Entertainment
19 July, 2025
Using music to calm people
REUBEN Dwyer is well regarded in the Douglas Shire for his inspiring work within the community and more recently has established himself as an accomplished musician.
Putting both these skills together Mr Dwyer is now running therapeutic and fun music sessions every Friday morning at Mossman Elders Justice Group in Mossman.
People are welcome to join Mr Dwyer to experience a range of music related activities including simply learning to play an instrument, plus using music to help calm and connect, with a more positive frame of mind.
His skills actually go beyond those already mentioned and have taken him on a journey since his arrival in the Douglas Shire.
“I moved to Port Douglas seven years ago as a chef from Victoria with my family,” Mr Dwyer said.
“I worked at various restaurants in town but during Covid, myself and some other chefs decided to try and get donations and cook home meals for people who were struggling.
“Through this, I met Christine at Elders Justice Group and this inspired me to get involved with community work.
“I then got a job with Goobidi Home Care and, having a love of music, I used this to help in counselling and building community engagement.”
Mr Dwyer eventually went to work at Elders Justice Group Mossman.
“I just loved working with the Aboriginal community and helping put together events and projects with help from (the) council that highlighted the incredible talent in Mossman and surrounding areas,” he said.
Last year Mr Dwyer and others within the group successfully acquired a grant to buy a bus, hire a grief counsellor and start up a music program to assist in learning an instrument, building confidence and skills, plus bringing people together to feel good about themselves through music.
“We will be doing a range of activities that can help people think more deeply about issues that affect them through the use of music,” he said.
“I feel very privileged to have met so many great and committed Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks all working towards a more equitable society and inclusive community.”
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