Entertainment
5 November, 2026
Dance program gets locals connected
A FREE community dance program is being launched in Mareeba this weekend with the aim of building social connection across the Tablelands.
The Hispanic Club of FNQ, together with dance4life FNQ and the Black Cockatoo Foundation, is launching Dancing Together – a program designed to reduce feelings of isolation, improve locals’ mental wellbeing and build meaningful connections within the community.
The new initiative will be launched over this weekend from Friday to Sunday, with free fortnightly dancing workshops then commencing from 16 January 2027 and running through to September.
“Dancing Together tackles one of the quietest problems in our community – social isolation,” dance4life FNQ founder Ulrike Nicholls said.
“One in three Queenslanders is affected by it. Behind that number are our neighbours, parents, retirees, newcomers and young adults spending another Friday night alone.
“Mental health isn’t a one-day event, it’s part of us every day, every week. That’s why the launch weekend is only the beginning.”
The launch will feature a range of free dance workshops and a social night featuring live music from local band Careless, with guests Mayor Angela Toppin and Dr Nathan Walmsley speaking on Friday night.
No partner or experience is required and everyone of all ages and abilities is welcome to attend.
“Whatever your age, culture or background, dancing meets you where you’re at and takes you from there,” Ulrike said.
“There’s no pressure to dance straight away. Come along, enjoy the free refreshments, hang out, have a chat, and see what it’s all about. We would love to see anyone and everyone there.”
Registrations for the event, being held at the Spanish Club Mareeba (38 Chewko Road), can be made via https://forms.gle/bMpDJ6RhYVXyQ7ZPA.
For more information, contact Ulrike on 0474 747 692, Emma Baker on 0400 794 868, or email spanishclubmareeba@gmail.com
WEEKEND PROGRAM
Friday (6 Nov)
Free dance workshop – 5.30pm-7.30pm
Mental health speeches – 7.45pm
Social dancing with Careless – 8pm-10pm
Saturday (7 Nov)
Free Bachata workshop – 1pm-3pm
Free Cuban Salsa workshop – 3.30pm-5.30pm
Sunday (8 Nov)
Free dance workshop – 11.30am
‘Thank you’ barbecue sponsored by the Black Cockatoo Foundation – 2.30pm
