Our Mission
Aphasia Queensland Incorporated is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity that supports the Sing to Beat Aphasia Choir. We are now proudly supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Our mission is to:
1. create a space for people with aphasia to build friendships and community, thereby reducing depression and social isolation and improving quality of life;
2. support language and communication rehabilitation in people with aphasia;
3. empower people with aphasia to hold leadership and volunteer positions within our organisation; and
4. educate the greater community about aphasia and its impact.
Our History
The Sing To Beat Aphasia Choir is the brain child of it’s first president, Peter Stuart, who worked tirelessly for years to pull together all the people, expertise and (no small measure of) paperwork to make it happen. The choir had its first rehearsal on Tuesday 13 February 2018 and has been meeting on a weekly basis ever since.
There are a number individuals without whose expertise, efforts and enthusiasm the choir would not be what it is today and we would like to take the opportunity to publicly thank them.
Peter Stuart: Founder & President (2018 - 2020)
Lydia & Craig Brown: Founding Choir Director & Accompanist (2018 - 2021)
Dr J Yoon Irons: Researcher at the Griffith University Conservatorium of Music (2018)
Left to Right: Lydia Brown (Founding Choir Director), Peter Stuart (Founder & First President), & Dr J Yoon Irons (Researcher)
Britney Evans-Mackay (Choir Director)
Our Future
Over the years the choir has grown and we have welcomed many new faces and some of those have taken on leadership positions within the choir. Our current leadership team includes:
Britney Evans-Mackay: Choir Director (2021 - Current)
Gary Alechnowicz: President (2022 - Current)
Garry Bushell: Vice-President (2022 - Current)