Queensland Health Research Excellence Showcase - Queensland Ballet Dance Health Demonstration

Queensland Health Deputy-Director General of Clinical Planning and Service Strategy, Ms Colleen Jen, staff, clinicians and researchers; Queensland Ballet Executive Director, Ms Dilshani Weerasinghe; Director of the Van Norton Li Community Health Institute, Ms Zara Gomes; teaching artists and performers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

It is an enormous pleasure to be with you this afternoon, for an event that brings together two of my greatest passions—health and dance!

I thank the Director of the Van Norton Li Community Health Institute at Queensland Ballet, Ms Zara Gomes, for her kind invitation—which I was delighted to accept, not only as Patron—but also because I remain deeply committed to improving the wellbeing of all Queenslanders.

Today has been a busy one for everyone who has attended the inaugural Queensland Health Research Excellence Showcase, which has featured an array of inspirational speakers and discussions, and has highlighted the importance and excellence of research initiatives and achievements happening in our state.

Such stringent evidence-based research has the power to be truly transformative—strengthened by a system that ensures integrity, and delivered by an approach to public healthcare that places importance on collaboration and training.

This afternoon we will be treated to two demonstrations by members of the Queensland Ballet and friends, and I know you will be impressed by the artistic expression on show.

Yet as well as highlighting the talents of its dancers, the Queensland Ballet is firmly dedicated to improving health outcomes for all, regardless of age or ability.

Through the Van Norton Li Community Health Institute—launched in November last year— the company provides a range of initiatives including the popular community classes, which are focussed on enhancing physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Additionally, the Queensland Ballet’s specialty classes, ‘Dance for Parkinson’s’, ‘Dance for Arthritis’, ‘Ballet for Seniors’, aged-care modified dance programs, and of course, ‘Ballet for Brain Injury’—which will be on show shortly—add to a global trend harnessing the benefits of Dance Health as therapy.

As a lover of ballet myself, I know classes such as these are tremendously fun, as they encourage connection with others, and a sense of shared motivation. In fact, dance brings so many health benefits, because as it strengthens and energises the body, it equally uplifts the spirit!

Queenslanders with specific needs or a health condition can be assured that they are joining a program underpinned by solid, evidence-based research—developed in partnership with leading tertiary institutions—with classes tailored to requirements, and clinically designed to help promote rehabilitation, mobility, strength, coordination and mental functioning.

I congratulate the Queensland Ballet for promoting better health outcomes for people across our State, and look forward to Zara telling us more about the upcoming demonstration.

I also thank everyone in this room for helping to ensure that innovative research ideas such as these can become fully realised, and delivered to benefit Queenslanders now, and into the future.