Hinchinbrook Pupils Raise Their Voices

Josh Arnold at Macknade State School. Photo source: Josh Arnold

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Eleven Hinchinbrook schools have shared their stories through song, with award-winning Australian musician and songwriter Josh Arnold working alongside students and staff to create original songs and music videos that capture what makes each school special.

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The series has now wrapped up with eleven releases:

Busy Busy Busy Abergowrie – Abergowrie State School

Surrounded by sugar cane and mountains, Abergowrie State School provided a beautiful backdrop for the students to showcase what makes Abergowrie such a special place to grow up.

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The school described the project as a great reflection of what it is about, particularly its focus on outdoor learning and giving students the opportunity to learn and grow in a beautiful natural environment.

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Toobanna Yeah Yeah – Toobanna State School

Toobanna Yeah Yeah brought the school's big personalities and vibrant spirit to the screen.

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Encompassed by sugar cane and located near the Bruce Highway, Toobanna may be a small school, but the students brought plenty of energy to their performance.

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Everyday Super Heroes – Ingham State High School

Ingham State High School’s release focused on facing challenges, supporting one another and striving to become the best versions of yourself.  

The production put the students and their everyday achievements at the heart of the story, celebrating the strength and resilience they bring.

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A Rock Song for Trebonne – Trebonne State School

Trebonne State School brought the rock 'n' roll to the series with A Rock Song for Trebonne, giving students the chance to show exactly why they consider themselves little legends.  

The school said its students were “true rock stars in all that they do”, encouraging them to continue letting their personalities and passion shine through.

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Food of Life – Mutarnee State School

The fifth release took viewers into the rainforest setting of the small North Queensland school, where students are encouraged to learn and grow while being themselves.

The video captures the close connection between the school and its natural surroundings, highlighting the experience of growing up in a small regional community.

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Pick of the Crop – Mt Fox State School

Hidden away among the mountains, Mt Fox is a close-knit community where school is described as ‘one big family.’

The production celebrated the unique environment that surrounds the school, and the magic of small, remote communities.

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Feet in the Sand – Forrest Beach State School

With students growing up where the sugar cane meets the sea, Forrest Beach State School’s song captures a laid-back coastal lifestyle, celebrating the experience of having your feet in the sand, surrounded by trees and the ocean breeze.

Forrest Beach State School said they were proud of their students and thanked Arnold for helping bring their story to life.

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An Acknowledgement to Country - Ingham State School

The eighth release featured Ingham State School in an Acknowledgement to Country video celebrating the students' connection to culture and Country. The production showcases the landscape from the ocean to the ranges and Wallaman Falls.

For the students, it was an opportunity to express their pride in the Country where they learn and grow while sharing that connection with the wider community.

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Halifax Our Home – Halifax State School

Students from Halifax State School showcased the unique character of their community, from its close connection with the river and local fishing lifestyle to its strong sense of community spirit.

The school said the experience allowed students to develop confidence, teamwork and creative expression, while creating a lasting record of their voices and the stories of their community.

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We Are Macknade – Macknade State School

Situated near the cane trains, the school provided the perfect setting for a production full of energy and personality, with students showing off the vibrant character of their small school.

The video captures the fun and enthusiasm of Macknade's students while celebrating the community they are proud to call home.

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VICTORY – Victoria Plantation State School

The final production featured a school and community that have faced their challenges, including major flooding, and come through the other side stronger than ever.

Victoria Plantation State School thanked Arnold for his talent, creativity and patience throughout the project, saying the experience was wonderful and that the “vibe” of the school had been captured in the music video.

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The completed Hinchinbrook State School Series is now available through Josh Arnold's Facebook page.

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