News
17 September, 2025
Hitting the right notes for 30 years
OVER 100 guests gathered at the Caboolture Memorial Hall to celebrate the Caboolture Community Choir’s 30th Birthday Gala on Saturday, September 13.
The milestone event opened with the distribution of colourful programs outlining the choir’s history, before members performed a repertoire of songs highlighting memorable moments from past concerts. Guests were reminded how, for three decades, the choir has brought music into the community through regular performances in aged care homes, shopping centres, and at local events.
Musical Director June Willoughby reflected on one of the choir’s most notable achievements—performing as backing singers for John Farnham on ‘The Voice.’ Compère for the second half, Eileen Finch, shared another standout memory: a Christmas concert where the choir sang ‘Do You Hear What I Hear’ just as thunder and lightning dramatically filled the sky.
The gala also included presentations to key figures in the choir’s history: Musical Director and founding member June Willoughby, founding member and oldest current member Dawn Gillespie, choir patron Mark Ryan MP, and former member and compère Eileen Finch. A tribute was also paid to long-serving retired member John Horchner, who recently surprised audiences by stepping in for a solo at Caboolture Square Shopping Centre, as well as to past Musical Director Laurelle Olsson. Laurelle, who led the choir for more than 25 years, said, “I’m glad I was there to recognise our achievement and wish your enthusiastic crew continuing success.”
Adding to the celebrations, State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, presented a birthday gift: a painting of songbirds by local artist Chris Edwards. He praised the choir as “not just a group of singers, but a vital and valued part of the community.”
The evening closed with a moving performance of ‘Go With a Song in Your Heart,’ before guests enjoyed afternoon tea catered by The Coffee Patch.
The Choir is now preparing for a performance of popular 50’s songs for the residents of Woodford Aged Care Home, after which rehearsals will begin for a busy schedule of Christmas concerts, including performances at several aged care homes and at the annual Caboolture Christmas Carols at Centenary Lakes Park.
The Choir is always recruiting and invites anyone over 18 who can carry a tune to join a beautiful choir family and enjoy the wonderful health benefits of singing with a group dedicated to bringing the joy of music to the community.
