Safety Circus rolls into classrooms with laughter and lessons

29 October 2024
Group of performers posing in red shirts
2024 cast in Daniel Morcombe Foundation shirts

By Tiahna Fiddling

CQUniversity’s Safety Circus production is set to bring its impactful musical theatre performance Safety Circus back to the classrooms of Mackay primary schools from 28 October – 15 November.

The iconic show will continue to share essential safety skills to Year 2 students with engaging storytelling, fun, and unforgettable characters. 

This tour is made possible by a long-standing partnership between CQUniversity’s Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) and the Mackay Crime Prevention Unit of the Queensland Police Service, with funding from the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and the Friends of the Conservatorium Inc.

Performers in circus costumes with a police officer
Performers with Sergeant Nigel Dalton

The 2024 production features eight CQU Bachelor of Theatre students, directed by CQU graduate Hannah Herwin and CQCM Director Professor Judith Brown AM as producer.

“This production makes safety relatable for children, and our cast’s vibrant performances really connect with the young audience,” Prof Brown said. 

“Through an engaging storyline and memorable songs, Safety Circus teaches kids to recognise, react, and report unsafe situations – core principles of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s Child Safety Initiative.”

Safety Circus first premiered in 2013 and has since become an impactful, research-backed program in the Mackay region, reaching thousands of children.

 “We’re proud to support the community with an outreach program that’s fun, effective, and timely," Prof Brown said. 

"Safety Circus doesn’t just entertain – it equips children with safety skills they’ll use for life.”