on our own with no grants.”

He has been touched by the generosity of local businesses The Friendly Grocer and Thirsty Chiefs which provided food and beverages for the launch without charge.

Mayor Peter Flannery says Dan and the team have brought together an amazing group of mentors to create a unique space for talented people to learn and play together.

“Music brings so much joy to people from all walks of life - being able to join a band and play an instrument, write and perform a song are great skills that help people to connect with other people, work as a team and participate in society,” he says.

Ms D'Ath says: "The opening of Musicare was a wonderful display of how lives can be changed through music. I am so proud that a service like this is focusing on people with disability and mental health issues".

Plans for the future

Dan says strong demand will likely drive expansion to Brisbane City, Logan, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast during the next two years.

He wants to employ a music teacher and music therapist to guide the development of their programs and hopes State Government and council support will enable him to make that happen.

At present, his team includes guitar specialist Mick Bristow (Woody Point), drums specialist Damon Joel (Margate), vocal coach Patty Martin (Scarborough), keyboard specialist Belle Hendrick, mentors Sarah McLoughlan and Salt and Steel’s Briony Edgar and Elle Steel, and Asher Chapman who runs the Caboolture service.

The program is available to anyone, of any age, wishing to explore the magic of making music, including those on NDIS packages.

To find out more, head here