Queensland Police Pipes and Drums (QPP&D) is usually known for bagpipes, kilts and rousing traditional tunes, but this May it will be known for something a little less expected - cowboy boots and country hits with a touch of rock for good measure.
The group is embarking on its largest regional tour since before the COVID-19 pandemic, travelling more than 2000km across the state to connect with and provide support to rural QPS families and the communities they serve.
Dubbed 'Beach to the Bush', the five-day tour will offer something a little different for the band and audiences alike, taking on a distinctly country feel as it spreads community safety messaging and good vibes along the way.
Beginning in Hervey Bay on May 14 at the PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club), the band will deliver their Rock-Yah program with local officers and at-risk youth, making participants rock stars for a day as they learn how play a rock song and engage in a jam session to showcase their new skills.
On May 15 the band will attend a community event at Hervey Bay's Urangan Pier, supporting local police in raising awareness about Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
They will conclude the day with a performance at the Hervey Bay Boat Club for a non-for-profit hospice care fundraiser.
The tour then heads inland to Biloela for the Callide Agricultural Show, where the band will not only perform for the crowds, they'll be using the opportunity to provide information on rural crime and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention.
They'll then wrap up in Mackay on May 18 at the Emergency Services Day community event.
Officer in Charge of Queensland Police Pipes and Drums, Acting Senior Sergeant Lisa Phillis-Petersen is the driving force behind the tour and a passionate advocate for connecting community and police through music.
She sees the Beach to Bush as an important opportunity to connect with some of our regional communities, bringing Pipes and Drums' unique style of community engagement to audiences who haven't experienced it before.
"Like many folks in Queensland, our rural communities have felt the effects of extreme weather events, COVID isolation and financial pressures," Acting Senior Sergeant Phillis-Petersen said.
"We offer an alternative way to provide support, especially for those who might feel alone. Our goal is to bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of connection because so many of our rural families feel isolated."
The band has been busy working on new material, a complete departure from their usual repertoire.
While they remain tight-lipped on the exact content of their performances, audiences can expect to hear a mix of rock and country songs, including some much-loved stadium anthems.
"I don't want to give away the surprise setlist, but I promise the music will be familiar and I am sure people will find themselves singing along," said Phillis-Petersen.
The band carried out more than 470 engagements last year and this year is shaping up to be even busier.
Community engagement, and dissolving barriers for people who may be hesitant to approach police in a more official setting is what motivates the band to maintain their busy schedule.
"I'm incredibly proud of this team. They're genuinely passionate about connecting with and supporting our community," said Phillis-Petersen.
"We're a diverse group of individuals, and that's definitely our strength. We seek to eliminate barriers to communication by pursuing an inclusive, people-centric approach to our messaging.
"While we will always be a traditional Pipes and Drums unit, this tour showcases the modern policing landscape, offering a safe and trusted alternative pathway for all ages, groups, and communities to meaningfully connect with QPS.
"Our team has the skills and knowledge to share crime prevention messages and has resources on hand to offer support, including information on reporting crime, domestic violence, mental health and personal safety.
"We will be strolling around the community events both before and after our performances, ready to lend an ear, engage in some genuine conversations, provide advice and be present when it counts.
"Sometimes it just takes one meaningful interaction with the right person to truly change someone's life."
Queensland Police Pipes and Drums tour schedule:
| May 14 | PCYC Hervey Bay – Youth and Police Function |
| May 15 | 11am Urangan Pier Hervey Bay - Community Event 4pm Hervey Bay Boat Club – Community Event and Hospice Fundraiser |
| May 16 | 12pm Callide Agricultural Show, Biloela - Community Event |
| May 18 | 10am Harrup Park, Mackay - Emergency Services Expo |
A career within the Queensland Police Service is like no other. From protecting, responding, and investigating, to supporting, rescuing and learning – the sheer variety of roles make it both a challenging and rewarding career.
As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. Now really is the best time to join.
Visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au to kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community.
