A Playlist of Memories
Celebrating the transformative power of music, everyday Queenslanders living in aged care homes are given the chance to share the story behind their special song, giving us a glimpse into the lives they have lived in their own words. Warm your heart with these special stories and share in the surprise as some of Australia’s best artists give the gift of song to our aged care residents.
Featuring Music Artists
Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont — Emma Birdsall — Harrison Craig — Isaiah Firebrace — Jess & Matt — Kate Miller-Heidke — Katie Noonan — Rai Thistlethwayte
Doris’ Danny Boy featuring Emma Birdsall
It’s a love story that will melt your heart. When Doris’ newly engaged fiancé, Leslie, goes off to war, they vow to write letters to one another until they meet again. Despite the long distance, they’re never far apart. The couple are reunited through their words and, when they meet again, there is one special song that brings back memories of their love. Join us as a surprise actor, singer and songwriter performs a beautiful rendition of Doris’s favourite song in this heartwarming episode.
Location: Meilene Residential Aged Care, Bundaberg
Gavin’s Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built For Two) featuring Jess & Matt
In this heartwarming episode, sheet metal worker turned actor turned performer, Gavin, shares the joy that music gives him. Even in the most tragic of circumstances, Gavin is able to find hope, solace and joy in music, using it as a way to celebrate and remember those he has lost. Share in the gift of music as a pair of fellow music lovers and The X Factor finalists perform a special song just for Gavin.
Location: St John’s Residential Aged Care, Toowong, Brisbane
Bob’s Wonderland By Night featuring Kate Miller-Heidke
Bob has travelled Australia, but it was in Wollongong almost 60 years ago that he heard the song that would quickly become his favourite, in a cafe surrounded by friends. As you get older and lose touch with friends, it’s special musical memories like Bob’s that keep you connected to your past. Head back to that cafe in 1961 with Bob as he hears an incredible performance from a surprise award-winning folk, pop, soprano superstar.
Location: Kirami Residential Aged Care, Hervey Bay
Betty Jean’s Wand’rin’ Star featuring Isaiah Firebrace
Music has bookended key moments in Betty Jean’s life, with the power of song evoking strong memories of the love of her life. Betty Jean heads back down memory lane with a special song in memory of her late husband, performed by a very special star of Eurovision and The X Factor.
Location: Symes Grove Residential Aged Care, Taigum, Brisbane
John’s Pretty Woman featuring Rai Thistlethwayte
Roy Orbison fan and aspiring singer John, 71, is surprised with a special guest performance of his favourite song. John had his dreams realised and shot to worldwide fame when he got to perform as Elvis for his friends at St Martin’s. Can we top that dream with a special surprise performance of ‘Pretty Woman’ from an ARIA winning rock star?
Location: St Martin’s Residential Aged Care, Taigum, Brisbane
Paul’s Who Can I Turn To? featuring Katie Noonan
Julie Anthony, Barry Crocker, John Farnham and Tina Turner. Is there anyone Paul, known as ‘Fluffy’, hasn’t played music with? Music industry legend and recent cancer survivor, Fluffy, recalls the song that reminds him of his first love. Get your tissues ready for a stunning performance of Paul’s special song by an ARIA winning, soprano superstar and mainstay of the Australian music industry.
Location: Abri Residential Aged Care, Southport, Gold Coast
Bill’s If I Should Fall In Love Again featuring Harrison Craig
It’s the stuff movies are made of: an organ player from Ayr in outback Queensland reunites with a long lost love in his twilight years. Bill started playing music at 64 and is still trying to learn the piece he wanted to play for his long lost love Nancy. Hear Bill’s story and watch as he gets a surprise performance of this special song by a show-stopping The Voice Australia winner.
Location: E.M. Tooth Residential Aged Care, Manly, Brisbane
Peter & Barbara’s As Time Goes By featuring Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont
Sometimes you meet that special someone and everything just falls into place. That’s what happened to sweethearts Peter and Barbara, who have been married for 71 years and are still head over heels. There is one song that has been a constant through happy times together and with family. From one couple to another, share in this beautiful surprise rendition of their treasured song, ‘As Time Goes By’, by an Australian country music husband and wife duo.
Location: Symes Thorp Residential Aged Care, Toowoomba
Katie Noonan visits Abri & Fluffy (SPECIAL EDITION)
By Request: A Playlist of Memories went viral this year for all the right reasons. One of our musically talented residents, Paul aka “Fluffy”, was particularly moved by the song performed for him by four-time ARIA award winner Katie Noonan.
Upon hearing that Paul was a legendary drummer in his own right, Katie proposed that they get together for a performance. In front of a crowd of 20 eager residents at Abri Residential Aged Care Home on the Gold Coast and live-streamed on Facebook, Katie and her band were joined by Paul on the drums.
Location: Abri Residential Aged Care, Gold Coast