Results Announced for Brisbane's Friends of the Home of Expressive Arts and Learning (FHEAL) Songs of Hope and Healing Concert

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is proud to announce the results of a special fundraising event held in its Concert Hall on Friday 28 August 2015.

The Songs of Hope and Healing concert was presented by QPAC to raise funds for Brisbane's Friends of the Home of Expressive Arts and Learning (FHEAL).

Formed in 2012, the Friends of Heal Foundation exists to provide creative arts therapy to young people of refugee backgrounds through the provision of mental health services and settlement assistance. FHEAL offers direct relief of suffering for many newly arrived young refugees through opportunities for cultural expression, connection and understanding.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said the concert, which brought Brisbane's artistic community and popular guest soloists together, raised a total of $15,000.

"This heart warming concert not only showcased the extraordinary talent we have in our city, along with a wonderful youth choir from Christchurch New Zealand, it raised awareness and funds for the vital work that FHEAL does for newly arrived young refugee's, many who have suffered unimaginable personal circumstances before coming to Australia.

"We are proud to have been able to support FHEAL in their endeavours and thank Songs of Hope and Healing audiences for their contribution to this great community outcome," said Mr Kotzas.

FHEAL Chairperson Adele Rice said the Foundation was grateful for QPAC's support.

"I would like to sincerely thank everybody at QPAC for taking to heart the work of our Foundation. We are passionate about our work with refugee young people and thrilled that the money raised at the concert will enable us to extend our services," said Ms Rice.

FHEAL works to support young refugees in Brisbane including such services as HEAL (Home of Expressive Arts and Learning) at Milpera State High School, which has been providing creative therapy since 2004.Thanks to the work of the Foundation the service now also exists in other schools where there is a need.

HEAL therapists work with young people who have endured traumatic experiences in their refugee journeys. The use of creative arts therapies including Arts Psychotherapy and Music Therapy has been shown to improve well being and settlement outcomes for these future young Australian citizens.

Songs of Hope and Healing featured an introduction by the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO and Botswana born community leader Sharon Orapeleng as MC.

The concert showcased special guest singer and songwriter, LIOR and classical pianist Shan Deng and featured performances from QPAC Choir, Aurora Guitar Ensemble, Christchurch Youth Choir, Queensland Conservatorium Brass Band, The Boxties, and Gallipoli Choir; the combined choirs from St Joseph's College Gregory, Terrace and All Hallows' School. It also featured Dr Wei Dang pipa (a Chinese four stringed lute) soloist and musicians from Queensland Youth Orchestra.

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