A new initiative supporting Queensland women recovering from homelessness and domestic violence is rebuilding lives through music-making and songwriting.
Over 12 months, Griffith University’s Creative Transitions supported women transitioning out of homelessness following experiences of domestic and family violence (DFV) with 32 women and 20 children across four sites taking part in group songwriting, singing, drumming, guitar and ukelele-playing and listening as part of a series of co-designed music sessions.
Tangible creative outputs were generated, including three original songs released on streaming platforms.
Project Leader, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s Professor Brydie-Leigh Bartleet, a member of the Creative Arts Research Institute, said the program responded to a critical gap in services and demonstrated how strengths-based, trauma-informed music-making could play a vital role in supporting recovery, reconnection, and long-term social and emotional wellbeing.
“Women transitioning out of homelessness are often navigating trauma, isolation, financial insecurity, and immense pressure to rebuild their lives all at once,” Professor Bartleet said.
“What they need most is not only housing, but the support, community, and opportunities that help them reconnect with who they are, raise their voice, and imagine a future beyond crisis.
“That’s where lasting change begins.”
Lead music facilitator, Sarah Dunston, a trauma-informed registered music therapist who delivered the sessions across all four Brisbane locations, said creative expression was a powerful pathway to wellbeing, resilience, and agency.
“Research shows music-making can bring huge benefits to mental health, particularly for people who are suffering from the effects of trauma,” said Ms Dunston.
“We would start sessions with a rhythmic exercise, humming or drumming, which regulates the brain stem and calms the body.
“Once a sense of safety and trust has been established, it’s possible to work on other creative activities to help the women express themselves and reclaim autonomy.”
Kateryna escaped war-torn Ukraine and joined her partner in Australia, however, the relationship became unsafe and she found herself at Peggy’s Place, a Brisbane-based refuge and transitional accommodation service for women and children escaping DFV.
“Creative Transitions became the first safe space I had experienced in a long time,” Kateryna said.
“Outside the sessions, any emotional tension immediately brought me back into pain, but in the creative space of the group my body responded differently — softer, calmer, with the ability to return to balance.
“The program helped me stabilise my emotions, reconnect with myself, and feel supported.”
The findings provided compelling evidence that creative, trauma-informed approaches were not an optional extra, but a vital part of recovery, helping women reconnect with themselves and others, rebuild confidence, and create pathways towards long-term stability and wellbeing.
“What our research makes clear is that during this fragile period of transition, feeling seen, valued, connected, and hopeful can make all the difference in helping women and their children rebuild their lives,” Professor Bartleet said.
Creative Transitions was led by the team at Griffith University in partnership with Queensland Women and Girls’ Health Promotion Program and delivery partners Peggy’s Place, The Lady Musgrave Trust, and YFS.
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