Baradine has been alive with the sound of music, literally, in the last two weeks as children from all over the region attended the August Residency Camps for ‘Moorambilla Voices’.  

Under the guidance of creator Michelle Leonard and her team of creatives, selected singers and performers gather together to bring to life a show that offers the youngsters a chance to sing and perform, which for many is an opportunity they would never otherwise have.  

The organisation aims to build confidence, while teaching skills and culture. By creating a regional choir of excellence, children work with recognised leaders to create, perform and record repertoire that gathers its core artistic inspiration from the region of New South Wales and those that inhabit it.  

The creative arts program which has received an array of awards, commences each year with the annual Skills development Workshop Tour, that covers a whopping 134 schools, 60 towns and 20 local government areas. From Wilcannia and Ivanhoe to Bourke and Wellington and many places in between, the team seek out singers and performers to be a part of, what is for some, the highlight of their life to date. 

Some of these students even go on to careers in music and the arts off the back of their time in Moorambilla Voices, with some children attending from year 3 to year 12, making it an important part of their growing up.  

Ebony Amua of Cobar has always loved performing and despite being shy, says that attending Moorambilla has been life changing for her. 

“I love Moorambilla because it gives young people like me who live in a small rural town a chance to experience new things and be given opportunities to perform in the arts.”  

“I also love the friendships that I have made along the way and the supervisors who have helped each and every one of us kids every step of the way,” said Ebony.   

“Lastly, I love Michelle and all the other artists who have given us kids a chance to experience performing arts.” 

Tottenham mum Sharon Medcalf, has watched as her daughter Abbey has flourished after taking part in the event, starting in year 6 and continuing on into secondary school years.  

“Moorambilla Maxed Out Camps are an amazing opportunity for our children who have limited exposure to performing arts,” she said.  

“These camps are pivotal in providing our children with the chance to create lifelong friendships with people they would not ordinarily meet, along with giving them exposure to music, singing, dance, art and traditional language and stories,” said Mrs. Medcalf.

“I love picking my daughter up at the end of these camps and seeing the friendships created the excitement in the air and on the faces of all the children and being told all about the exciting things that happen during camp. 

“Keep up the great work Moorambilla.”  

Michelle Leonard also leans on the strengths of the region by drawing on local creatives to take part.  

Tainga Savage, was teaching at Western Studio of Performing Arts Cobar when his Studio Principal, a long-time supporter of Moorambilla, offered up his services to teach dance as assistant to choreographer, Dubbo boy Jacob Williams, which gave him an opportunity to work closely with regional students as well as the team that creates the vision for each year’s performances. 

Savage who is now a leading performer in “Hamilton” the Musical has only positive comments following his involvement and highly valued ‘Moorambilla’ time.  

“Moorambilla is an adventure full of music, dance and culture. It offers new experiences and new perspectives of the world to all who are part of it,” he said.  

Kristi Martin from Cobar has watched daughter Katelyn over many years, take part in the Moorambilla Voices experience and has nothing but praise for all involved. 

“It is such a wonderful experience for bush children to be able to perform,” said Mrs. Martin. “I loved watching the Concert every year and seeing it all come together.” 

With a culture of inclusion and respect at the top of their minds, the creators draw on the cultural legacy and spirit of the country that will not only create national conversations but offer a view of what life is like in regional areas.  

The name Moorambilla in Gamilaroi roughly translates to place of fresh water and is the name of the property Moorambilla's founder Michelle Leonard grew up on, on the outskirts of Coonamble. The property itself is a natural oasis of birdlife and gum trees, a place of natural beauty.  

Next stop will be September Workshops which will culminate in a performance in Dubbo of over 350 excited students highlighting the talents of rural and regional Australia. A show not to be missed.